Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi has cancer

Tony Iommi, guitarist of heavy metal legends Black Sabbath has been diagnosed with cancer.

The legendary axeman, who is 63 has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system).

The band have released a statement on their official Facebook page (here) which says:

"With the news that Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time. Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan--the 'IRON MAN' of Rock & Roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

This comes as Black Sabbath--Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums)--are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the UK to continue to work with Tony. Further information will be released as it becomes available."

The original line-up of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, have been announced as headliners of the 10th Anniversary of Download at Donington Park over the weekend of Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June 2012. They'll play on Sunday 10th June as Sabbath's only UK festival appearance next year.

The band have not said if Iommi's condition affects their planned world tour as yet.

The only other confirmed acts are The Prodigy who headline Friday with their only UK festival show next year, and Metallica who play their fifth studio album - the untitled 'Black Album' in it's entirety on Saturday night.

Weekend ticket prices for Download 2012 will remain the same as the prices for Download 2011 until midday Monday 30th January 2012 when all ticket types will go off sale. All tickets will go back on sale at 5pm Monday 30th January 2012 with Weekend tickets increased to 2012 prices.

Early bird weekend arena tickets with 3 nights camping are priced at £170, a five nights camping weekend ticket are priced at £180 and offers access to the Download camp site from midday Wednesday, and a weekend only ticket without camping is priced at £145. Lockers are priced at £12.50, car parking £15 in advance (motorbikes are free), campervan supplements are priced at £60, and VIP packages are also available. Day tickets will be available at a later date.

NB: Kids aged 12 or under will be eligible for concession rate tickets for Download 2011. These can be purchased on the day from the on-site Box Office and availability of these will be unlimited. A kids weekend arena ticket will be priced at £75, with a kids' 5 night camping ticket an additional £15 or for 3 nights £10.

To buy tickets from Seetickets, click here.

To buy tickets from Ticketline, click here.

To buy tickets from Gigantic, click here.

To buy tickets from Ticketmaster, click here.

eFestivals wishes Tony Iommi a speedy recovery.

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