Pantera Cancel Shows to Mourn Ozzy Osbourne: “A Mentor, A Brother, A Legend”

30 July 2025 rocknews

In a move that speaks volumes about the depth of their bond, Pantera have cancelled three shows and rescheduled two others to mourn the passing of Ozzy Osbourne — the man they call “family.” The announcement, made via social media on July 25, comes just days after Ozzy’s death on July 22 at the age of 76, following his final performance at the monumental Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham.

“Ozzy wasn’t just a legend who shaped the very foundation of heavy metal and inspired Pantera from the beginning — he was family. A mentor, a brother, and a constant presence in our lives both on and off the stage.” — Pantera, via Instagram

The band’s heartfelt statement continued:

“In light of this profound loss, we need time and space to grieve — to be with our families, our crew, and each other as we process and honour the life of someone who meant so much to us.”

Tour Disruptions: A Pause for Reflection

Pantera’s summer tour — dubbed “The Heaviest Tour of the Summer” — has been temporarily halted. The following changes were announced:

Rescheduled Shows:• Saratoga Springs, NY (originally July 28) → September 9
Holmdel, NJ (originally July 31) → September 8
Cancelled Shows:• Gilford, NH – July 29
Birmingham, AL – September 8
Virginia Beach, VA – September 10

Refunds will be issued automatically for Ticketmaster purchases, while third-party buyers are advised to contact their vendors.

A Relationship Forged in Metal

Pantera’s connection to Ozzy Osbourne runs deep — not just through shared stages, but through shared spirit. The band first performed at Ozzfest in 1997, a festival that Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne built into a mecca for metal. It was there that Pantera’s aggressive groove metal found a home among the genre’s elite.

Zakk Wylde, Pantera’s current guitarist, was Ozzy’s longtime axe-slinger, having joined his solo band in 1987. Their musical brotherhood spanned decades, albums, and continents. Wylde’s tribute to Ozzy after his passing was raw and personal:

“Thank you for blessing the world with your kindness and greatness, Oz. You brought light into so many lives and made the world a better place. You lived with the heart of a lion. I thank the good Lord every day for blessing my life with you in it. I love you Oz. Beyond forever.” — Zakk Wylde, Instagram

Back to the Beginning: A Farewell Etched in History

Just 17 days before his death, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage one final time at Back to the Beginning — a benefit concert held at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, the very place where Black Sabbath was born. The event raised over £140 million for charity and featured a jaw-dropping lineup: Metallica, Slayer, Tool, Alice In Chains, and of course, Pantera.

Pantera’s set was a tribute in itself. They performed “Cowboys From Hell,” “Walk,” and covers of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” and “Electric Funeral” — the latter marking its live debut by the band. The performance was livestreamed globally, and fans watched as Zakk Wylde played with both Pantera and Ozzy, closing a circle decades in the making.

“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born.” — Ozzy Osbourne, pre-show statement

Ozzy, seated on a throne due to advanced Parkinson’s disease, sang with fire and fragility. It was a moment that transcended music — a communal goodbye from the godfather of metal.

The Metal Community Responds

Tributes have poured in from across the rock world. From Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler to Tobias Forge and beyond, the message is clear: Ozzy wasn’t just a pioneer — he was the pulse of heavy metal.

Pantera’s decision to pause their tour isn’t just a logistical move. It’s a statement of respect, of grief, and of love. In a genre known for its volume, sometimes silence says the most.