Black Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls dies aged 68

According to a heartfelt post on Tony Iommi’s Facebook page, Geoff lost a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

Calling Geoff “one of my dearest and closest friends”, Tony wrote: “Geoff and I have always been very close and he has been a real true friend to me and supported me all the way for nearly 40 years. I will miss him dearly and he will live in my heart until we meet again."

Echoing the sentiment, Ozzy Osbourne wrote: Geoff Nicholls was a great friend of mine for a long time. He will be greatly missed. I'm very saddened at the news.”

Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler said: “Very sad to hear of old friend and Sabbath keyboard player Geoff Nicholls passing. RIP Geoff.”

The band paid tribute to Nicholls at their first London show last night (29th January), dedicating 'Snowblind' to him, with a humble introduction from Ozzy.

Also expressing his sadness, estranged Sabbath drummer Bill Ward wrote: “My family and I are very sad to learn of Geoff's passing. He was a caring, kind and loving man; a great musician, always supportive and generous with musical input.

“Our condolences to his family, his friends and fellow band mates. RIP Geoff. Thanks for all you gave us.”

Born in Birmingham in February 1948, Geoff was a member of Quartz for the first five years of the band before joining Black Sabbath in 1979 initially as a bassist to replace Geezer Butler. When Geezer returned, he switched to keyboards.

Just like new vocalist Ronnie James Dio, Geoff made his debut studio appearance on 1980’s ‘Heaven and Hell’.

He was replaced by Adam Wakeman, from Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, in 2004 and in recent years performed in Tony Martin’s band ‘Headless Cross’.

> I'm so saddened to hear the loss of one of my dearest and closest
> friends Geoff Nicholls.
>
> More details: https://t.co/bOEbRsevy5 pic.twitter.com/ZvXa83kcip > > — Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 28, 2017

> Geoff Nicholls was a great friend of mine for a long time. He will be greatly missed. I'm very saddened at the news. > > — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 28, 2017

> Very sad to hear of old friend and Sabbath keyboard player Geoff Nicholls passing. RIP Geoff. > > — Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) January 28, 2017

> My family and I are very sad to learn of Geoff Nicholls' passing. He was a caring, kind and loving man.
>
> Read more: https://t.co/hK8edri7Y2 > > — Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) January 28, 2017