Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Talks Cancer Treatments + More News

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi opened up about his ongoing cancer treatment, revealing that there is a 1 in 3 chance that the disease could return. He was incredibly candid about how he is handling it and what is body is going through while he battles it. What a brave soul!

"I have to have an antibody administered by drip every six weeks or so to keep the lymphoma in check. It sort of coats the cancer cells, stops it from going anywhere else. I have to come back home no matter where I might be in the world," the legend admitted, revealing how his illness affects the band.

He continued, "The tour dates are arranged so that I can always get back for treatment. It's the only way I can manage my illness and keep on the road. I'd love to play more shows than we're doing but my health has to be sorted out first."

Iommi further stated, "After each session, I feel sick and tired, and that lasts for a week or so. I'm finding that it takes around 10 days to fully recover from each round of treatment, but if that's what it takes, I have to accept it." As for right now, he is "feeling ok," confessing, "since we've been in rehearsals and recording sessions, I've felt pretty good – great even." [Birmingham Mail]

Extreme metal noisemakers Iwrestledabearonce have created a limited edition t-shirt to support LBGT advocacy group GLAAD, in association with Alternative Press. You can buy the shirt here and watch guitarist Steven Bradley discuss the band's support of the LGBT community in this video.

"Our band has one simple message to spread - keep an open mind and be accepting of people and ideas which might seem different to you," Bradley also said. "In keeping with that message, we are very happy to announce this exclusive shirt design with 100% of the profits being donated directly to GLAAD. We feel that everyone out there has the right to be happy, and that you should not be discriminated against because of your sexuality.

"We'd also love to remind people that just because you're heterosexual, it doesn't mean that you should ignore the issue of LGBT rights. Human history is riddled with examples of extreme prejudice against people and ideas that others simply do not understand, and we're passionate about spreading the message that just because you don't agree with or understand somebody, that doesn't immediately, make them wrong. Homophobia belongs on the same list as other vile concepts like racism and sexism, and we need to do all we can to eradicate them from our world."

Listen to Sodom's new song "S.O.D.O.M." from the forthcoming album Epitome of Torture, due out May 7, here.

The Contortionist are actively looking for a new singer. Jonathan Carpenter exited last month, so the band is seeking a replacement. The band has uploaded two instrumental tracks and they encourage applicants to complete a vocal demo of at least one song, but preferably both and to send the link via email to thecontortionistsingersearch@gmail.com, along with any other pertinent info. They also prefer YouTube.

"We aren't just looking for someone that can show off their skills as a musician," said guitarist Cameron Maynard. "The band needs someone special that personally favors the traveling, and it should be in this person's best interest to truly enjoy performing and working creatively day in and day out."