"There will be no Black Sabbath reunion," says bassist

Following frontman Ozzy Osbourne's announcement last month that the original line-up of Black Sabbath are in talks about recording a new album, bassist Geezer Butler has shot any talk of a Sabbath reunion down in flames.

"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, whether to record an album or to tour," he said in an official statement.

The original line-up - completed by guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward - last entered the studio in 2001 with producer Rick Rubin (Slayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys). The recording session was scrapped after Ozzy left to concentrate on his solo career.