On the night of July 22,Pantera paid a touching tribute to the iconic Ozzy Osbourne, mere hours after the declaration of his passing. This emotional moment occurred during their rendition of “Planet Caravan,” a celebrated cover from the classic repertoire of Black Sabbath. As the stage lights dimmed, images celebrating Ozzy’s legacy illuminated the venue at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Traditionally, during this particular song, Pantera honors their late bandmates, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott, by showcasing archival footage of them. However, on this special occasion, those visuals were replaced with a heartfelt montage that highlighted Ozzy’s remarkable life and career. Many images featured his long-time collaborator and friend,
Zakk Wylde, who is currently serving as Pantera’s touring guitarist.

Zakk Wylde has been an integral part of Ozzy’s solo band for nearly four decades. After the tribute concluded, he took to social media to share his feelings: “THANK YOU FOR BLESSING THE WORLD w/YOUR KINDNESS & GREATNESS OZ – YOU BROUGHT LIGHT INTO SO MANY LIVES & MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE – YOU LIVED WITH THE HEART OF A LION – I THANK THE GOOD LORD EVERY DAY FOR BLESSING MY LIFE WITH YOU IN IT – I LOVE YOU OZ. BEYOND FOREVER.”

The combination of visuals and music resonated deeply with attendees; many fans joined in singing while others wiped away tears. For metal aficionados present that evening, it was more than just a performance—it was an intimate moment for shared mourning—a farewell from one legendary band to another icon who had profoundly impacted their musical journey.

The Significance Behind “Planet Caravan”

The decision to perform “Planet Caravan” carried significant weight. Originally featured on Black Sabbath’s 1970 album, Paranoid,this track is recognized as an ethereal ballad within their catalog. Pantera’s version from 1994 on their album, Far Beyond Driven, maintained its dreamlike quality and has since become an emotional centerpiece in their live performances.

A Cross-generational Tribute

This performance served not onyl as a tribute but also bridged connections across various eras in heavy metal history—from Black Sabbath’s pioneering days to today’s thriving metal revival scene. With Zakk Wylde sharing the stage alongside them, this homage evolved into something profoundly personal—not merely recognition but also a sincere farewell from one brother-in-arms to another.