Zakk Wylde, the iconic guitarist known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, is hitting the road with his Black Sabbath tribute band, Zakk Sabbath. The 2024-25 “King of the Monstours” tour promises a heavy dose of classic Sabbath, with support from renowned Led Zeppelin tribute band, Zoso, and the all-female Iron Maiden tribute act, The Iron Maidens. This trifecta of iconic rock and metal interpretations creates a must-see experience for fans of classic hard rock and heavy metal.
The tour kicks off on December 1st in Phoenix, Arizona, and spans across the United States through mid-January, hitting a variety of venues, from intimate theaters to larger auditoriums. Fans can anticipate an electrifying performance of Sabbath’s legendary catalog, meticulously recreated by Wylde and his bandmates, Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass and Joey Castillo on drums. This isn’t just a tribute; it’s a celebration of the music that shaped generations of musicians and fans alike.
Zakk Sabbath’s Deep Dive into the Sabbath Catalog
Zakk Sabbath isn’t just playing the hits; they are delving deep into the Black Sabbath songbook. For Wylde, this is more than a tribute; it’s a continuation of a lifelong passion. He recently reflected on his enduring connection to Sabbath’s music, stating, “I remember playing keg parties and people’s kitchens and basements, playing these songs when I was, like, 16 years old. And here I am, 57 years old, and I’m still playing them, and I’m still in people’s basements and kitchens and backyard keg parties, but there’s just a couple more people there.” This tour offers fans a chance to experience the music that inspired Wylde and countless others, performed with the passion and intensity he’s known for.
A Tribute to the Titans of Rock: More Than Just a Cover Band
The “King of the Monstours” tour isn’t just a series of cover band performances; it’s a homage to the giants of hard rock and heavy metal. With Zakk Sabbath honoring Black Sabbath, Zoso channeling Led Zeppelin, and The Iron Maidens embodying Iron Maiden, this tour represents a unique opportunity to experience the music of three legendary bands reinterpreted by dedicated and talented musicians. Wylde aptly describes the importance of these bands in a musician’s education: “If you’re a classical musician, you’re pretty much gonna know something by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, like the big three. So if you’re a rock musician — whether you’re a guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, whatever it is — part of your education is Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. You know a riff by one of those guys, just because it’s your education. You learn how to play these songs.” This tour embodies this sentiment, showcasing the enduring influence of these bands on the musical landscape.
Zakk Sabbath Unleashes “Greatest Riffs”: A Digital Collection of Sabbath Classics
Coinciding with the tour announcement, Zakk Sabbath has released “Greatest Riffs,” a digital compilation featuring tracks from their albums “Vertigo” (2020) and “Doomed Forever Forever Doomed” (2024). This collection serves as a perfect primer for the tour, offering fans a taste of Zakk Sabbath’s powerful interpretations of classic Black Sabbath tracks. From the iconic opening riff of “Iron Man” to the doom-laden atmosphere of “Into the Void,” “Greatest Riffs” showcases the band’s dedication to capturing the essence of Black Sabbath’s sound while adding their own unique touch.
“Greatest Riffs” Track Listing: A Journey Through the Sabbath Landscape
“Greatest Riffs” provides a curated selection of Sabbath’s most recognizable and influential songs. The track listing includes:
- “The Wizard”
- “N.I.B.”
- “Iron Man”
- “Fairies Wear Boots”
- “War Pigs”
- “Sweet Leaf”
- “Into the Void”
- “Solitude”
This collection represents a balanced mix of the band’s heavy hitters and deeper cuts, showcasing the breadth and depth of Black Sabbath’s influence.
King of the Monstours Tour Dates: Catch the Heavy Metal Caravan Across the US
The “King of the Monstours” tour promises a night of heavy metal thunder, bringing together three powerful tribute acts to celebrate the legacy of rock and metal’s pioneers. The full list of tour dates is as follows:
Dec. 1 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Regency Ballroom
Dec. 2 – Ventura, CA @ The Majestic Ventura Theater
Dec. 4 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
Dec. 5 – Riverside, CA @ Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Dec. 6 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
Dec. 8 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater
Dec. 9 – Omaha, NE @ The Admiral
Dec. 10 – Lawrence, KS @ Liberty Hall
Dec. 12 – Austin, TX @ Emos
Dec. 13 – Ft. Worth, TX @ Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall
Dec. 14 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall
Dec. 15 – New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore
Dec. 17 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal
Dec. 18 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
Dec. 19 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Egyptian Room
Dec. 20 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
Dec. 27 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
Dec. 28 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Dec. 29 – Wilmington, DE @ The Queen
Dec. 30 – Albany, NY @ Empire Live
Dec. 31 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
Jan. 2 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
Jan. 3 – Providence, RI @ The Strand
Jan. 4 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
Jan. 5 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo River Works
Jan. 7 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
Jan. 9 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
Jan. 10 – East Moline, IN @ The Rust Belt
Jan. 11 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
Jan. 12 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
Conclusion: A Must-See for Classic Rock and Metal Fans
The “King of the Monstours” tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the timeless music of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden, performed by talented musicians who understand and respect the legacy of these iconic bands. With Zakk Wylde at the helm, this tour is not just a tribute; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of rock and metal. Don’t miss your chance to witness this epic musical journey.
FAQs
What is Zakk Sabbath? Zakk Sabbath is a Black Sabbath tribute band led by guitarist Zakk Wylde, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society.
Who are the supporting acts on the “King of the Monstours” tour? The supporting acts are Zoso, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, and The Iron Maidens, an all-female Iron Maiden tribute band.
What is “Greatest Riffs”? “Greatest Riffs” is a digital compilation album by Zakk Sabbath, featuring tracks from their previous albums, “Vertigo” and “Doomed Forever Forever Doomed”.
Where can I buy tickets for the “King of the Monstours” tour? Ticket information and purchase links can be found on the official websites of Zakk Sabbath, Zoso, The Iron Maidens, and the respective venues. Be sure to check local listings for details.
What can I expect from the show? Expect high-energy performances of classic Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden songs, played with passion and precision by dedicated tribute bands.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Let us know which city you’ll be catching the “King of the Monstours” tour in!
