Guitarist Tony Iommi Unsure of Future Black Sabbath Music

Black Sabbath dropped '13' earlier this summer. It was their first platter in years and it debuted atop the Billboard Top 200. Despite riding high, drummer Bill Ward sat out for the record and the tour due to contractual issues and guitarist Tony Iommi has been battling lymphoma. That leaves the notion of future music up in the air, which Iommi candidly discussed.

Regarding new material, Iommi confessed to CT.com, "I don't know. It's a question that's been asked a few times. I don't really have an answer for you. At the moment, we're playing it -- because of my [cancer] treatments and stuff -- I can't commit to doing another two years, or anything like that. I have to play it as it comes now. While I'm doing it, I'm really enjoying it. If the rest of the year goes well, then we'll look at it and see if it's possible to do another album. It would be very nice to."

He also revealed that playing with the band some four decades into its career is better now than it was in the beginning. "It's a great feeling. You can't beat that feeling of walking onstage, especially with your old mates, you know. I think it's better than it was 40 years ago," the guitar god said.

What makes it better is all that life that's been lived in those years. "You know, we've been through a lot of experiences, family things and so on," the riffsmith said. "I think when it comes back to the original guys again, it feels really comfortable. You do get -- it comes along with age, I suppose -- anxieties and different other things. But when you get onstage and start playing, it all settles down."

Speaking off the aging process, Iommi posted a short but impactful note on Facebook for ailing Motorhead bassist Lemmy Kilmister, which read as follows:

 Lemmy,

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Best wishes,

Tony