Black Sabbath Reunite, Plan First LP With Ozzy in 33 Years by Chris Epting 11/11/11, also being called "Nigel Tufnel Day" in honor of the Spinal Tap guitarist's special "goes to 11" amp, will also be remembered as the day the original four members of Black Sabbath -- Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward -- announced they are reuniting with plans for a new album and tour in 2012.
The announcement was made as the four musicians (joined by producer Rick Rubin, who will work on the band's new album) gathered at the site of their very first U.S. show, L.A.'s famed Whisky a Go-Go on the Sunset STrip. That gig was played 41 years ago to the day on 11/11/70, so that's where the men convened at 11:11AM, along with emcee, musician and spoken-word artist Henry Rollins. Walking out on the intimate stage to a loud round of applause from the assembled press (after a short, thoughtful intro by Rollins and a video featuring vintage Sabbath footage), the four metal icons from Birmingham, England took questions first from Rollins then from the media. (And both Rollins and the band all acknowledged the importance of Veteran's Day, as well.) Ozzy described how this simply seemed like the right thing to do, given the fact that the band members are in touch (and still happen to like each other). All four seemed confident that the new material they are working on with Rubin is more than up to snuff, and Rubin expressed a lot of enthusiasm at being able to work with such seasoned legends. According to Rubin, the writing process is ongoing, with several songs already written. Recording will begin early next year.
