Zakk Wylde Announces Zakk Sabbath, Zoso, and The Iron Maidens Tour: A Rock Journey for the Ages
Zakk Wylde, the legendary guitarist renowned for his time with Ozzy Osbourne and his band Black Label Society, has once again captured the attention of rock enthusiasts worldwide. In an announcement that electrified fans, Wylde unveiled plans for an epic tour featuring his tribute project Zakk Sabbath, the celebrated Led Zeppelin tribute band Zoso, and the all-female Iron Maiden tribute group, The Iron Maidens. This tour promises a fusion of classic rock and heavy metal energy, uniting fans of Sabbath, Zeppelin, and Maiden under one roof. With three iconic tribute bands sharing the stage, this promises to be a musical journey celebrating the essence of hard rock and metal.
A Rock Guitar Legend’s New Chapter
Zakk Wylde is no stranger to the world of tribute acts. Zakk Sabbath, Wylde’s Black Sabbath tribute band, has been a passionate project for years, allowing him to pay homage to one of the most influential bands in rock history. Wylde’s admiration for Black Sabbath, especially for the iconic Tony Iommi, is well-documented. He has often spoken about how Sabbath’s innovative approach to music shaped his guitar playing. Wylde’s deep connection with Black Sabbath’s dark, heavy, and intricate sound makes Zakk Sabbath a natural fit for the legendary guitarist.
“Black Sabbath laid the foundation for everything we love in heavy music,” Wylde once said. “Playing those songs live is like going to church for me.”
While Wylde’s Zakk Sabbath has toured before, this newly announced lineup with Zoso and The Iron Maidens elevates the experience to another level, combining not just a tribute to one legendary band, but three. The announcement comes at a time when live music is making a roaring comeback after pandemic-driven cancellations and restrictions, making the tour even more significant.
Zakk Sabbath: Black Sabbath’s Spirit Lives On
Zakk Sabbath was born out of Wylde’s respect and reverence for the groundbreaking music of Black Sabbath. Featuring Wylde on guitar and vocals, Blasko (Rob Nicholson) on bass, and Joey Castillo on drums, the band is as close as it gets to capturing the raw energy and essence of Sabbath’s timeless catalog. Rather than trying to replicate the original recordings note-for-note, Zakk Sabbath injects its own ferocity and modern energy into the music, making the songs feel fresh yet faithful to their origins.
Fans of Zakk Sabbath can expect to hear classics like “War Pigs,” “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” with Wylde’s signature guitar tones bringing an extra edge. The addition of extended improvisation and powerful soloing only enhances the immersive live experience. Wylde’s stage presence, combined with his unmatched talent on the guitar, turns each performance into a dynamic tribute to Sabbath’s music, which continues to influence generations of musicians.
Zoso: Led Zeppelin’s Legacy Reborn
Joining Zakk Sabbath on tour is Zoso, the ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute band that has spent over two decades delivering the magic of Zeppelin’s music to audiences around the world. Formed in 1995, Zoso has built a reputation as one of the best Zeppelin tribute acts, bringing every detail of the legendary band’s stage performances to life. From Robert Plant’s soaring vocals to Jimmy Page’s mystical guitar work, Zoso aims to recreate the sound and feel of Led Zeppelin in their prime.
Fans attending the tour can expect to experience Zeppelin’s greatest hits, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir,” and “Black Dog.” Zoso’s ability to tap into the intricacies of Zeppelin’s live sound, along with their onstage chemistry, guarantees a show that feels as close to a real Led Zeppelin concert as one could imagine.
What makes Zoso stand out is not just their technical proficiency but their commitment to honoring the spirit of Zeppelin’s live performances. With vintage gear, period-accurate costumes, and a deep understanding of Led Zeppelin’s discography, Zoso doesn’t just play the music—they live it.
The Iron Maidens: Women Who Rock
The Iron Maidens, the world’s only all-female tribute to Iron Maiden, will also be part of this incredible tour. Known for their precise musicianship and faithful recreations of Iron Maiden’s iconic catalog, The Iron Maidens have garnered a large fanbase around the globe. Featuring Courtney Cox on guitar, Nikki Stringfield on lead guitar, Wanda Ortiz on bass, Linda McDonald on drums, and Kirsten Rosenberg on vocals, The Iron Maidens deliver a high-energy show that pays homage to the British heavy metal pioneers.
Much like their male counterparts, The Iron Maidens are known for their elaborate stage shows and impeccable attention to detail. From the galloping bass lines of “The Trooper” to the operatic vocals of “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” the band leaves no stone unturned in their pursuit of replicating the sound and spirit of Iron Maiden’s live performances. Their dynamic energy and raw passion bring Maiden classics to life, earning them accolades from both fans and critics alike.
Expect an electrifying setlist full of Iron Maiden favorites, including “Run to the Hills,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Aces High.” The Iron Maidens don’t just prove that women can rock as hard as men—they often outshine them.
A Tour for the Ages
The combination of Zakk Sabbath, Zoso, and The Iron Maidens on one tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for rock fans of all ages. Each band brings a unique take on their respective tribute, whether it’s the crushing heaviness of Sabbath, the blues-infused mysticism of Zeppelin, or the galloping ferocity of Maiden. Together, they represent three of the most important and influential bands in rock history.
While the tour dates and venues are still being finalized, fans are already buzzing with excitement. The mere thought of seeing Zakk Wylde shred through Sabbath classics, followed by Zoso’s meticulous rendition of Zeppelin’s iconic anthems, and The Iron Maidens’ fierce take on Maiden’s best hits, has the potential to make this one of the most talked-about rock tours in recent memory.
Zakk Wylde’s Vision
For Zakk Wylde, this tour represents more than just an opportunity to play great music. It’s a celebration of the bands that shaped the genre, a way to keep their legacies alive, and a chance to bring together fans from all walks of life. Wylde, a student of classic rock and metal, has always seen the importance of honoring the greats while adding his unique spin.
“We’re keeping the spirit of these legendary bands alive, but we’re also making it our own. That’s what it’s all about,” Wylde commented during the tour announcement.
With three powerhouse tribute acts, the Zakk Sabbath, Zoso, and The Iron Maidens tour promises to be a high-octane celebration of rock music’s most influential icons. Fans should prepare for a night of riffs, nostalgia, and the unifying power of rock ‘n’ roll.