BLACK SABBATH – Sharon Osbourne Says The Band Has Written 15 New Songs, Door Is Open To Bill Ward

Sharon Osbourne recently spoke to VH1 Radio Network about the sorry fact that BLACK SABBATH will play just one single date in the U.S. with Tony Iommi, who is seeking treatment for lymphoma in the UK and will not be touring extensively. Ozzy and friends will now be in the spot of Sabbath on a slew of dates.

“They’re gonna be doing one show in America this summer but I can’t say yet because we can’t announce it, the promoters have to, but they are doing one show in August here together,” said Osbourne.

As for the controversy with drummer Bill Ward who has–so far–declined to participate in at least some of the recording sessions as well as the live dates, Sharon sounded conciliatory. “It’s up to Bill. The door is open for him to join us, so it’s up to him.”

Recording sessions are humming along Ozzy’s wife and manager admits: “Gosh, they must’ve written 15 new songs already and it’s going great”) and in the meantime, Ozzy’s team are scrambling to put his Ozzy & Friends group together. Longtime friends Slash and Zakk Wylde will take turns filling in for Tony. Stay tuned for more details.

BLACK SABBATH 2012:
Jun. 10 – Donnington, UK @ Download Festival

OZZY & FRIENDS
May 23 – Helsinki, Finland – Hartwall Arena
May 25 – Stockholm, Sweden – Stadium
May 27 – Jelling, Denmark – Jelling Festival
May 29 – Bergen, Norway – Bergen Calling Festival
May 31 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum
Jun. 02 – Malmo, Sweden – Malmo Stadium
Jun. 04 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle
Jun. 06 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
Jun. 15 – Vitoria, Spain – Azkena Rock Festival
Jun. 17 – Clisson, France – Hellfest
Jun. 22 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun. 24 – Milan, Italy – Gods of Metal Festival
Jun. 26 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
Jun. 28 – Belgrade, Serbia – USCE Park
Jul. 01 – Athens, Greece – Rockwave Festival – Terra

Source: epiphone.com