Zakk Wylde, the legendary guitarist and longtime Ozzy Osbourne collaborator, has built an illustrious career shredding with his signature blend of bluesy, bone-crushing metal. While he is best known for his work with Ozzy and his own band, Black Label Society, Zakk has also poured his passion into one of the most authentic and electrifying Black Sabbath tribute bands: Zakk Sabbath. On the night of March 7, 2025, Zakk Sabbath stormed the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, delivering an unforgettable night of heavy metal magic, honoring the legacy of the godfathers of metal.
Lowen Warms Up the Crowd
Before Zakk and company took the stage, the night opened with a powerhouse performance from doom metal act Lowen. Led by the commanding presence of Nina Saeidi, the band set the tone with their crushing riffs and atmospheric intensity. The audience, packed shoulder to shoulder, was drawn into the hypnotic grooves and thundering beats, giving the band a warm reception. It was clear that while they came for Zakk Sabbath, they appreciated the dark and brooding energy that Lowen brought to the table.
The Arrival of Zakk Sabbath
As Lowen left the stage, a palpable buzz filled the Empire. When the lights dimmed and the first chords of Supernaut blasted through the venue, the crowd erupted. Zakk Wylde, draped in his signature Viking-style attire and wielding his unmistakable bullseye guitar, stepped onto the stage alongside his powerhouse rhythm section: John “JD” DeServio on bass and Joey Castillo on drums. Without hesitation, they launched into an epic rendition of Snowblind, immediately setting the tone for the night.
The trio moved seamlessly through Black Sabbath’s discography, proving their deep reverence for the music. Unlike other tribute acts that simply replicate the original sound, Zakk Sabbath adds their own blistering energy, with Wylde’s signature guitar flourishes elevating each track.
The Setlist: A Blend of Classics and Deep Cuts
While some fans might have expected radio-friendly hits like Paranoid and Iron Man, Zakk Sabbath delved into both well-loved classics and deep cuts, showcasing the depth of Sabbath’s legendary catalog. Among the highlights were:
- Under The Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes
- Fairies Wear Boots
- Into the Void
- Children of the Grave
- N.I.B.
Wylde’s interpretation of N.I.B. was particularly mesmerizing, as he infused the classic track with extended solos and an electrifying stage presence. The chemistry between the trio was undeniable, as DeServio’s thundering basslines and Castillo’s powerhouse drumming provided the perfect foundation for Wylde’s guitar mastery.
Zakk Wylde: A Showman Like No Other
Zakk Wylde isn’t just a virtuoso guitarist; he is a larger-than-life performer. Throughout the night, he ripped through solos with ease, playing behind his head, with his teeth, and even dropping to his knees in an almost ritualistic display of devotion to the music. The audience was in a frenzy, with a pit forming in the center of the crowd and a steady stream of crowd surfers riding the waves of bodies.
One particularly unforgettable moment occurred during War Pigs. As the song built towards its climactic solo, Wylde suddenly disappeared from the main stage—only to reappear on a balcony, still playing flawlessly. The stunned fans in the upper levels had a front-row experience as Wylde shredded mere feet away from them before making his way back to the stage for the grand finale.
The Crowd: Pure Heavy Metal Energy
The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was a sea of fists in the air, devil horns raised high, and fans screaming every lyric. From die-hard Black Sabbath purists to younger metalheads experiencing these classics live for the first time, the energy in the room was electric. At one point, a fan with a crutch crowd-surfed over the pit, drawing cheers and laughter until the crutch made unfortunate contact with an unsuspecting head—a true metal moment.
The Grand Finale: A Fitting Tribute
The night culminated in an extended jam of War Pigs, with the audience passionately singing along. Wylde took a moment to express his love for Black Sabbath and the fans, thanking them for keeping this music alive. As the final chords rang out and Wylde let his guitar feed back into a cacophony of distortion, the band took their bows to a thunderous standing ovation.
With the upcoming Black Sabbath/Ozzy farewell show looming, Zakk Sabbath provided a more than satisfying celebration of the music that changed heavy metal forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in Zakk Sabbath?
Zakk Sabbath features Zakk Wylde (vocals/guitar), John “JD” DeServio (bass), and Joey Castillo (drums).
How does Zakk Sabbath differ from Black Sabbath?
While they remain true to the original spirit of the music, Zakk Sabbath adds their own flavor, especially through Wylde’s unique guitar solos and stage presence.
Does Zakk Sabbath only play Black Sabbath covers?
Yes, their entire setlist consists of Black Sabbath songs, though they sometimes choose deeper cuts over the most obvious hits.
What was the setlist for this show?
The setlist included songs like Supernaut, Snowblind, Fairies Wear Boots, Into the Void, Children of the Grave, N.I.B., and War Pigs.
Does Zakk Sabbath tour regularly?
Yes, Zakk Sabbath frequently tours, bringing their tribute to Black Sabbath to fans worldwide.
Did they play “Paranoid” or “Iron Man”?
No, Zakk Sabbath often opts for deeper cuts rather than the most commercial hits.
Was Ozzy Osbourne involved in any way?
No, Ozzy is not involved with Zakk Sabbath, but Wylde has played guitar for Ozzy for many years.
Conclusion
Zakk Sabbath’s performance at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was a masterclass in heavy metal showmanship. More than just a tribute act, they delivered a performance infused with passion, precision, and pure, unadulterated love for Black Sabbath’s music. Zakk Wylde’s larger-than-life presence, jaw-dropping guitar skills, and undeniable chemistry with his bandmates made this a night to remember.
For fans of Black Sabbath, Zakk Sabbath provides an experience as close to the original as possible while injecting new life into the legendary catalog. With Ozzy and Sabbath’s farewell looming, it’s reassuring to know that Wylde and his crew will continue carrying the torch, keeping the legacy alive for generations to come.
If you missed this show, make sure to catch Zakk Sabbath on their next tour—because this is heavy metal at its absolute finest.
