In a stunning blow to metal fans everywhere, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler has released a statement firmly denying any possibility of a Sabbath reunion. "I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumours, that there will be definitely no reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath," he wrote. "Whether to record an album or to tour."

Ozzy Osbourne Talks Future With Black Sabbath, Band's Early Days

Before this announcement the stars seemed to be lining up for Black Sabbath reunion. Last summer Ozzy Osbourne and Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi "amicably resolved" their lawsuit over the name rights to the band. Just a couple of weeks ago Osbourne told ABC Radio that Black Sabbath were in the "talking process" regarding a new album. "The problem that we have is that if we do an album and it's less than where we left off, it's going to be a big anticlimax," Osbourne said.

Ozzy and Tony Iommi Settle Black Sabbath Suit

The group last toured together in 2005, though the Ronnie James Dio-led line-up re-branded themselves Heaven and Hell and recorded and toured from 2006 until Dio's death in 2010. That being said, Sabbath fans should find some solace in the fact that this band has appeared dead many times before, only to come roaring back. 

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