Former Black Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls has passed away at the age of 68, following a battle with lung cancer Billboard reports.
He had a run with the band from 1979-2004, and he appeared on nine Black Sabbath studio albums.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi on Facebook,
I’m so saddened to hear the loss of one of my dearest and closest friends Geoff Nicholls. 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.
Tony
Geoff Nicholls was a great friend of mine for a long time. He will be greatly missed. I'm very saddened at the news.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 28, 2017
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler on Facebook,
Very sad to hear of old friend and Sabbath keyboard player Geoff Nicholls passing. RIP Geoff.