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In the wake of Tony Iommi’s lymphoma diagnosis and subsequent treatment, Black Sabbath (well, Sabbath minus Bill Ward) have been forced to cancel almost all of their 2012 summer reunion tour.

In a post on their Facebook page, the band declared that all dates except for their headlining spot at the Download Festival have been removed from the itinerary.

Rather than cancel everything, though, Ozzy Osbourne will apparently play most of the canceled Sabbath dates himself.

Ozzy Osbourne will now perform the majority of the previously scheduled BLACK SABBATH dates (both festival performances and the headlining shows) billed as OZZY & FRIENDS.  These “first ever” OZZY & FRIENDS shows will feature appearances by “special guest” musicians including GEEZER BUTLER (who will join Ozzy for a special BLACK SABBATH set as a show of respect and support to their friend, Tony Iommi) and longtime former OZZY band member Zakk Wylde.  In addition, OZZY will be accompanied by longtime collaborator and friend Slash at select shows, with other “special guests” set to join the tour at various stops along the way.

Ozzy & Friends Tour Dates 2012:

5/23 Helsinki, Finland Hartwall Arena
5/25 Stockholm, Sweden Stadium
5/27 Jelling, Denmark Jelling Festival
5/29 Bergen, Norway Bergen Calling Festival
5/31 Oslo, Norway Spektrum
6/2 Malmo, Sweden Malmo Stadium
6/4 Dortmund, Germany Westfalenhalle
6/6 Prague, Czech Rep O2 Arena
6/15 Vitoria, Spain Azkena Rock Festival
6/17 Clisson, France Hellfest
6/22 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 Milan, Italy Gods of Metal Festival
6/26 Vienna, Austria Stadthalle
6/28 Belgrade, Serbia USCE Park
7/1 Athens, Greece Rockwave Festival