It has been a really hard and shocking week for Black Sabbath fans all over the world. Tony Lommi, aged 63, Black Sabbath's guitarist has been diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer.

On their official website the Black Sabbath band mates requested that everyone send positive vibes to Tony. They said that at this time Tony is working with his doctors to find the best treatment plan available. The Iron Man, as Tony is known to fans is in good spirits and believes that he will have a full and successful recovery.

The band are recording their first album in the past 33 years in Los Angeles. It will be released this Autumn, all being well. Rick Rubin is producing the album. Tony is in the U.K. so the band will fly there in order to continue to record the album next to him.

At this point it is unclear what Iommi's future with Black Sabbath holds. But what is certain is that the band is determined to finish their next studio album which is still scheduled by Vertigo/Universal for fall 2012 release. Apparently on Monday the band cancelled their first scheduled concert that was supposed to be in April, Indio, CA. This concert was cancelled before the official announcement that was made on Monday.

According to the latest reports the lymphomas was caught in the beginning and there is a good chance that treatment will be successful. Treatment is radiation and/or chemotherapy, both of which are difficult to go through and can lead to health complications in the future.

Iommi's illness is a big heart break, no question about it. He is the glue that kept Black Sabbath together throughout the years, and the only permanent member. Iommi is a fighter. He lost two fingers at the age of seventeen, due to an accident in a factory. Most of us would have given up, but not Iommi. He went on to be a world renowned guitarist. However everybody reacts differently to the affects of cancer treatments and will power alone is not enough. The treatments are really tough on the body.

You can email Tony through the official Black Sabbath website and all emails will be sent to him. So please hold him in your thoughts and prayers and wish him a very speedy recovery.

Ironically the last album Black Sabbath made with Ozzy was 'Never Say Die', which is so appropriate under the circumstances.. On my personal website you can find a link to see this song performed live on Top of The Pops (U.K.) 1978, which is so appropriate under the circumstances. Wishing you all the best Tony and remember............Never Say Die.