To some, the word "tribute" can mean "not quite as good" or "not good enough."
I’m not here to tell you that what I saw on December 20 in Nashville was better than the originals, but if you love the music of these legendary bands, you won’t find a better version out there performing their music.
ZAKK SABBATH, ZOSO, THE IRON MAIDENS!
The day began with my buddy Richard and me heading to Nashville. After grabbing a bite at the Loveless Cafe and checking into the hotel, we were ready to rock!
The event took place at the Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. It’s a downtown venue that combines a restaurant and bowling alley with a concert space, accommodating up to 1,200 people, all general admission. We had tickets on the balcony overlooking the stage—an amazing view!
The show kicked off with The Iron Maidens! Just like Iron Maiden, who always starts their show with UFO’s "Doctor Doctor," the Maidens did the same!
They played a 6-song set, starting with "Aces High" and finishing with "Run to the Hills."
They’ve changed members a few times over the years, but they always present the music like the pros they are. The energy from the first note kept us all wanting more, and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing them again at a headlining show!
Next up was Zoso.
The first thing you notice is that they’ve nailed the look, with a Houses of the Holy backdrop and attire reminiscent of Led Zeppelin themselves.
They played a 9-song set, beginning with "Good Times Bad Times" and "Communication Breakdown."
The singer hit the high notes with ease throughout the set. Having never seen the original Zeppelin back in the day, this was an absolute treat!
Zoso has been at this for a long time, and I’d seen them once before headlining a show. I’m already looking forward to seeing them again for another headlining set!
Last but certainly not least was Zakk Sabbath!!
Black Sabbath has been my favorite band since I first heard them in the ’70s!
Zakk Sabbath took the stage with a 14-song set, starting with "Supernaut" off the Vol. 4 album.
Zakk’s guitar playing and vocals fit perfectly with the Sabbath sound—and they should, since he’s been Ozzy’s guitarist for decades. He knows the material inside and out.
Zakk kept the crowd pumped with his playing and even threw in a few jokes between songs. At one point, he came up to the balcony and rocked us all with a solo!
No "Paranoid" or "Iron Man" this time, but they delivered all the head-banging Ozzy-era songs we know and love, note for note!
The future of the music we grew up with is alive and well, thanks to these tribute bands keeping it going!
I’m thankful for the tributes that carry on the legacy!
– Randy Ramage (Rockin Ran)
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