The iconic band Pantera has made the difficult decision to cancel several upcoming shows and postpone others as a heartfelt response to the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, a true legend in the heavy metal scene. They have expressed their deep respect and admiration for him, referring to Ozzy as both a “mentor” and a “brother” who significantly influenced their musical journey.
In an emotional statement shared on Instagram, the band revealed that they are taking time to reflect and process the profound loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 75. This moment of mourning is a crucial time for the band to connect with their feelings and honor the legacy of a music icon.
The tribute from Pantera emphasized the deep personal connection they had with Ozzy, stating, “Ozzy wasn’t just a legend who shaped the very foundation of heavy metal and inspired Pantera from the beginning – he was family.” The band reflected on their strong bond, mentioning how he served as a mentor, brother, and a constant source of support both on and off the stage, illustrating the multifaceted relationship they shared that transcended mere music.
Earlier this month, Pantera performed at the Back to the Beginning reunion concert in Birmingham on July 5. This historic event celebrated the legacy of Black Sabbath, featuring Ozzy’s final public performance alongside guitarist Tony Iommi. This momentous occasion was a poignant reminder of the impact Ozzy has had on the music world and a fitting farewell to a musical giant.
Following the tragic news, Pantera has announced the cancellation of three concerts and the postponement of two additional shows. While specific dates for the affected performances have not yet been confirmed, the band’s ongoing European tour, which was expected to continue throughout August, will be impacted by this significant change.
The band further shared, “Right now, our priority is honoring Ozzy’s memory and supporting our extended family. We thank our fans for their understanding and promise to return with the same fire and fury — but not until we’ve had time to properly grieve this massive loss.” Their commitment to honoring Ozzy reflects their deep respect for his legacy and the emotional weight of this moment.
Pantera, featuring classic members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, alongside Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, have been actively touring since 2022, marking a significant revival of the band’s legacy and presence in the heavy metal scene. Their reunion has reignited the passion of long-time fans while introducing new audiences to their influential sound.
The news of Osbourne’s passing has sparked an overwhelming outpouring of tributes from across the rock and metal community. Renowned artists such as Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Judas Priest have taken to social media to reflect on his immeasurable impact and contributions to music. His final album, Patient Number 9, debuted at an impressive No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning him a Grammy Award for best metal performance in 2023, further solidifying his legacy as a music pioneer.





