Black Sabbath reunion, album and tour.

[Rick]

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/black-sa ... ce-reunion

Black Sabbath‘s original lineup has officially announced that they will reunite in 2012, kicking off a world tour by headlining the Download Festival in England on June 10. That will be followed by more concerts and the fall release of the band’s first album together in 33 years.

All four members — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler — scheduled a special in-person announcement at Los Angeles’ Whiskey-a-Go-Go to start at exactly 11:11:11 today, 11/11/11 — in other words, the most metal moment of the century (well, one of two if you count tonight), but for those not lucky enough to be in attendance they also posted a special YouTube announcement, trumpeting the band’s many incredible feats and achievements over the years via on-screen text as various Sabbath songs played underneath.

Finally, the big announcement, as pictured above, came through: “2012: Black Sabbath Reunites.” The video goes on to say that the band’s new album will be produced by none other than bearded guru to the stars Rick Rubin. Consequence of Sound reports that the as-yet untitled album will be released in the fall of 2012 via Vertigo / Universal Republic.

This announcement ends a barrage of speculation, hints and general excited buzzing that began way back in August when a Birmingham Mail reporter first broke the story. If you need a quick reminder about why this is such awesome news, please refer to our list of the 10 Best Black Sabbath Songs.

[Don]

If Van Halen would have got their shit together and played Download also, the festival could have drawn one of the biggest crowds that place has ever saw.

[DrFU]

If Van Halen would have got their shit together and played Download also, the festival could have drawn one of the biggest crowds that place has ever saw.

So far Sabbath and Metallica announced; one more headliner to go.

[Don]

If Van Halen would have got their shit together and played Download also, the festival could have drawn one of the biggest crowds that place has ever saw.

So far Sabbath and Metallica announced; one more headliner to go.

I see, VH still has a chance to fill that Friday night slot.

[jestor92]

Exciting. I'm more of a Dio Sabbath fan, but any kind of Sabbath is good Sabbath as long as Iommi is riffing

[SilvioRodrigues]

If Van Halen would have got their shit together and played Download also, the festival could have drawn one of the biggest crowds that place has ever saw.

So far Sabbath and Metallica announced; one more headliner to go.

I think I will start to plan my second visit to London...

[AR]

Exciting. I'm more of a Dio Sabbath fan, but any kind of Sabbath is good Sabbath as long as Iommi is riffing

Exactly the way I feel about it.

[Archetype]

Iron Maiden should be the other headliner. No bad blood between the Sabbath and Maiden camps, right?

[AR]

Iron Maiden should be the other headliner. No bad blood between the Sabbath and Maiden camps, right?

Maiden and Heaven and He'll were supposed to do some shows together but they were cancelled when Ronnie's illness took a turn for the worst.

[tater1977]

Win a Black Sabbath Vinyl Collection

by: Matthew Wilkening

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/win-a-bl ... ollection/

You could win a Black Sabbath vinyl collection courtesy of Rhino, Loudwire and Ultimate Classic Rock! One lucky winner will receive ‘Vol. 4,’ ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ and ‘Sabotage’ on brand new 180 gram vinyl.

This contest is perfectly timed for a couple of reasons. First off, because we’re launching it on 11/11/11, “National Metal Day,” but more importantly because today was also the day Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a brand new studio album and world tour in 2012.

So, you’re gonna need to get up to speed on their back catalog. (May we direct you once again to ‘Megalomania,’ our current favorite off ‘Sabotage?’) These three albums — from 1972, 1973 and 1975 respectively — found the band expanding the primal fury found on their first three records to include ever more diverse and complicated material, without losing any of their original power or appeal.

To win, simply enter your e-mail in the sign-up form below. No evil satanic rituals required; everyone with half a brain knows Sabbath was never really about any of that stuff, right?


Black Sabbath Vinyl Collection Giveaway
Enter your e-mail address for a chance to win Black Sabbath's 'Vol. 4,' 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' and 'Sabotage' on 180 gram vinyl, courtesy of Rhino, Loudwire and Ultimate Classic Rock. Contest ends Dec. 8, 2011. Click here for official rules.

[jestor92]

I must say that I'm a bit disappointed that the Sabbath reunion with Ozzy and the announcement that they're recording a new album with Rick Rubin producing didn't even make the main page.