CONCERT REVIEW: Zakk Sabbath Live at the Historic Fonda Theatre

Los Angeles | Saturday, August 31, 2019

‘Zakk Sabbath’ on the marquee out front of the historic Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 31, 2019. Photo courtesy of Maurice Nunez.

BY MAURICE NUNEZ | Go Venue Magazine

The Power Of The Riff metal fest returned to Los Angeles this past Saturday night. This featured Zakk Sabbath, the Black Sabbath tribute band led by Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist, Zakk Wylde. Last time I caught these guys was New Year’s Eve at Ozzfest 2018. Great to see that Zakk and crew were back and tonight they were headlining the Fonda Theater.

Official Zakk Sabbath @ Fonda Theatre Poster

The evening was hosted by comedian Don Jamieson who is best known as a co-host of VH1 Classic’s hit heavy metal talk show series That Metal Show. He kept the venue filled with laughter in between sets for the opening bands. Tonight’s event also featured The WraithEntry, and Fu Manchu as openers. All bands were received well by the Los Angeles crowd who seemed to be dominantly made up of Zakk Wylde fans. Of course that’s no surprise since Zakk and his band were here tonight to pay tribute to the metal legends themselves, Black Sabbath.

It was close to 10:15 p.m. and the venue was completely packed. Zakk Sabbath hit the stage about 10:45 and started their set with “Supernaut.” From there they went right into “Snowblind”. So killer to see Zakk and his band rip through these classic Sabbath songs. These songs are timeless and Zakk Sabbath does them true justice. Zakk’s band is comprised of drummer Joey Castillo (former Queens of the Stone Age and Danzig) and bassist John DeServio (Black Label Society). Along with Zakk’s phenomenal guitar work and vocals (at times he sounds just like Ozzy), this band knows how to serve up a proper tribute to the heavy metal legends. 

The band went ahead and played other classic Sabbath tunes like “Under the Sun,” “Tomorrow’s Dream,” “Children of the Grave,” and more. Zakk also made himself into the audience playing his killer guitar solos for the fans. It’s so cool of Zakk to do this and such a treat for fans to see him up close doing what he does best. At one time Zakk even made it up to the balcony seats to ensure he wasn’t leaving anyone out. The band eventually ended their set of classic Sabbath songs but before they did, left they played “War Pigs.” The crowd sang every word to this one like it was their new national anthem! This was a perfect way to end the evening.

See full setlist and photos below:

Zakk Sabbath’s setlist – Saturday, August 31, 2019
Supernaut | Snowblind | National Acrobat | Under the Sun | Tomorrow’s Dream | Wicked World | Fairies Wear Boots | Into The Void | Children of The Grave | Lord of This World | Hand of Doom | Wall of Sleep | N.I.B. | War Pigs


All images © Maurice Nunez
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