Geoff Nicholls dead at 68

Geoffrey James Nicholls

February 28, 1948 - January 28, 2017

Former Black Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls died this morning after a long battle with lung cancer. Nicholls was 68 years old. According to Blabbermouth, Nicholls' cancer was said to be in remission but Nicholls had succumbed to the side effects of the chemotherapy. 

Nicholls joined Black Sabbath in 1979. At that point in time, the band had hired former Rainbow singer Ronnie James Dio to replace original singer Ozzy Osbourne. Nicholls' first album with the band was 1980's Heaven and Hell. Throughout his time in the band, Nicholls was often credited as an unofficial member- as he didn't appear in promotional band pictures. However by the mid 1980s, Nicholls was in pictures with the band. Whether he was an unofficial member or not, Nicholls was in Black Sabbath for many years from 1979 to 2004. Prior to joining Sabbath, Nicholls played keyboards for heavy metal band Quartz from 1974 to 1979. 

Tributes have been posted by the social media pages for the members of Black Sabbath. 

Tony Iommi: 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 support 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 dead friend. 

Geezer Butler: Very sad to hear of old friend and Sabbath keyboard player Geoff Nicholls' passing. RIP Geoff. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Geoff Nicholls was a great friend of mine for a long time. He will be greatly missed. I'm very saddened at the news. 

Tony Martin (Sabbath singer 1987-91 and 1993-95): Saddened to hear of the passing of Geoff Nicholls...keyboard player and friend from Sabbath...Safe journey mate.