Huge rock band cancel string of shows hours before they’re due onstage to ‘mourn Ozzy Osbourne’

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 Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon and needed time out.

A huge rock band has cancelled a string of shows hours before they’re due onstage in order to “mourn Ozzy Osbourne”Credit: Getty

Ozzy Osbourne and Pantera’s guitarist Zakk Wylde were very good friendsCredit: Getty

The rockers say they can’t face taking to the stage after Ozzy’s deathCredit: Getty

Ozzy last graced the stage earlier this month when he reunited with his bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward and played a five-song set in a farewell to musicCredit: ROSS HALFINRockers Pantera say they can’t face taking to the stage following the death of 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, was announced 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 him and his wife Sharon 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.”

Ozzy died at home in his stunning mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire “surrounded by love”.

Sharon, his wife of 43 years and mum to their children Aimee, Jack and Kelly, was by his side.

A statement from his family said on Tuesday evening: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.

“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.

“Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”

Ozzy became known as the “Prince of Darkness” 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 five-song set in a farewell to music.

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.

Black Sabbath star Bill Ward later shared a heart breaking tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and a photo from their youth.

Drummer Bill uploaded an image taken inside a photobooth during Black Sabbath’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 Oasis honoured rock legend Ozzy as they returned to London’s Wembley Stadium after 16 years.

At their gig on Friday night, the band lit up a screen featuring a picture of the Black Sabbath frontman, 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 Prince of Darkness.

Liam told the 81,000-strong crowd: “I want to dedicate this one to Ozzy Osbourne — a rock ’n’ roll star.”

Oasis honoured rock legend Ozzy as they returned to London’s Wembley Stadium after 16 years

Black Sabbath star Bill Ward shared a heart breaking tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

Pantera have rescheduled a string of gigs to give them time to mournCredit: Getty