Black Sabbath Heaven and Hell Era Star Geoff Nicholls Dead At 68

(hennemusic) Former Black Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls died Saturday at the age of 68 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Nicholls joined the Sabbath lineup as a touring member in 1979, appearing on 1980's "Heaven And Hell" - alongside new vocalist Ronnie James Dio - and the group's following nine albums before being replaced in 2004 by Ozzy Osbourne's keyboardist, Adam Wakeman.

"I'm so saddened to hear the loss of one of my dearest and closest friends Geoff Nicholls," posted Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi. "He's been suffering for a while now with lung cancer and he lost his battle this morning.

"Geoff and I have always been very close and he has been a real true friend to me and supported me all the way for nearly 40 years. I will miss him dearly and he will live in my heart until we meet again. Rest In Peace my dear friend."

Until his death, Nicholls performed with former Sabbath singer Tony Martin's Headless Cross. "Saddened to hear of the passing of Geoff Nicholls," posted Martin, "keyboard player and friend from Sabbath. Safe journey mate." Read more here.

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