Read last night where Black Sabbath is supposed to announce 2013 tour dates for Australia. It’s been awhile since Sabbath has been there. A quick check of the official sites doesn’t show anything, but the news comes from Live Nation, the promoter down there, so it’s likely happening. Still, having said that, remember that I don’t consider something “official” until the band itself actually announces it (in other words, linking to a Blabbermouth news story, and claiming it’s confirmed does NOT mean it’s confirmed. Only the band can do that). Having said all that, here’s what appears likely to happen…
OK, it’s official now. The Official Black Sabbath website has a story about it, and it was posted on the official Facebook & twitter feeds, too. I took away the question mark on my story. :)
- Apr 25 – Brisbane, “Entertainment Centre”
- Apr 27 – Sydney, “All Phones Arena”
- May 1 – Melbourne, “Rod Laver Arena”
- May 4 – Perth, “Perth Arena”
Tickets go on sale 12PM on Thursday November 8th, through the Australian Live Nation website.
The promotional video shown below is interesting in that it mentions only Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, & Ozzy Osbourne. NOT Bill Ward, and not Tommy Clufetos, either. This tells me they haven’t made any progress in resolving the Bill Ward situation. Which is still a shame – Bill should be there, but as I’ve also said, Bill’s not being there won’t stop me from checking out the new album when it comes out. I suspect it will be Tommy Clufetos again, but they’re leaving the drummer situation vague.
Again, this hasn’t yet “officially” been announced, when it is, I’ll update with the text (and press release), but given how much Live Nation has said about it, it’s likely happening.
Found an interview the other day with a bit of information on the recording: http://www.metalinjection.net/exclusive-2/exclusive-black-sabbath-in-the-recording-studio-15-new-songs-written
A couple things of note I think: Ozzy looks much trimmer than the recent shows, which is usually a very good sign that he’s in form, and also Ozzy and Geezer are apparently recording together, to tracks Iommi has alread recorded. I am hoping that means Geezer will have a hand in the lyrics too. His intelligent lyrics were a huge part of what made Sabbath’s songs a cut way above your average metal cliche material. Like most of us, I really wish Bill was part of it, but they have their reasons, and I suspect the sheer physicality (at age 60+) of playing drums up to level that he himself set, may simply not be possible. Regardless of the reasons, I think people should respect their decisons, and the fact that none of us actually know exactly what was discussed between them. These things always make great news and people react without knowing anything for fact.
“hand in the lyrics”? Geezer is writing ’em all.
Just for the record 60 year old drummers can do just fine just like anyone else as long as they are in good shape….geez, it is not about being able, it is about equal billing and pay legalese. Unless you are sitting in wards living room every day stop.making assumptions about being 60+ and banging on some skins.
Getting my tickets – hope they do sort it out with Bill.
I’m pretty sure the reason they don’t mention the drummer is because Tommy isn’t in Black Sabbath.
He’s the drummer for Black Sabbath, but that’s different.
Just like how the Rolling Stones haven’t had a new Rolling Stone since Bill Wyman was replaced – only a touring bassist – and there’s only two people in The Who at this point.
The ’97 reunion tour focussed on the 3 originals that were on the tour too. This is the same deal. I don’t think its any kind of “they’re hoping to resolve the issues with Bill by then” thing.
Aside from its promotional value it gives the band to cut Tommy out of the partnership and lets them drop him if they ever want to without trouble.
long live black sabbath!!! i hope there coming to pittsburgh on tour! love you guys . rodney.
Massive chubby all round here in Australia. The whole nation linked hands, hatred was forgotten and love shared. Life is good cause Sabbath is coming.
They should do a couple gigs at each venue and really rock it down under!
Where’s the bloody Adelaide show???!!!!???
Stop your bellyaching….no-one of that status ever comes to Hobart! ;-)
Adelaide is in between Perth and Melbourne!! WTF?! Book the show, we will come!
Sorry all, it’s not Black Sabbath, period.
Why not come to NZ while downunder?
The four original members had an opportunity to set things right for the Black Sabbath history books. Unfortunately without Bill Ward, it will just be another sad chapter of this once proud band.
How come the Ticketek website is listing the Brisbane and Perth shows as ‘no longer on sale’? Sydney and melbourne are listed as on sale soon – 8 november. is Brisbane cancelled or is someone else selling the tix I wonder?
OK, it was just website error. For a minute there…
Adelaide is the biggest metal state in Australia BUT Sabbath arent coming here, WHY ??????
GUYS, PLEASE RESOLVE THE ISSUE (S) WITH BILL. IT’S ALL I AND ALL WE ASK. WE CAN’T SEE IT ANY OTHER WAY BUT THE ORIGINAL 4. THANK YOU!
The ticket sales went nuts today or the Austrailan dates. They are virtually sold out! They will have to announce extra shows.
Does Ozzy still do back to back shows these days?
And Barry… Adelaide is not the biggest Metal state of Australia. Melbourne is by far.
Adelaide is the smallest Metal state… that’s why a lot of bands bypass there…
The ‘no longer on sale’ message was for pre sale, thankfully not there for long.I Have tickets for Brisbane, it’s 5 + years since Heaven & Hell were here. That was surreal & mind blowing to say the least! Bring it on!
I love Sabbath and Im glad Tony is ok to tour! Hope they come to USA soon!
The new album will be a monster for sure Im so happy all the giants like KISS Aerosmith and Sabbath are back in action.
When are you coming to So. California?? Very big fan!! Especially my Husband! We love you Sabbath! To have you all together again is a dream come true!
OZZY AND THE BLACK SABBATH GROUP, WHY CANT YOU DO A FULL SABBATH TRIBUTE TO YOUR
UK FANS, AND TOUR THE FULL UK….. IME FROM THE NORTH EAST OF NEWCASTLE, AND WE HAVE
A ARENA CALLED THE METRO ARENA IN WHICH IT IS BIG ENOUGH PLACE….
CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE IT SOME CONSIDERATION AS YOU DO HAVE FANS IN….THE NEWCASTLE AREA.
PS ….. OZZY DID YOU GET YOUR GET WELL CARD,FROM NEWCASTLE, WITH THE BULL DOG ON THE FRONT WHEN
YOU HAD YOUR ACCIDENT ON YOUR QUAD BIKE….