Since news of Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi’s battle with cancer went public, the band has said very little, other than to encourage fans to send Iommi “good vibes” to help him through the process.
On Wednesday, Ozzy Osbourne launched his new SiruisXM channel, Ozzy’s Boneyard, a new classic hard rock and metal music channel (read more about it here).
For the occasion, Ozzy spoke about Iommi’s situation.
"He needs more and more support, man," said Ozzy. "He doesn't have a brother, he doesn't have a sister — it's just him and his wife and the members of Black Sabbath. So any encouragement, any support [is appreciated]. He's gonna beat it. What it's down to is determination and believe me, this guy's got more determination than anybody I've ever met. It's gonna be fine. It's just one of those trials in life that happen.”
“When the bombshell [hit] about Tony's cancer problem, I came to England [where Tony's doctors were treating him],” continued Ozzy. “It would've been pretty bad if I would've stayed in L.A. When [producer] Rick Rubin found out [about Tony's cancer diagnosis], he said, 'I will accommodate wherever they are.' Which was very cool of him, actually. . . He's gonna beat it. He's got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it's unbelievable. It's one of them problems you have in life. . . He ain't gonna die, I'm telling you. I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."
Black Sabbath Black Sabbath – Never Say Die
Never Say Die DVD
Hammersmith Odeon – London, UK – June 10, 1978
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