Pantera has announced the cancellation and rescheduling of several upcoming shows following the passing of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne. The band made this announcement in an official statement posted on Facebook.
The band’s official announcement expressed their deep grief. It explained the personal connection they shared with Osbourne.
“Ozzy wasn’t just a legend who shaped the very foundation of heavy metal and inspired Pantera from the beginning — he was family,” the statement read. “A mentor, a brother, and a constant presence in our lives both on and off the stage. The bond we shared with him ran far deeper than music.”
The band emphasized their need for time to process this significant loss.
“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 honor the life of someone who meant so much to us,” they continued.
Pantera provided specific details about the affected tour dates and refund procedures.
“Out of respect, and to allow members of our team the time to mourn, we will be rescheduling the following shows: July 28 – Saratoga Springs, NY → Tuesday, September 9. July 31 – Holmdel, NJ → Monday, September 8,” the statement explained.
“Due to the above, the following dates will be canceled. If you purchased through Ticketmaster, refunds will be issued automatically; there is nothing further ticketholders need to do. If you purchased from a third-party reseller (StubHub, SeatGeek, VividSeats, etc.), please reach out to your point of purchase. Canceled shows are: July 29 – Gilford, NH, September 8 – Birmingham, AL, and September 10 – Virginia Beach, VA.”
The band concluded their message by thanking fans for their understanding during this difficult period.
Pantera’s decision to pause their tour reflects the deep impact Ozzy Osbourne had on the heavy metal community. It also shows the personal relationships he fostered throughout his career.
Metal Injection reported that Pantera performed a deeply emotional rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” at their July 22 concert in Cincinnati, Ohio. The band replaced their usual tribute visuals of the Abbott brothers with images of Ozzy Osbourne. The tribute included many photos featuring Zakk Wylde, Pantera’s current touring guitarist and Ozzy’s longtime friend and collaborator who played with the metal icon on and off for nearly 40 years.
Wylde himself shared a heartfelt message on social media following Osbourne’s passing. He thanked Ozzy for his kindness and impact on the world. The guitarist’s emotional response underscores the personal bonds that extended beyond professional relationships in the metal community.
Consequence noted that Pantera’s tribute is part of a larger wave of musical homage from artists currently touring. Many artists have incorporated Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne songs into their sets. This widespread response demonstrates Ozzy’s profound influence on heavy metal and the lasting impact of his musical legacy.
Pantera’s cover of “Planet Caravan” has been a significant part of their repertoire since appearing on their 1994 album Far Beyond Driven. This history made their recent tribute performance particularly meaningful as they honored both their musical history and their personal connection to Osbourne.
