Tony Iommi confirms his cancer is in remission

The guitar legend was diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2012 and following gruelling chemotherapy and follow-up treatment he has now turned a corner.

The Iron Man gave the Birmingham Mail an update on his condition while opening a plaque at Solihull’s Spire Parkway Hospital yesterday. The new £1.3million Spire Specialist Care Centre was awarded with The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark for its treatment of cancer patients.

“I came back to hospital straight after we finished a round of European tour dates, and the good news is that everything is alright up to this point,” Tony said.

“I am in remission and hopefully, this situation will continue. The chemotherapy and the follow-up treatment appear to have done the trick – but I’m aware that it could come back one day.

“I have a blood test every six weeks at my GP’s, and I come in here at regular intervals for check-ups. That’s something that I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life, looking for any warning signs that it might be rearing its ugly head again.

“But the availability of a facility like the Specialist Care Centre makes it so much easier. They’re all lovely here!”

Speaking about the award-winning new Specialist Care Centre, Tony added: “When you have an illness such as cancer, it is important that the inevitable anxiety associated with a hospital visit is eased.  

“The new centre, which is separated from the hospital, offers a warm and welcoming environment.

“All the staff are friendly and helpful. You can talk to them about any concerns you may have, about your treatment or just about life in general, which is sometimes exactly what you need.

"I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me, and others like me.”

Black Sabbath play their last ever UK tours in early 2017 on The Beginning of the End Tour.

The Birmingham homecoming gigs are completely sold out but the final tickets for select other shows are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.