Photo: Peter Coates

Tony Iommi Explains Why Sabbath’s Farewell Tour Will “Very Definitely” Be Their Last Ever

For any Black Sabbath fans out there hoping the metal legends might chuck a Farnesy following the announcement of their final ever tour (i.e. do another 10 or so more down the track), allow Tony Iommi to take a giant, steaming deuce upon your dreams.

In a new interview with the Birmingham Mail, the riff lord has made it very clear that he, to quote the great Danny Glover, is too old for this shit.

“I can’t actually do this anymore. My body won’t take it much more,” the guitarist explains. “All the traveling involved in Sabbath tours increasingly takes its toll. That’s why we’re going out on one last tour, to say our farewells. And then it very definitely is the end. We won’t be doing it again.”

“We’ve been doing this for getting on for 50 years now. It’s about time we draw the line, don’t you think?” he continues. “It’s been great but it’s time to stop now. Don’t get me wrong, I still love gigging. It’s all the traveling and the exhaustion that goes with it that’s the problem. That side of things has a big impact on me.”

Iommi has been battling lymphoma since 2012 and, despite being in remission, says it’s just another reason why touring is a massive struggle these days.

“We may fly in luxury, stay in the very best hotels, ride in the most comfortable limos but there’s still a physical cost to touring,” he says. “Even when we build in rest breaks – I have to have blood tests every six weeks – I find it tough going.”

As for the new Black Sabbath album that we’ve all been promised, Iommi says there are no definite plans as of yet.

“I’ve been busy writing songs ever since the 13 sessions,” he reveals, referring to the band’s 2013 LP. “At that point we thought there might be another Sabbath album. But that’s up in the air now so I don’t know when or where they might appear. The tracks are ready, though.”

Black Sabbath recently announced the Australian leg of their upcoming farewell tour, which is set to take place in April of 2016.

No word on whether the full original lineup will be coming Down Under, with drummer Bill Ward still estranged from the band in the wake of his strange old man feud with Ozzy Osbourne.

Iommi had this to say about the likelihood of a Ward reunion though: “That depends on Bill. We met up again six weeks ago and we got on great – but it’s down to Bill. Our plans as they stand are to tour with Ozzy, Geezer Butler, myself and Ozzy’s drummer Tommy Clufetos, who did so well on the last tour.”

If you take Iommi’s word for it, it’ll most definitely be Aussie fans’ last chance to catch the heavy metal godfathers live in concert.

Check out their full list of Aussie tour dates, below.

Watch: Black Sabbath: The End Tour Announcement

https://youtu.be/FYCvRV5ME3w

Black Sabbath The End Australia/New Zealand Tour Dates 2016

Friday, 15th April

Perth Arena, Perth

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Sunday, 17th April

Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Tuesday, 19th April

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Saturday, 23rd April

Allphones Arena, Sydney

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Monday, 25th April

Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Thursday, 28th April

Vector Arena, Auckland

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Saturday, 30th April

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Tickets: Black Sabbath

Gallery: Black Sabbath – Allphones Arena, Sydney 27/04/13 / Photos: Peter Coates

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