Pantera has officially announced the rescheduling and cancellation of several upcoming tour dates following the death of Ozzy Osbourne. These adjustments, made just hours before several performances, are intended to give the band and their crew time to grieve the loss of someone they regarded as “family.” In an emotional statement posted via their social media platforms, Pantera said:
“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. The bond we shared with him ran far deeper than music.”
“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.”
The band’s close connection to Osbourne, especially through guitarist Zakk Wylde, who served as Ozzy’s longtime solo band guitarist, underscores why the mourning period felt imperative to Pantera. Wylde recently performed with Ozzy at his final show, making the loss especially personal.
Which Dates Were Changed?
Pantera’s schedule adjustments are as follows:
Rescheduled Shows:
- July 28 – Saratoga Springs, New York (Broadview Stage at SPAC) → moved to September 9, 2025
- July 31 – Holmdel, New Jersey (PNC Bank Arts Center) → moved to September 8, 2025
Cancelled Shows:
- July 29 – Gilford, New Hampshire (Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion)
- September 8 – Birmingham, Alabama (Coca‑Cola Amphitheater)
- September 10 – Virginia Beach, Virginia (Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater)
Ticket holders who purchased via Ticketmaster will receive automatic refunds. Fans who bought tickets through third-party resellers like StubHub or SeatGeek are advised to reach out to the respective platforms.
Recent Tributes and Performances
Despite postponements, Pantera paid meaningful tribute to Ozzy during recent performances. At their Cincinnati show on July 22, they covered Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan,” displaying photos of Ozzy and Zakk Wylde during the set. On July 26 in Wantagh, New York, they performed a haunting rendition of “Electric Funeral,” accompanied by a visual tribute montage.
These performances highlighted the depth of their grief and the impact Ozzy had on their music. Pantera also posted a heartfelt message:
“RIP Ozzy Osbourne. Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you…”
Context: Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell
Ozzy passed away at age 76 on July 22, 2025, just weeks after delivering his farewell concert, “Back to the Beginning,” in his hometown of Birmingham, featuring a reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup and a historic lineup of guest acts. Pantera had performed at that event, further cementing their emotional connection to the moment.
Forward Tour Outlook
Pantera’s “Heaviest Tour of the Summer” will resume later in August and run through mid-September, including long-planned shows in Mansfield, Hartford, Milwaukee, Inglewood, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Austin, Dallas, and more. The newly rescheduled Saratoga Springs and Holmdel dates have been slotted into early September. The canceled shows—Gilford, Birmingham (AL), and Virginia Beach—will no longer take place in 2025.
Pantera’s decision to cancel and reschedule several shows reflects the profound personal impact Ozzy Osbourne had on the band—musically, emotionally, and personally. These changes are a mark of respect and self‑care during a time of sudden and deep loss. The band’s careful tributes in recent performances also reflect a desire to honor his legacy while taking time off to process grief. The rescheduled shows in New York and New Jersey will go ahead, but several others have been permanently cancelled.
