Black Label Society ignited the stage at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado, on Friday night, March 6, 2026, officially launching their highly anticipated 2026 North American tour. The electrifying performance, captured in fan-filmed video courtesy of Metal & Rock Concerts in 4K, showcased a robust setlist that blended fan favorites with a surprising and poignant revival of an Ozzy Osbourne classic. This tour marks a significant chapter for the band, coinciding with the imminent release of their new album, "Engines Of Demolition," and carrying the enduring legacy of their frontman, Zakk Wylde.
The Denver show provided a comprehensive snapshot of Black Label Society’s enduring appeal. Opening with an instrumental introduction, the band immediately plunged into a series of their most iconic anthems. The setlist featured crowd-pleasers such as "Funeral Bell," "Name In Blood," and "Destroy & Conquer," setting a high-octane tone for the evening. The live rendition of "A Love Unreal" and the dark intensity of "Heart Of Darkness" further cemented the band’s signature sound.
A particularly striking moment of the evening was the performance of "No More Tears," an Ozzy Osbourne cover. This marked the first time Black Label Society has performed the song live since 2001, a significant callback that resonated deeply with long-time fans. The studio version of Black Label Society’s take on "No More Tears" was originally included as a bonus track on the 1999 North American edition of their album "Sonic Brew," underscoring Wylde’s long-standing connection to Osbourne’s material. The inclusion of this track on the current tour suggests a thematic thread connecting Wylde’s past and present musical endeavors.
The concert continued with powerful renditions of "In This River," "The Blessed Hellride," and "Broken And Blind," showcasing the band’s unwavering stage presence and musical prowess. Fan-favorite tracks like "Set You Free" and "Fire It Up" further amplified the energy within the packed venue. The set built towards a thunderous crescendo with "Suicide Messiah," followed by an impressive guitar solo from Wylde, and culminated with the explosive closing number, "Stillborn."
New Album and Evolving Legacy
The timing of this North American tour is particularly noteworthy, as it precedes the release of Black Label Society’s new studio album, "Engines Of Demolition," scheduled for March 27 via MNRK Heavy. This marks the band’s first full-length release since 2021’s "Doom Crew Inc." and promises to deliver 15 tracks, including four previously released singles: "Name In Blood," "Broken And Blind," "The Gallows," and "Lord Humungus." A standout inclusion on the album is a track titled "Ozzy’s Song," a clear tribute to Wylde’s longtime collaborator and mentor, the legendary Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne.
Formed by Zakk Wylde in 1998, Black Label Society has consistently maintained a prolific output, balancing their own recording and touring schedule with Wylde’s continued involvement in Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career. Wylde first joined Osbourne’s backing band nearly four decades ago, a relationship that has defined a significant portion of his musical journey. The band’s commercial success is evidenced by albums like "Order Of The Black" (2010) and "Catacombs Of The Black Vatican" (2014), both of which achieved top-five positions on the hard rock album charts, demonstrating their sustained popularity and influence within the genre.
Reflecting on a Legendary Partnership
The inclusion of "Ozzy’s Song" and the live performance of "No More Tears" inevitably brings to the forefront Zakk Wylde’s profound and enduring relationship with Ozzy Osbourne. Wylde’s tenure as Osbourne’s guitarist began in 1987 after he sent the singer a demo tape. Since then, he has played on all but one of Osbourne’s solo albums, with the notable exception being 2020’s "Ordinary Man." His contributions are integral to iconic works such as "No More Tears" (1991), "Ozzmosis" (1995), and "Black Rain" (2007), solidifying his place in the pantheon of rock guitarists.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in October 2025, Wylde reflected candidly on the circumstances surrounding Ozzy Osbourne’s passing in early July 2025, following the "Back To The Beginning" concert in Birmingham, United Kingdom. When asked if he believed Osbourne knew his final performance would be so close to his death, Wylde responded with characteristic optimism, viewing setbacks as mere "speed bumps" rather than insurmountable obstacles. He expressed a belief that Osbourne still harbored a desire to continue making records and potentially perform select shows, likening the situation to fixing a flat tire on a truck and continuing the journey. This perspective highlights Osbourne’s resilience and his unyielding passion for music, even in the face of significant health challenges.
Wylde further elaborated on Osbourne’s perceived invincibility, drawing a parallel to enduring bands like The Rolling Stones. He confessed that even during the final concert, he didn’t consider it a definitive farewell, emphasizing the immersive nature of live performance. His primary concern was always Osbourne’s well-being in the moment, rather than dwelling on the potential finality of the event. This sentiment is echoed in his description of their shared experiences as akin to playing a game, where the focus is on the present and the drive to succeed. Wylde consistently encouraged Osbourne to persevere through therapy and physical rehabilitation, underscoring Osbourne’s own lack of a "quit" in his personality. He reiterated that he never anticipated the show being the last time he would perform with Osbourne, and certainly not that Osbourne would be gone just two weeks later.
Further insights into Wylde’s perspective were shared in an August interview with Waste Some Time With Jason Green. He described the shock of receiving the news of Osbourne’s passing from his wife, Barbaranne, while he was on the road with Pantera. Wylde recounted how, in the past, any discussions about Osbourne’s health issues were always met with a sense of resilience, framing them as temporary challenges rather than terminal threats. He likened Osbourne’s tenacity to that of daredevil Evel Knievel, who, despite accidents, would inevitably recover and perform again. This repeated pattern of recovery and continued performance fostered a sense of perpetual presence for Osbourne, leading Wylde to believe he would "always be around." He acknowledged the profound impact of Osbourne’s determination to complete the final show, contemplating the tragic possibility that if the concert had been scheduled for a later date, Osbourne might not have been able to perform it. Wylde suggested that this perception of Osbourne’s enduring presence was similar to how many fans view figures like Keith Richards and Mick Jagger.
When podcast host Jason Green pointed out Osbourne’s continued musical output despite his health struggles, Wylde agreed, emphasizing Osbourne’s unwavering commitment to his craft. Wylde stated that as long as Osbourne was able, he would "keep plugging away," never exhibiting a desire to give up. Wylde’s assumption was that they would continue writing and recording music until Osbourne fully recovered, envisioning future collaborations and studio sessions. He candidly admitted to expecting to see Osbourne on a Tuesday to resume their work, a testament to the routine and deeply ingrained nature of their creative partnership.
The Final Farewell
In a particularly poignant revelation during a late July 2025 interview with Guitar World, Zakk Wylde shared details about the final text message he received from Ozzy Osbourne before the singer’s death. Wylde had performed at the aforementioned "Back To The Beginning" farewell concert on July 5, 2025. Following the show, amidst the celebratory chaos backstage, Wylde had intended to connect with Osbourne later. However, Osbourne reached out to him first. The last text message from Osbourne read: "Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you. Thanks for everything." This exchange was followed by a simple, heartfelt affirmation of their bond: "I love you, buddy." This exchange serves as a powerful and intimate final communication between the two musicians.
Wylde further described his relationship with Osbourne as akin to that of an older brother, despite a nearly 20-year age difference. He spoke of the shared experiences, including their enjoyment of drinking, but also highlighted the profound support and guidance Osbourne provided. Wylde emphasized that if he ever needed advice, Osbourne was the person he turned to. His primary focus during Osbourne’s farewell show was, as he told Guitar World, "making sure that Ozz was okay," a testament to his deep care and concern for his mentor.
The "Back To The Beginning" concert itself was a significant event, designed to celebrate Osbourne’s illustrious career and acknowledge his ongoing health battles. The decision to hold a final, carefully curated performance, rather than a grueling, extensive tour, reflected a pragmatic approach to managing his physical limitations while still offering fans a memorable experience. The Denver show, featuring a nod to this legacy with the "No More Tears" cover, carries forward the spirit of that dedication to music and the enduring impact of Ozzy Osbourne’s career, as channeled through the powerful sound of Black Label Society. The band’s current tour, coupled with the release of "Engines Of Demolition," signifies a new era for Black Label Society, one that honors their past while forging ahead with a potent and undeniable musical force.