Pantera cancel, reschedule shows to 'grieve' Ozzy Osbourne
This past weekend, the US heavy metal band took to social media to announce that they would be rescheduling two concerts and cancelling three more to allow members of the band and their larger team to "grieve".
They wrote: "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."
Pantera guitarist Zakk Wylde played in Ozzy Osbourne's solo band for close to 30 years.
The death of the heavy metal pioneer and iconic Black Sabbath frontman was announced on 22 July.
It came shortly after he took to the stage for the Back To The Beginning gig in Birmingham on 5 July - marking his final show both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath.
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Chicago Tribune
3 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
Leo High School choir headed to ‘America's Got Talent' quarterfinals in August
Imagine heading out to pick up your father's medicine at the neighborhood CVS one day, only to be stopped by four strangers who ask: 'Can I take a picture with you?' That's was what happened to Kriston Bell, 17. When approached, the Beverly resident asked if they knew him from somewhere. Their response: 'From 'America's Got Talent.'' The admirers took pictures to share with their kids. 'I'm just walking into Chick-fil-A, next thing I hear is someone say, 'Ain't that the people from 'America's Got Talent?'' said Dolton resident Stephen Jackson, 17. This is the new normal for members of Leo High School's choir after their performance on the 20th season of NBC's reality talent show aired June 10 — now that the melodic prowess of the 22 young men from the South Side Catholic school for boys has gone global. And while its choir has stepped to the forefront as of late, Leo High School has been known as a place where young Black and brown men are nurtured to succeed. And they do — from sports to academics . 'Since I have been at Leo, more than 90% of our graduates have gone on to college,' said Leo President Dan McGrath. On 'America's Got Talent,' the choir wowed all four judges and the audience with a resounding rendition of The Score's 'Born for This.' The team heads back to California in August to participate in the talent competition's quarterfinals. Choir members were rehearsing for hours at the school every Thursday in July. If they advance after this round, the group will be closer to winning the $1 million grand prize. The choir had a certain amount of notoriety locally prior to 'AGT' — from taking the stage at the Democratic National Convention last summer, to performing at Millennium Park's Holiday Sing-Along this past December, to singing for the city of Chicago during Black History Month — but the 'AGT' platform is its biggest yet. The young men caught the attention of the show's scouts when an Instagram video of their singing was posted by CBS Chicago in early 2024. The rest is history. By June of this year, the choir was performing at the Archdiocese of Chicago's celebration of Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field and at a Juneteenth event at Wrigley Field. 'National reality TV shows, multiple different news networks, sports games, I think I've ticked off the whole bucket list,' Jackson said about his involvement with the choir. Some Leo choir members juggle rehearsals with summer jobs. From restaurants like iHop (Jackson says his manager is 'very forgiving' with his choir commitments and scheduling) to retailers like Menards and Stein Learning Gardens at St. Sabina the young men are working hard on their futures — futures that gel well with not just the choir's success, but also with Leo's philosophy of working hard for success, according to choir director LaDonna Hill. 'Most people are average … getting up every day trying to figure it out, willing to try and not quit. Those are the things I like to build on. That's why I'm so proud of these 22 guys,' she said. Having performed publicly at 60 events last year, the men committed themselves to the work. 'To have these young men show up, be committed, not afraid to try something new, and legitimately give themselves to it 100% — it's inspiring,' Hill said. Leo Principal Shaka Rawls is not surprised the choir is getting the recognition it is. A Leo alumnus, Rawls has led the school since 2016 and said 'it was only a matter of time' the national spotlight found the choir, given the hard work that goes into supporting Leo students' mental health, educational growth and service to the community. All are part of Leo's mission of making good people and stewards of the community. 'I want to make the next generation of men better than the last generation — particularly Black and brown men,' Rawls said. Parents credit the choir's momentum to the synergy between Yolanda Sandifer-Horton, Leo High School's choir manager and coordinator of student engagement, and Hill. According to Hill, many members of the choir did not know how to sing or did not possess any musical background before they became part of the team. Hill — who is retiring from Leo after 25 years to pursue ministry — looks back at helping the choir grow through a lens of creativity, patience, hard work and fun. 'We push them to do their best, but at the same time, we try to know what's going on in their lives, so we can talk them through things. We want them to feel safe, respected, and looked after,' McGrath said. McGrath considers the choir members ambassadors for the institution, which will celebrate 100 years in 2026. A 1968 graduate of Leo, McGrath has seen firsthand the neighborhood's demographics change from predominantly white to Black and brown, with businesses and churches abandoning Auburn Gresham in the process. They stayed the course in the South Side community with their motto: 'Deeds not words.' 'Oftentimes, we say teachers inspire students … but they've inspired me,' Hill said. 'I teach them four golden rules: discipline, dedication, being responsible and being a team player. I build on that. You get to the end of the process — the results — and you can feel good about whatever the outcome is because you did your best.' While current Leo Lions are making plans for the 'AGT' prize money (college funds feature prominently) Sandifer-Horton said she would like the limelight to offer more exposure for the colleges recent Leo graduates attend. Nine choir members graduated last year. 'It's bringing exposure not only to Leo, but to nine other colleges and universities,' she said. 'Many people who don't win, get so much exposure and opportunities; a lot of people come out winners in other ways.' For twins Steven and Stephen Jackson, 17, their Leo choir experience has helped them with their public speaking skills and confidence. Bell is looking to use his voice more when working on his own melodic hip-hop music. Rios is looking forward to joining Clark Atlanta University's choir when he attends in the fall. 'Leo's choir has done what most professional musicians are still trying to do,' Rios said, looking back at the group's trajectory. 'We definitely did the best we could as far as us being teenagers.' After their first appearance on the show, an anonymous donor gave each choir member $5,000 to be used for their educational pursuits after high school. 'They are very humble,' said Chatham resident Latonya Smith, parent to 17-year-old choir member Xavier Smith. 'These are some really gifted, locked-in young men, but I don't think they know the impact of being on national TV; for my son, the reality hasn't hit him yet.' Sondrae Lewis is looking forward to accompanying her 16-year-old Michael Lewis to California in August for a two-week stay. The Lewis family relocated six months ago from Auburn Gresham, where Leo High School sits, to Griffith, Indiana. Lewis, a rising senior and first tenor, is adamant about graduating from Leo and plans to travel to school at 6:30 a.m. to attend hour-and-a-half choir rehearsals before classes begin, five days a week. 'We've all been so excited that our boys are being exposed to things they wouldn't be able to if they weren't a part of the choir,' Sondrae Lewis said. 'With the choir, they're covering ground on what they're exposed to, who they're being exposed to. … These young men haven't been in those kinds of environments, places or travels, and they have been picking up momentum.' Now that the school choir is in high demand, McGrath said parents are coming into the school saying they'd like to see their son get into the choir. The search for the next choir director has already begun. But whoever takes up the mantle will have to have a family mindset, Hill said. She considers her arrival at Leo divine. It all started with a phone call from a friend after the loss of her child. She lost one soul to connect with many others. 'I gained all of these amazing young men — that's why I describe it as divine. Look at how far they've come. I just pray that whoever comes will be fascinated with that process,' she said. ''AGT' is great and I hope we win the whole thing, but my goal is the Vatican in March,' Rawls said. 'There's no reason why the Leo High School choir, with its newfound fame, should not perform for Pope Leo. That just makes sense to me.'
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
Black Sabbath bassist remembers 'frail' Ozzy Osbourne in heartbreaking account of rock legend's final show
Ozzy Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath for a final performance weeks before his death, a show that would mark the last time bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler would see his longtime friend. Butler reminisced about his time with Osbourne – nearly six decades after the band formed in 1968 – and the significance of their last show together near their hometowns. The Prince of Darkness died on Tuesday, July 22, after battling a number of health issues over the years. He was 76. The bassist noted that Ozzy was a "born entertainer" who would "do anything for a laugh." He coined his friend the "Prince of Laughter." Prior to the July 5 concert, Butler admitted he was aware the lead singer had health issues, but admitted he was shocked to see how "frail" Ozzy had become in his final days. "I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was," Butler wrote in an essay published in The Sunday Times. "He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane — being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones." Butler continued, "He didn't really say much beyond the usual greetings and when he sang, he sat in a chair. We ran through the songs but we could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs. We had a bit of a chat, but he was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old. After a couple more weeks we were ready for the show." The 10-hour show was hosted by Jason Momoa and featured performances from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Jack Black, Steven Tyler and others. At one point during the show, which was livestreamed in the U.K., legendary drummers, including Tool's Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Blink-182's Travis Barker, battled with their drumsticks while playing a cover of Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe." For the closing set, the legendary rock star was lifted to the stage while sitting on a black throne accompanied by skulls and topped with a black bat. He sang hits like "Crazy Train" and "Mama I'm Coming Home" while remaining seated during the entire set. "You have no idea how I feel," Osbourne told the crowd. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Butler remembered the "strangest part of the show was the end." "Normally, we would all hug each other and take a bow to the audience," Butler wrote. "But Ozzy was on his throne and we hadn't thought that out. What do we do? Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that. "I wish I'd had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now. As Ozzy used to say: 'Wish in one hand and s--t in the other and see which comes first.'" Butler added, "Nobody knew he'd be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show. But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible. WATCH: Ozzy Osbourne during his final performance with Black Sabbath "Everyone had come to pay homage to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him. Of course, there are millions of things I will think of that I should have written, but how can I sum up 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs? God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!" Born in Aston, West Midlands, U.K., Ozzy was drawn to the theater as a child, but he ultimately turned to music after listening to one particular song from The Beatles. "When I heard 'She Loves You,' my world went up like a shooting star," Osbourne once told Esquire. "It was a divine experience. The planets changed. I used to fantasize that Paul McCartney would marry my sister." After leaving school as a teenager, Osbourne spent six weeks in prison after being convicted of robbing a clothing store. It was in 1967 he was recruited by Butler to be a vocalist in a band that would become Black Sabbath. Years before his death, Osbourne reflected on the lasting legacy he wished to leave on the world as his Parkinson's disease progressed. "Survival is my legacy," he told People magazine. "I mean, I'm 73. People go, 'Well, you're 70 … why don't I throw the towel in?' Why should I? People still want to buy my records. People still want to see me, so why should I? It motivates me to get off my backside and do something. I mean, if my career had gone down the toilet and I knew it was the end, I'd be pretty miserable." Osbourne is survived by wife Sharon, daughters Kelly and Aimee, and son Jack, in addition to daughter Jessica, and sons Elliot and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Birmingham Airport confirms Ozzy Osbourne memorial plans amid call to rename BHX
Birmingham Airport has confirmed its plans to celebrate Ozzy Osbourne following a petition to rename BHX in the Black Sabbath star's honour. The 76-year-old died on Tuesday, July 22, and the loss of the star weeks after his final show at Villa Park Stadium sparked an outpouring of grief among Birmingham's communities and all over the world. As fans flocked to Birmingham's Black Sabbath landmarks to lay flowers, cards and candles, some were petitioning to honour Ozzy in more long-term ways. Read more: Calls to honour Ozzy Osbourne with Birmingham statue, state funeral and new airport name Read More: Ozzy Osbourne tributes from literally every corner of Birmingham we'll share with Sharon Among the calls was one to rename Birmingham Airport in memory of the Prince of Darkness, with others asking for a day of national mourning, a statue and a state funeral. Now Birmingham Airport says it does intend on celebrating Ozzy's heritage - but through the addition of artwork in its terminal. A spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "Ozzy Osbourne is an inspiration to so many in our region proving that talent, hard work, and commitment can take you to all corners of the world. "In the coming weeks, we will be looking at how we can celebrate his heritage and contribution to the region via terminal artwork, creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans." Fans of Ozzy have been showing up in great numbers to sign books of condolences at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and over at Villa Park in Aston, where Ozzy grew up. Digital books of condolence have opened for those who can't make it into the city while others have been using a vintage phone in the museum to record voice notes in honour of the star. We too collected tributes, sparking messages from people in literally every corner of Birmingham, which we shared with Sharon Osbourne in the days following her husband's death. On Thursday, July 24, the pair's daughter Kelly shared a touching tribute on Instagram, quoting lyrics from the song Changes, which she covered with her dad in 2003, reaching the top of the UK charts. Kelly got engaged to her long-term partner, Sid Wilson, backstage at the Back To The Beginning gig on Saturday, July 5, in front of her dad, following his final bow in Aston.
