Black Sabbath re-form to play Download rock festival

A re-formed Black Sabbath, including lead singer Ozzy Osbourne, have been announced as the second headliners for next year's Download Festival.

The band, who last played together at Donington Park in 2005 as part of the Ozzfest touring festival, will then embark on a world tour.

Metallica were announced as the first headliners of Download, which takes place at Donington between 8-10 June.

They are playing their self-titled black album from 1991 in its entirety.

Ahead of their Download performance on Sunday 10 June, Black Sabbath are to record their first album with their original line-up for 33 years.

The 1968 incarnation of the band, which also includes guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward, will record new material with producer Rick Rubin.

'Story of the year'

Black Sabbath have released 18 albums since 1969, when they formed in Birmingham.

Some of their tracks include Paranoid, War Pigs and Iron Man.

During their 41-year history the band have had several incarnations.

Ozzy Osbourne was lead singer until 1979, when he was fired from the group.

He was replaced by former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who performed with the band until 1982.

There was a series of line-ups until Ozzy Osbourne rejoined in 1997, when Black Sabbath took part in his Ozzfest festival tour alongside the singer's solo band.

Ozzy Osbourne stayed with the group until 2006.

Black Sabbath continued performing under the name Heaven & Hell with singer Ronnie James Dio.

He died from stomach cancer in May last year.

Black Sabbath played Ozzfest in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2005.

Andy Copping, of festival organisers Live Nation, said: "The reunion of the original line-up of Black Sabbath has been one of the most talked-about stories of the year.

"I am thrilled that the band will return to Donington Park next year to help us mark 10 years of the Download Festival."

Metallica have been confirmed as Saturday night's headliners at the festival.