Pantera, the iconic rock band, has announced the postponement of their Upstate New York concert and the cancellation of several other tour dates as they grieve a “profound loss.” On Friday, the band revealed their decision to alter their schedule following the death of legendary singer Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday. Osbourne, known for his influential role in shaping the heavy metal genre, particularly impacted bands like Pantera.
In a heartfelt statement, Pantera expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “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.” This sentiment underscores the profound connection between the band and Osbourne, emphasizing that their bond extended far beyond music.
As a pivotal figure in the heavy metal scene, Ozzy Osbourne's legacy is undeniable. Pantera’s current touring guitarist, Zakk Wylde, was a part of Osbourne’s solo band from 1987 to 1995 and reunited with him multiple times throughout their careers. Additionally, Pantera has a rich history with Osbourne, having performed at his renowned Ozzfest, covered several Black Sabbath tracks, and participated in Osbourne’s final concert with Black Sabbath just weeks ago.
In light of this profound loss, Pantera has decided to prioritize time for grieving, stating, “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.” The band was originally scheduled to perform on Monday, July 28, at the Broadview Stage at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) in Saratoga Springs; however, this show has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 9.
Moreover, Pantera has rescheduled a July 31 performance in Holmdel, New Jersey, to Monday, September 8, “out of respect and to allow members of our team the time to mourn.” Fans can rest assured that tickets purchased for the original dates will be honored for the new dates. Additional tickets for the SPAC concert are still available through platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.
Unfortunately, due to these changes, Pantera has also announced the cancellation of three tour dates: July 29 in Gilford, New Hampshire; September 8 in Birmingham, Alabama; and September 10 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster for these canceled shows will be automatically refunded, while those who bought tickets from third-party resellers should contact their point of purchase for refunds.
The Texas-based band, known for their powerful sound that incorporates heavy metal subgenres like thrash metal and groove metal, has faced loss before. Founding guitarist Dimebag Darrell was tragically killed in 2004, followed by the death of his brother, co-founding drummer Vinnie Paul, in 2018. The current lineup features longtime vocalist Phil Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, Zakk Wylde, and drummer Charlie Benante.
Ozzy Osbourne, who became a household name beyond music as a reality TV star in “The Osbournes,” has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once with Black Sabbath and once as a solo artist. His contributions to the heavy metal genre are monumental, with timeless hits like “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” and “Crazy Train.” Zakk Wylde, who played on several of Osbourne’s classic tracks such as “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “No More Tears,” paid tribute to the rock icon on Instagram, stating, “Thank you for blessing the world with your kindness and greatness Oz.”
In summary, Pantera's decision to postpone and cancel shows in honor of Ozzy Osbourne highlights the deep connections within the music community. As fans mourn alongside the band, they can look forward to the rescheduled performances and cherish the legacy of a true rock legend.
