At a press conference on Friday November 11, Black Sabbath announced the reunion of the original line-up, and headline slot at Download 2012.
This means the classic Sabs line-up will get back together on stage next summer thats Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
The surprise news was that the reunion will include a new album, produced by Rick Rubin, due for release next autumn on the Vertigo label. Recording will start in January.
The announcement took place in Los Angeles at the famed Whisky A Go Go club on the Sunset Strip.
Host Henry Rollins talked about the impact the Sabs had on his life.
I was a very alienated young person, Rollins said, and when I heard Black Sabbath I realised my life had a soundtrack. I realised there were people out there using music to make great statements. When I heard Iron Man, high school became powerless over me. This is true outsider music.
Rollins hosted a Q&A before the band answered questions from the press.
Asked about the re-formation, Ozzy Osbourne simply said: Its just time.
Tony Iommi added: Its now or never. We get along great. Everythings really good.
The band also credited Rubin for helping get them back in the studio.
He kept phoning us every five minutes, Tony Iommi revealed.
Geezer Butler added: We plan to get back to the old Sabbath style and sound.
Download takes place June 8-10, 2012. Sabbath will be headlining on the last night.
The reunited quartet will also embark on a full world tour.
Watch footage of the press conference here.
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