Heavy metal band Black Sabbath announced Friday they are to reform in their original line-up for a new album and world tour next year. The British group, fronted by Ozzy Osbourne, last recorded an album of original material in 1978.
They revealed at a press conference in Los Angeles
that they will kick off their reunion with a headline set at England's Download Festival next June and then embark on a world tour.
Guitarist Tommy Iommi, bass player Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and Osbourne first got together in 1969.
Iommi was quoted on the band's official Twitter page, saying, "It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic."
Osbourne was the lead singer until 1979, when he was fired from the group. Former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio replaced him until 1982.
Osbourne then rejoined in 1997, when Black Sabbath took part in his Ozzfest festival tour.
He left the group in 2006, but they carried on performing with Dio under the name Heaven & Hell.
The band have made more than 18 albums since their inception, selling more than 70 million copies.
Some of their tracks include "Paranoid," "War Pigs" and "Iron Man."
Andy Copping, of Download Festival organizers Live Nation, said, "The reunion of the original line-up of Black Sabbath has been one of the most talked-about stories of the year.
"I am thrilled that the band will return to Donington Park next year to help us mark 10 years of the Download Festival."
They revealed at a press conference in Los Angeles
that they will kick off their reunion with a headline set at England's Download Festival next June and then embark on a world tour.Guitarist Tommy Iommi, bass player Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and Osbourne first got together in 1969.
Iommi was quoted on the band's official Twitter page, saying, "It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic."
Osbourne was the lead singer until 1979, when he was fired from the group. Former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio replaced him until 1982.
Osbourne then rejoined in 1997, when Black Sabbath took part in his Ozzfest festival tour.
He left the group in 2006, but they carried on performing with Dio under the name Heaven & Hell.
The band have made more than 18 albums since their inception, selling more than 70 million copies.
Some of their tracks include "Paranoid," "War Pigs" and "Iron Man."
Andy Copping, of Download Festival organizers Live Nation, said, "The reunion of the original line-up of Black Sabbath has been one of the most talked-about stories of the year.
"I am thrilled that the band will return to Donington Park next year to help us mark 10 years of the Download Festival."
