Black Label Society delivered a high-energy performance on stage at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs on Saturday, September 26, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Robert A. Chadwick | Robert Chadwick Photography]

REVIEW BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine

On Saturday, September 26, Black Label Society made their return to the Omaha metro area to play Harrah’s Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa for the first time ever. Every member of Black Label Society was pulling double duty. The Iowa Chapter showed up in full force as they always do.

Dark Chapel was up first. This was Black Label Society’s Dario Lorina’s band. They were fast and heavy. It was really a showcase for Dario’s great vocals and piano playing. The whole band are great players. It was awesome seeing Dario and the other guitarist in the band, Dylan Dyce, trade solos. I love it when bands have two lead guitarists trade solos, it is so cool. They even did a pretty heavy cover of Bill Withers’s “Ain’t No Sunshine”. I’d be down to see them again if they play a headline show somewhere nearby. Be sure to check out their debut album, Spirit in The Glass.

Zakk Sabbath was up next. Dario got to take a break, but it was time for Zakk, JD, and Jeff to take the stage. I’ve seen Zakk Sabbath before, but this felt more important because Ozzy Osbourne is no longer with us. I can’t help but think Ozzy was watching down on us, making sure no rain was going to happen on Zakk’s watch. And they crushed it. I did found it interesting that Jeff Fabb used a much smaller drum kit for Zakk Sabbath, but I guess it’s better to not wear out just one drum kit. The crew threw beach balls during “NIB”. And Zakk went in the crowd during “War Pigs”, even though I think he could’ve went farther, like up the hill by the entrance. Nevertheless, it was a perfect tribute to the greatest heavy metal band of all time, Black Sabbath.

Finally, the crowd was ready for Black Label Society. This was my fourth time seeing these guys and they never disappoint. The whole band lays it down thick and heavy and they are always constantly putting out incredible music. John DeServio doesn’t get enough credit for how good his bass playing is. He slaps his bass with incredible precision. It’s amazing to see live. Zakk Wylde just continues to deliver an incredible performance, both with his guitar playing and singing. It was emotional hearing him sing “Ozzy’s Song” with the Ozzy backdrop behind him. And hearing him play some of “No More Tears” including the guitar solo was so cool. He and Dario playing their guitars behind their backs is still so incredible to watch. I was happy to see Stir Cove filled with the Black Label faithful since I’m usually seeing them play the Admiral. I don’t know how Zakk Wylde manages to balance BLS, Zakk Sabbath, and Pantera, but the man, as he approaches 60, seems like he is never slowing down. He is still that guy that I was first introduced to in 2008 in Guitar Hero World Tour. Their new album is Engines of Demolition.

Black Label Society Zakk Sabbath Dark Chapel All images © Robert A Chadwick | Robert Chadwick Photography

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