An Interview With Jeff Fabb of Black Label Society

Jeff Fabb of Black Label Society Interview

Feature Photo courtesy of Raquel Figlo Public Relations

Jeff Fabb is one of the best in the business at thrashing the skins. From 2005 through 2011, he was the longtime drummer for alternative metal outfit In This Moment and played behind Richard Patrick in Filter from 2013 to 2014.

Those gigs aside, Fabb is best known for his long-running stint with Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society from 2012 to 2013 and from 2014 onward. To that end, according to Fabb, Black Label Society is working on a new yet-to-be-titled record, which should set metal fans alight with delight, as it’s their first since 2021’s Doom Crew Inc.

But that’s not all that the hard-hitting drummer, who hails from Mattituck, Long Island, New York, has going on—there’s a slew of solo singles afoot, too. Most who have heard Fabb’s solo work, such as his debut record, 2023’s Stealing Souls, will tell you that it’s remnants of his many stops—that’s to be expected.

That said, some touches and flourishes engage the listener, allowing them to be opened to Fabb’s world outside of the decidedly mega bands he’s held court with. Fabb might be a drummer with a habit of backing up superstars in soaring bands, but by the looks of it—mainly due to the sounds heard on his latest singles, “Hell in the Hallway, “See No Evil,” and “Love and War,” there’s a myriad of sounds boiling beneath the surface, waiting to erupt.

The word is that Fabb is milling away on his second solo record—the proper follow-up to Stealing Souls and his recent trio of singles. The hope is that we hear it later in 2024, with the caveat that he’s got Black Label Society to tend to. But according to Fabb, “That’ll be easy; whenever Black Label Society is down, I’ll work on my solo material.”

Until then, Fabb will be busy with his latest singles and his touring schedule with Black Label Society. In the meantime, Fabb beamed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to shed some light on his new music and more.

Tell us about your new music. What brought you to this point?

My first record, Stealing Souls, came out [on] November 30, 2023. I started on these songs when COVID-19 happened. We had a bunch of time off, so I started writing and recording. I kept writing after the first release, so I started releasing more songs.

Is a proper full-length record in the works?

There will be a full-length at some point, but for now, I’m going to release a song a month. The follow-up singles have been “Hell in the Hallway,” “See No Evil,” and “Love and War,” which is out April 5, 2024.

People know you from Black Label Society. How is this different, and are there similarities?

It’s different because I’m not just playing drums; I’m playing all the instruments, singing, and recording. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. There is [similarities] in the fact that I’m being creative; it’s just another way, not just in the drums. I guess the music is also slightly different, but I think it still has elements of Black Label Society in there.

What has being in a band with Zakk Wylde taught you?

It’s taught me that you never stop working toward goals and keep challenging yourself. If there is something you want to do, make it happen.

Is it freeing to step out on your own?

I wouldn’t say it’s freedom because I love being in a band with my brothers. Loving what you do and the people around you is a form of freedom, I believe. But it’s nice to take what I’ve learned from them and write songs.

It must be pretty scary, too.

It’s definitely a change, that’s for sure. Everyone has been super supportive, so that’s been cool. But even if someone doesn’t like my songs, maybe they can just be inspired to go out and write their own; take the chance, even if they’re scared.

Which songs mean the most to you, and what’s the story behind them?

They all hold a special place in my heart. I’m singing about my own trials and tribulations; it’s real. Most of the songs are about not giving up, persevering through fear and self-doubt, and then getting to the other side of victory.

What gear are you using; does that differ much from Black Label Society?

Of course, I have my Acoustic drums, which are the same as Black Label Society, and my Roland V drums. I also have my Wylde Audio guitars, Dean Guitars, Fender Jazz bass, Fender Strat, Pro Tools, Apollo interface, etc.

How do you hope these songs will be received?

I hope it inspires in whatever way it can. Even if it’s just the work ethic and the doing, that’s the inspiration. I do love it when others dig the music, so I hope it is received well.

What’s next for you?

I have a few more monthly releases to do, and then that will be summer. I’m thinking [that] I’ll release this next full-length album sometime after those singles. I’m planning on playing some of my own shows as well this summer. I don’t have anything set in stone yet, but I’m planning on it.

And how about on the Black Label Society front?

Black Label Society has the Berzerkus Festival in September, and then a new album. I believe that’s supposed to be released at the beginning of 2025, not exactly sure when, but somewhere in there. I’m definitely stoked for all of it!