Apparently in order to avoid litigation or pressure from the Ozzy Osbourne camp the Dio-era line-up of Black Sabbath reunited for a series of shows in 2006. The project had gotten off the ground when the members had assembled to compile a sampler of the band’s material called Black Sabbath: The Dio Years and possibly write a couple of new songs for it. Drummer Bill Ward was initially part of the plans but replaced by Vinny Appice, his successor in Black Sabbath.

Kicking off in Canada before heading over to the USA and then Europe the band issued a live DVD and CD in 2007 called Live At Radio City Music Hall. The European shows were supported by Lamb Of God and Iced Earth.

There were conflicting responses from the members regarding new music and recording of a new album. While the members insisted there are no such plans or that individual schedules bar them from recording the end of 2007 brought news that a new album is planned for 2008.