Geezer Butler, founding member and bassist of seminal metal band Black Sabbath has indicated that their current tour may be the bands last.
The band, often credited as the first heavy metal act, announced in 2011 that they would reunite with their original line-up for a new album and tour, although drummer Bill Ward eventually pulled out over a contract dispute. Their nineteenth studio album, ‘13’ was released in June, their first album of new material since 1995, and their first with singer Ozzy Osbourne since 1978’s, ‘Never Say Die!’. Subsequently, the band have embarked upon a world tour, to conclude in the UK in December.
However, Butler has indicated that the ‘reunion’ tour may also be a farewell. Talking to the Chicago Sun-Times, the 64 year old musician stated that his age was catching up to him, and he was beginning to feel as though he was ‘coming to the end of the top of my job.’
The health of lead guitarist, and Black Sabbath’s sole constant member Tony Iommi may also put a time limit on the bands longevity. Diagnosed with lymphoma last year, Iommi continues to dedicate himself to the band, but admitted his treatments may make further recording and touring difficult.
Black Sabbath will play the following UK dates this December:
- 10 December 2013 London -O2 Arena
- 12 December 2013 Belfast -Odyssey Arena
- 14 December 2013 Sheffield – Motorpoint Arena
- 16 December 2013 Glasgow – The Hydro
- 18 December 2013 Manchester – Manchester Arena
- 20 December 2013 Birmingham – LG Arena
- 22 December 2013 Birmingham – National Indoor Arena http://www.thenia.co.uk/
