Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi diagnosed with cancer

Veteran rock guitarist Tony Iommi performs on the Apollo stage with "Heaven and Hell" at the Sonisphere rock festival at Knebworth, UK. Veteran rock guitarist Tony Iommi performs on the Apollo stage with "Heaven and Hell" at the Sonisphere rock festival at Knebworth, UK. Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Image 1 of / 59 Caption Close Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi diagnosed with cancer 1 / 59 Back to Gallery

LOS ANGELES -- Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has cancer.

The band released a statement Monday saying the 63-year-old has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is working with doctors on treatment.

The news comes two months after the pioneering heavy metal quartet's original lineup announced it was working on its first album in 33 years with producer Rick Rubin in Los Angeles. The album remains set for a fall release and the rest of the group - vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward - will go to England to continue working with Iommi.

There was no word about Sabbath's plans for its live dates.

His bandmates asked fans "to send positive vibes" to Iommi.