Black Sabbath rocker Tony Iommi, 63, has cancer

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 63.

The Birmingham-born musician is suffering with the early stages of lymphoma, the band's official Facebook page states.

The news comes as the original Black Sabbath line-up, also featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, prepare to release their first album in 33 years this autumn.

The band is currently writing and recording the record with producer Rick Rubin in Los Angeles.

They will now come over to England to continue to work with Iommi.

On the band's Facebook page, it states: "With the news that Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time.

"Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan – the 'Iron Man' of rock & roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery."

Thousands of messages of support have been left on the social networking site since the news was announced.

Born in Handsworth, Iommi is a founding member of the heavy metal group and its sole continual member through multiple personnel changes.

Last year Iommi released his autobiography, entitled Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath.

Iommi is currently married to the former Drain STH vocalist Maria Sjoholm. He has a daughter from a previous marriage, Toni-Marie.

He is an avid Aston Villa supporter.

Left-handed player Iommi famously lost the tips of two fingers working in a sheet metal factory as a teenager but learned to play with thimble-like devices to extend them.

Black Sabbath had been due to play the UK's Download Festival this summer.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system.