A HUGE rock band has cancelled a string of shows hours before they’re due onstage in order to “mourn Ozzy Osbourne.”
Members of the heavy metal band were good friends with and needed time out.
Rockers Pantera say they can’t face taking to the stagefollowing the deathof their ‘inspiration’Ozzy Osbourne .
The heavy metal band have rescheduled a number of shows so they can have space to grieve the music icon.
The death of the Black Sabbath frontman , a pioneer in the genre, wasannounced last Tuesday.
Pantera - Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown, guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benant - grew close to Ozzy and say they need time to come to terms with the loss of their friend.
In 1997, the group performed at Ozzfest, a music festival featuring heavy metal acts organised by and they stayed close ever since.
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 honour 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 the following rescheduling shows. July 28 - Saratoga Springs, NY → Tuesday, September 9. July 31 - Holmdel, NJ → Monday, September 8.”
in his stunning mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire
, his wife of 43 years and,and, was by his side.
said on Tuesday evening: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our belovedhas passed away this morning.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
“, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans.
He last graced the stage earlier this month when he reunited with his bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward and played a.
The gig was touted as “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” with Ozzy grinning to chanting fans as he thanked them for all they had done for him.
tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and a photo from their youth.
Drummer Bill uploaded an image taken inside a photobooth during‘s heyday, writing: Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.
“Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
And as they returned to London’s Stadium after 16 years.
At their gig on Friday night, the band lit up a screen featuring a picture of the, who died on Tuesday aged 76, during their 1994 Top Ten hit, Live Forever.
The brothers also sang the track Rock ’N’ Roll Star, from the same year, in honour of Ozzy, who was the self-proclaimed.
Liam told the 81,000-strong crowd: “I want to dedicate this one to Ozzy Osbourne - a rock ’n’ roll star.”
