PENTAGRAM Cancel Black Sabbath Australia and New Zealand Tour Amid ‘Current Allegations’
July 21, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the rock and metal community, doom metal pioneers PENTAGRAM have officially canceled their upcoming Australia and New Zealand dates with Black Sabbath, citing “current allegations” as the cause. The announcement was made late Sunday evening, triggering widespread speculation and disappointment from fans across the globe.
A Sudden Withdrawal
The band, led by frontman Bobby Liebling, had been scheduled to join Black Sabbath on their Oceania leg of the “End of the Beginning” tour, which was set to kick off in Melbourne in early August. The collaborative tour was highly anticipated, seen by many as a bridge between two generations of doom metal royalty—Black Sabbath, the godfathers of the genre, and PENTAGRAM, its underground torchbearers.
However, just weeks before their slated performances, PENTAGRAM released an abrupt statement on their official website and social media channels:
“Due to ongoing allegations involving a member of the band, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming Black Sabbath tour dates in Australia and New Zealand. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause fans and organizers, and we are cooperating fully with all relevant parties as the matter unfolds.”
No further details about the nature of the allegations were provided, leaving fans and media outlets scrambling for clarity.
Allegations Stir Controversy
While the official statement remains vague, several industry insiders have hinted that the controversy involves accusations leveled against frontman Bobby Liebling. Known as a notoriously troubled figure with a history of legal troubles and substance abuse, Liebling had appeared to be on a path of redemption in recent years following multiple stints in rehab and a well-documented prison sentence in 2017 for elder abuse.
Social media has erupted with conflicting reports—some claiming there are new legal issues being investigated, while others suggest a resurfacing of past accusations. Neither Liebling nor his legal representatives have issued personal comments as of this writing.
This isn’t the first time PENTAGRAM has faced turbulence due to Liebling’s conduct. In fact, the band has cycled through more than a dozen lineups over the years, often due to Liebling’s erratic behavior. Yet many fans hoped that the band had finally turned a corner, especially after their critically acclaimed 2024 album Tales from the Tombstone.
Black Sabbath Responds
Black Sabbath, who were set to share the stage with PENTAGRAM for the first time in nearly four decades, issued a brief but professional response on Monday morning:
“We were looking forward to sharing the stage with PENTAGRAM and understand the disappointment this may cause. We respect their decision to step down under the current circumstances. The tour will continue with a revised lineup, and we’ll be announcing supporting acts shortly.”
Sources close to Sabbath’s management have confirmed that contingency plans are already underway, with possible replacements including Candlemass, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, or even a solo Ozzy Osbourne acoustic set as a temporary fill-in for affected shows.
Fans React
Fan reactions have been mixed. Some expressed disappointment, while others praised the band for taking accountability.
“It’s heartbreaking. I was flying from Auckland just to see PENTAGRAM and Sabbath share the stage,” said one user on Reddit.
“If there are serious allegations, then they did the right thing stepping back. But we need more transparency,” wrote another.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #PentagramOut began trending by midday Monday, with some fans calling for a permanent disbandment, while others urged caution against “trial by internet.”
The Bigger Picture: Accountability in Rock
The cancellation reignites long-standing conversations about accountability in rock music, especially regarding veteran artists with controversial pasts. With the #MeToo movement and broader public demand for responsibility from public figures, more bands and promoters are being forced to take a hard look at who they align with and how they respond to allegations—even when the accused are icons of a genre.
This isn’t just a blip for PENTAGRAM—it may be a defining moment. Whether or not the allegations lead to legal proceedings, the optics alone could derail any future collaborations or international touring plans.
What’s Next?
For now, PENTAGRAM’s future remains uncertain. Their North American fall tour has not been canceled, but many fans speculate that announcement is imminent. The band has also gone silent on upcoming appearances at festivals like DesertFest in the UK and Maryland Doom Fest.
Meanwhile, Black Sabbath’s Oceania tour continues, albeit under a new shadow. The legendary group is reportedly considering restructuring future co-headliner slots with younger bands as a means of reducing controversy and rejuvenating their brand for newer generations.
As the details behind PENTAGRAM’s withdrawal slowly emerge, fans are left to grapple with the delicate balance between respecting the art and scrutinizing the artist. What is certain, however, is that the doom metal community will not forget this moment quickly—and its repercussions may shape the genre for years to come.
Update: (As of press time) Representatives from PENTAGRAM have declined additional comment, and no legal filings have been made public. Stay tuned for developing details.
