Just two months after Black Sabbath announced plans to record a new studio album, the band shared the sad news that guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with cancer. 

The 63-year-old “Iron Man” is in the early stages of lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells in the immune system.

According to a statement posted on his website, Iommi is “currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan.” He “remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.”

For now, plans are still on track for Black Sabbath’s four original members – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – to release their first album together in more than 30 years this fall. The band will travel to the United Kingdom to work with Iommi.  

The statement added that more information will be released about the rocker’s health as it becomes available. 

“His bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time,” it read.