Coachella - Coachella 2012: Black Sabbath Withdraw After Iommi's Diagnosis

Though there hasn't been an official quote from the band itself, multiple sources have reportedly told the website Billboard.com that they were forced to cancel at the 11th hour following the news of their guitarist's ill health. It's unsure who of the three eventually announced headliners Radiohead, Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg and The Black Keys were called in as the last-minute replacements. News of Iommi's cancer has put a dampener on the excitement that had greeted the announcement last November that Black Sabbath had reformed and were working on their first album in 33 years with producer Rick Rubin. Of course all of that pales into insignificance compared to the health of the 63 year-old who is currently assessing the best course of treatment with his doctors.

Though the album itself is still due to come out on Vertigo/Universal as planned, it's unclear whether other live dates already announced, including a headlining at the UK's premier metal festival Download will be affected. The main concern at this point is, of course, Iommi's physical well-being.