Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Fights Lymphoma

2012 is shaping up to be a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Black Sabbath fans — just weeks after announcing that the band’s original lineup would reform for a world tour and new album this year, Sabbath has released the sad news that guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with lymphoma.

Fortunately, it sounds like Iommi’s doctors caught his cancer in its early stages; according to the band’s statement, he’s currently talking to his doctors about possible treatment plans, and the band is heading to the UK to join him and continue recording its reunion album with producer Rick Rubin. Sabbath describes its legendary axeman as “upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.”