Black Sabbath are hoping to play live again in 2013.

The 'Iron Man' rockers performed three shows in the UK and the US in 2012 and guitarist Tony Iommi is hoping they will continue into next year and finally release new material.

The heavy metal band reunited its original line - which also includes Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler - in November 2011, but shortly after beginning work on their first album together in 33 years, Tony was diagnosed with cancer and they had to relocate from the US to the UK while he received treatment.

Tony wrote on his website: ''What a year! Certainly not the one I was expecting.

''Thanks to you all for your massive help and support, it was very encouraging. I'm still working on the album and managed to play three shows, not bad given the news a year ago. I'm looking forward to next year, seeing what you think of the record and touring as much as we're able.

''My Best Wishes to you all, I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, most of all, stay positive.''

The band also suffered a blow when just before the first of their reunion shows in Birmingham, England, Bill announced he would not take part after failing to reach a financial agreement about his contract to perform.

He said: ''I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming Sabbath shows a failure to agree has continued. It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news.

''I have to stand for something, and as painful as it is, I'm doing it.''

As well as their homecoming show in May, the band closed Britain's Download Festival on June 10 and performed at the Lollapalooza festival in the US on August 3. It is not known if Bill will be included in any forthcoming live dates, or if he is still involved with the band's new album.