How Ozzy Osbourne Detected Black Sabbath Tony Iommi's Cancer Before Official Diagnosis

Ozzy Osbourne noticed that something was wrong with his Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi long before the musician was officially diagnosed with cancer.

Shortly after Black Sabbath announced its reunion tour and album in 2012, Iommi discovered his cancer diagnosis, which led him to undergo treatment while working on the band's "13." Although he has been in remission years ago, things would have been worse for him if it was not because of Osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne Noticed Tony Iommi's Health Issue

Rolling Stone released an excerpt from Geezer Butler's recently-published memoir, "Into The Void: From Birth To Black Sabbath - And Beyond," the bassist revealed that Osbourne discovered Iommi's illness before it was officially diagnosed.

According to the book, the band was already working on its final album after announcing its plans to have a last music project and show when the vocalist noticed something wrong about their bandmate.

"As writing was in process at Ozzy's house, he made the observation that Tony had lost too much weight and that he should get checked out," Butler said. "When Tony got back to England, he was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma."

Despite learning about the disease, Iommi continued recording the album and joined the subsequent tour while undergoing his treatment.

Butler said he would have canceled everything and stayed at home until he dies if he was the one to receive the diagnosis. However, Iommi still pushed through with the schedule and even came straight to his studio after his chemotherapy.

Due to the treatment, the guitarist started feeling tired and nauseous as his hair fell out due to the treatment. Although he joined Black Sabbath's last album and show, he soon proclaimed his retirement and revealed he could no longer travel for an extended period.

How Tony Iommi Cared For Himself After Cancer Diagnosis

Months after the farewell tour, Iommi sat for an interview with Loudwire, saying he had to retire from touring as he took care of himself.

From his usual schedule, he started to rest more and try his best not to stay up too late. Although he loved performing and playing on the road, Iommi told the news outlet he could only do it if his physical side never got tired - but it did.

Iommi triumphed over the diagnosis a few years later, but he often called the experience the "lowest moment" of his life during his interviews.

Tags

Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne