Hot Press is sad to report the news that legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma. The 63 year-old is working closely with his doctors to determine the best course of action and he "remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery" according to a released statement.

It is unclear how this news will affect Sabbath's planned tour and new album - their first in 33 years - but the band are determined to release new material later this year. Speaking to Hot Press' Roisin Dwyer recently, Iommi fondly recalled his band's one and only visit to Irish shores, a gig in Dalymount Park in 1983.

"I remember it well," said Iommi. "We flew in on a private jet. That was the second show we had done with the Stonehenge stage set. After the show, we went to a pub to have some Guinness and we had such a great time. We were absolutely gone before we knew it. I'd never been to Ireland before and it was the first time I'd ever had proper Guinness!"

That full interview is featured in the forthcoming new issue of Hot Press, in stores this Thursday.