Black Label Society at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 26, 2026.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography
What is better than seeing Zakk Wylde? Getting a double dose of Zakk in the same night. Starting with Zakk Sabbath and then an encore of a full set with the Black Label Society. I’m not sure who’s idea this was, but I love it. No such thing as too muck Zakk. No such thing as too much guitar. I was a little worried about the weather with the Stir Cove being an outdoor venue. Rain was definitely in the forecast. But the rock and roll gods held the rain off and let the two sets be played without any issues from the sky.
First up, Zakk Sabbath. Zakk’s Black Sabbath tribute came out firing with Children of the Grave. It was only a five song set, but seemed longer as Zakk gave the extended versions of a few of the songs. Next came Snowblind, Fairies Wear Boots, N.I.B, and of course closing with War Pigs. It was a short but impactful set that had the crowd begging for more. And as luck would have it. There would be more because the Black Label Society was up next.
The two bands are almost identical, except for Black Label Society adds Dario Lorina to the lineup. Dario also fronts Dark Chapel, who opened the evening. BLS is touring in support of their latest release, Engines of Demolition. The stage set up changed slightly and Dario joins the group, and then the music became the biggest difference. Zakk is still Zakk…and the guitar is still what drives the music.
There was some new songs thrown in from the latest release including Name in Blood and Ozzy’s song. Which the crowd loved. There was another nod to Ozzy with playing part of No More Tears. That was a great tribute to the Prince of Darkness. This was a great show from start to finish. These guys know how to entertain a crowd. I believe Zakk is one of the best, and his history and catalog speaks for itself. If you haven’t seem him yet, you should. If there is such thing as a living legend, it is indeed Zakk Wylde.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Bob DeHart Photography in York, Nebraska. ©2026.
Follow The Pit Magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, and Spotify!
Listen to The Pit Magazine Pitcast on Amazon, Apple, Deezer, PocketCasts, Podcast Addict, Spotify, iHeart OR right here in The Pit!
Subscribe to The Pit Newsletter today!
Support this and other fine local & touring artists, dig and buy their music, and get some merch!
