Zakk Sabbath Deliver A Tribute To The Prince Of Darkness At O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to witness Black Sabbath’s iconic riffs brought to life with a new level of intensity, look no further than Zakk Sabbath, a tribute band led by the legendary Zakk Wylde – the man recruited into Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band in 1987. Formed in 2014, Zakk Sabbath have made their mark on the live music scene with electrifying performances that honour the legacy of the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, and the legendary Black Sabbath.

Zakk Sabbath @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Zakk Sabbath @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Catherine Beltramini)

The night at West London’s legendary O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire venue kicked off with Zakk Wylde front and centre, embodying the spirit of Ozzy with his powerful stage presence. Dressed in a kilt, boots, and a leather waistcoat, with his long hair and powerful physique, Wylde was a force to be reckoned with. His signature guitar playing, infused with extended solos and a raw, gritty edge, made the crowd feel as if they were witnessing Black Sabbath in its prime, only with an injection of Zakk’s unique energy.

The performance itself was a masterclass in tribute, with each band member playing with passion and precision. Wylde’s guitar work was stellar throughout, but it was during 1970 anti-war anthem War Pigs when he truly captured the audience’s attention, leaving the stage to perform an extended solo from the balcony. The crowd was absolutely electric, singing along to every lyric and hanging on to every note.

Songs like Snowblind from Sabbath’s 1972 LP Vol. 4 were crowd favourites, with Zakk delivering one of his signature guitar moves—playing behind his head—without missing a beat. The band’s rendition of Master Of Reality cut Orchid, a mellow instrumental track, was a beautiful interlude before they dove headfirst into a powerhouse version of Under The Sun. The energy was high, the riffs were heavy, and the crowd was eating it up.

Wicked World saw drummer Jeff Fabb stepping into the spotlight with a fiery drum solo, while keeping the audience on their toes. The chaos was dialled up to another level when giant bouncy balls were released during Children Of The Grave, prompting moshing, crowd surfing, and pure pandemonium in the pit. The atmosphere was wild, and the fans were fully immersed in the experience.

Perhaps one of the most engaging moments of the night was N.I.B, where bassist John JD DeServio delivered an emotive bass solo that teased the crowd before the full power of the song erupted. It was a moment of sheer musical bliss that had the audience chanting along in unison.

The night’s setlist was a well-curated mix of doom-laden classics and fast-paced rockers, balancing the heavy with the high-energy to ensure that both die-hard Black Sabbath fans and newcomers alike could appreciate the full spectrum of Sabbath’s legendary sound. Vocally, Zakk Wylde did an admirable job channelling Ozzy Osbourne’s distinct voice, while adding his own gritty, powerful edge to the material.

All in all, Zakk Sabbath delivered a tribute performance that paid homage to Black Sabbath’s musical legacy from one who has spent significant time in Osbourne’s fold, while infusing their own energy and passion. From the giant riffs to the crowd interaction, the band made sure every moment was memorable. If you’re a fan of Sabbath, metal, or just raw, live energy, this is a show you don’t want to miss.

Live review and photography of Zakk Sabbath @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London on 7th March 2025 by Catherine Beltramini.

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