In 2017, the band released The Optimist , which won Album of the Year at the Progressive Music Awards.
In 2017, the band’s 25th anniversary, they considered retirement after one final album.
Öjersson being hospitalized by a serious back injury at the end of 2017
In January 2017, Mike Inez stated in an interview that the band had begun work on a new album.
The home video Live Facelift was released on vinyl for the first time on November 25, 2016, as part of Record Store Day ‘s Black Friday event. The album features six songs and only 5000 copies were issued.
Asked in November 2016 about his plans after Black Sabbath’s final tour, Iommi replied, “I’ll be doing some writing. Maybe I’ll be doing something with the guys, maybe in the studio, but no touring.”
In November 2016, Alice in Chains released a cover of the Rush song ” Tears “, which was included in the 40th anniversary release of the album 2112 .
The band finished their 2016 tour with a concert at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada on October 8, 2016.
Saint Vitus released their live album Live Vol. 2 on September 23, 2016.
On 10 August 2016, Iommi revealed that his cancer was in remission.