This was Zakk’s fourth gig on the extensive 40 city tour across the U.S. and Canada which hit off in Dallas, in support of his new ” LP Book Of Shadows II” which was released on April 8th, 2016 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), and is his first solo release in 20 years. This release is the highly anticipated follow up to 1996’s “Book of Shadows” LP, a classic album Wylde released between his work with Ozzy Osbourne. Zakk is the former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, and founder of the heavy metal band Black Label Society. In support were : Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Jared James Nichols (with band members Erik Sandin and Dennis Holm) I feel sorry for the folks who came in after the opening act because they missed Jared James Nichols and as far as I was concerned I could have watched this amazing Wisconsin singer and guitarist play all night along with his band. They explained the stage was much wider than they were used to so that was why they were all standing in a sort of long distance triangle with the drummer in the middle and Jared had to travel some distance to jam with his band mates! Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown changed the tone somewhat with some good old rock n roll. This band is currently on tour and supporting ACDC if you want any more credentials as to talent! The present members of the group include Bryant (lead vocals, guitar), Graham Whitford (guitar, backing vocals), Noah Denney (bass, backing vocals) and Caleb Crosby (drums). Zakk’s setlist comprised of ” Sold My Soul”, “Autumn Changes”, “Tears of December” , “Lay Me Down”, “Road Back Home”,” Yesterday’s Tears” , “Between Heaven and Hell” , “Darkest Hour “, “Guitar Solo”, “Throwin’ It All Away”,”Dead as Yesterday” , “Eyes of Burden”, ” Way Beyond Empty” ,” The King” , “Lost Prayer”, “Sleeping Dogs”. This was very mellow set, that I think surprised the audience after a robust solo guitar entry. Something to note, Zakk’s keyboard and harmonica playing. Warning – This set was more one to watch and absorb than rock out to!
