Black Sabbath‘s original lineup has officially announced that they will reunite in 2012, kicking off a world tour by headlining the Download Festival in England on June 10. That will be followed by more concerts and the fall release of the band’s first album together in 33 years. ----

All four members — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler — scheduled a special in-person announcement at Los Angeles’ Whiskey-a-Go-Go to start at exactly 11:11:11 today, 11/11/11 — in other words, the most metal moment of the century (well, one of two if you count tonight), but for those not lucky enough to be in attendance they also posted a special YouTube announcement, trumpeting the band’s many incredible feats and achievements over the years via on-screen text as various Sabbath songs played underneath.----

Finally, the big announcement, as pictured above, came through: “2012: Black Sabbath Reunites.” The video goes on to say that the band’s new album will be produced by none other than bearded guru to the stars Rick Rubin. Consequence of Sound reports that the as-yet untitled album will be released in the fall of 2012 via Vertigo / Universal Republic.-----

This announcement ends a barrage of speculation, hints and general excited buzzing that began way back in August when a Birmingham Mail reporter first broke the story. ----

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/black-sabbath-announce-reunion/