Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi diagnosed with cancer

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      Bad news for fans of Black Sabbath and its legendary guitarist, Tony Iommi. The following message was posted on the 63-year-old riffmaster's website today:

      "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."

      In November the original members of Black Sabbath--Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward--announced that they were reuniting for their first studio album since 1978, as well as for a massive world tour.

      The reformation came in the wake of the death of Ronnie James Dio, who had replaced Osbourne in Black Sabbath in '79 and had been performing with Iommi in the group Heaven & Hell, which was basically Black Sabbath performing under a different name for legal reasons. Dio passed away from stomach cancer in May of 2010 at the age of 67.

      We here at Ear of Newt send our best wishes to Iommi as he gears up to battle cancer, and hope it isn't long before's he's back up on stage, cranking out those stellar riffs he's famous for.

      You can follow Steve Newton on Twitter at twitter.com/earofnewt.

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