Let’s talk connections: PANTERA’s current axe-slayer ZAKK WYLDE – you know, the human mountain with a guitar who looks like he could bench-press a tour bus – spent DECADES as Ozzy’s wingman. Fun fact: Wylde’s signature “bullseye” guitar? That thing has survived more stage antics than Ozzy’s bat population. The duo last shared a stage July 5th at Birmingham’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ gig, where PANTERA shamelessly flexed their SABBATH karaoke skills before the metal gods themselves took the stage.
“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.
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 8Due 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.
July 29 – Gilford, NH
September 8 – Birmingham, AL
September 10 – Virginia Beach, VA
We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”
Translation for the mosh pit constituents: Saratoga Springs and Holmdel get a September raincheck, but Gilford, Birmingham (AL), and Virginia Beach are SOL. Ticketmaster buyers get auto-refunds – everyone else gets to play customer service roulette with resale sites. Godspeed.
Here’s the twist: PANTERA’s still been crushing riffs through the tears, including a Hershey, PA show where they projected SABBATH visuals and played “Planet Caravan” (if you don’t know that one, your metal fan club card might be revoked). It’s a bittersweet reminder that Ozzy’s influence rings louder than a feedback loop at a Marshall stack convention. Rest in chaos, you glorious bat-biting legend.
