A slightly left-field start to the story here, but I first discovered Black Label Society after seeing some epic photographs of the band’s front-man Zakk Wylde – long hair, beard, sleeveless battle jacket, big boots…and a kilt. The photos just oozed rock/metal to me and I knew I had to check out the band, and try to photograph them for myself some day.

I arrived at Electric Ballroom in Camden just before doors, and there was a huge queue of fans snaking down the street – many decked out in BLS merch. This was the second of two nights the band were playing in London as part of their current UK / Europe tour which sees them play a handful of intimate shows in-between appearances at festivals including Download and Hellfest.
Starting the evening off were stoner/sludge/doom duo Tuskar. They began as they intended to go on – loud and heavy. I really loved their sound and, considering there are just two of them, they had great stage presence and energy. You also don’t often see the drummer on vocals, so that made them even more interesting. The band also went down very well with the crowd, some of whom may have seen them supporting BLS the previous evening, and some might have been completely new to the band.
Tuskar are playing some UK festivals this summer including Entombed Festival (Hastings), Washed Out Festival (Brighton) and ArcTanGent (Bristol). If you see them on a line-up I wholeheartedly suggest that you check them out.
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Following Tuskar’s triumphantly heavy set, the stage began to be set for the headliners – Black Label Society. A large curtain displaying the band’s logo created a sense of suspense and drama, and the room was heavy with anticipation as “Whole Lotta Sabbath” played over the speakers before the curtain dropped to the ground with huge applause from the crowd and two large plumes of CO2 billowing upwards.
Right from the very beginning Zakk Wylde was every bit the showman I had expected, and a photographer’s dream – regularly standing on a small riser to give fans at the back of the room a good view of his excellent guitar skills (whilst thankfully managing not to flash what was concealed under his kilt those of us in the photopit), coupled with a wide stance and frequent fist-in-the-air moments. The lighting was also the best I have ever seen at the venue, so already I was having a lovely time.
Zakk Wylde is probably best known as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, but Black Label Society are a hugely popular band and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to see them live. I was certainly not disappointed. They played a blisteringly engaging set featuring tracks such as “Set You Free” and “You Made Me Want To Live” from their 2021 album Doom Crew Inc., as well as some of their classics including “Suicide Messiah” and “Stillborn”. The room was packed and everyone was having a thoroughly enjoyable Wednesday evening of heavy, groovy guitars and epic solos. I will definitely be going to see Black Label Society at every possible opportunity in the future.
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Photos by Katie Frost Photography
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