Special report by Deb Rao

As Halloween descended upon New York City, the only place to be was at ZAKK WYLDE's Hellfire Halloween Bash at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. It was Wylde's first concert appearance since his hospitalization for blood clots on August 25th.

The first major event kicked off on Friday October 30 with a special in-store appearance at Sam Ash Music Store on 48th Street in New York City, where Zakk greeted over 200 fans and signed autographs.

Black Label Society fans began lining up early at 4 PM on Halloween at the Hard Rock Cafe’ in Times Square for the special Zakk Wylde meet and greet which began at 6 PM. Ten lucky contestants were chosen to meet Zakk from the line, as well as fans who won a special radio contest prior to the concert.

Zakk Wylde stick masks were handed out to fans in line prior to the 8 PM door opening. The event was hosted by Eddie Trunk and Don Jamison of That Metal Show. Eddie Trunk encouraged all of the BLS fans to hold the Zakk Wylde mask up to their face when Black Label Society hit the stage. There was a special raffle, which feature three special give-aways including the special Zakk Wylde Epiphone Grave Disciple guitar, Dunlop Pedal give-away, and Monster Cable Headphone set. Inside the club, John Ostronomy of Talking Metal also handed out Zakk Wylde masks.

Black Label Society hit the stage with a vengeance opening with 'Black Mass Reverends' at 9:30 PM for a powerful 90 minute set. Wylde looked healthy, toned and happy to be onstage once again. He commented: "It is great to be playing to the New York Chapter of Black Label Society fans."

Fuelled by the powerful rhythm section of bassist John Deservio and drummer Craig Nunenmacher, highlights of the concert included 'Suicide Messiah' and the Southern rocked influenced 'Blessed Hellride' featuring Zakk Wylde and guitarist Nick Catanese on doubled neck guitars on the duelling guitar 'Blessed Hellride' intro.

One of the most inspiring moments of the evening included the acoustic portion of the set featuring Zakk Wylde on piano, John JD Deservio on backing vocals and bass, and guitarist Nick Catanese on guitar on the songs 'New Religion', and 'Spoke In The Wheel.' Black Label Society slowed things down only for a moment, as the band slammed into the catchy 'Fire it Up' featuring beach balls being tossed in the air. The song was followed by a riveting 15 minute guitar solo, where all eyes were on Zakk Wylde center stage. Zakk shredded the solo with precise execution and ended the solo with the US National Anthem. Throughout the entire set, Zakk showcased his signature guitars including the new Gibson USA and beautifully designed Epiphone Zakk Wylde Grave Disciple guitar.

Black Label Society ended the evening with their first hit 'Stillborn' and all the fans were on their feet as the band ended their ferocious set of brewtality on Halloween. Zakk is back!

Black Label Society set list:

'Black Mass Reverends'

'Destruction Overdrive'

'Bleed For Me'

'The Rose Petalled Garden'

'Suicide Messiah'

'Funeral Bell'

'Suffering Overdue'

'New Religion'

'Spoke In The Wheel'

'Fire It Up'

Zakk Wylde Guitar Solo

'Stoned And Drunk'

'Blessed Hellride'

'Stillborn'

Check out fan-filmed footage below: