Tribute Titans Take the Stage: Sabbra Cadabra and Death Metallic Rock UCPAC in a Double-Bill Celebration of Heavy Metal

New Jersey’s Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is about to shake with the thunderous sounds of heavy metal as two of the state’s most revered tribute bands take the grand Main Stage in a show that promises to transport fans straight into the golden era of metal. In just two weeks, Sabbra Cadabra, the state’s legendary Black Sabbath tribute, will join forces with Death Metallic, a powerhouse Metallica tribute, for a night that celebrates the raw energy, precision, and authenticity of heavy metal at its finest.

Sabbra Cadabra has been a fixture of New Jersey’s music scene for nearly thirty years, earning acclaim not only for their faithful renditions of Black Sabbath classics but also for the immersive experience they bring to every performance. Frontman Joe Donnelly, channeling Ozzy Osbourne down to the signature stage moves, delivers a show steeped in nostalgia and devotion. The band’s dedication to authenticity is evident in their use of vintage equipment imported from England, expertly converted for modern performance. Every riff, every wail, and every note echoes the spirit of Sabbath’s heyday, giving fans both old and new an electrifying reminder of metal’s formative years.

Donnelly recounts a memorable encounter with Ozzy Osbourne himself at the old Tower Records on Roosevelt Boulevard in the early 2000s. Dressed in a classic Ozzy costume, Donnelly’s recreation of the 1970s Osbourne drew immediate praise from the Prince of Darkness, who reportedly exclaimed, “It’s me from the 1970s!…This is f$#%ing beautiful,” and later sported one of Sabbra Cadabra’s t-shirts on an episode of The Osbournes. That moment epitomizes the authenticity and reverence that Sabbra Cadabra brings to every stage, solidifying their status as one of the most respected tribute acts in the country.

Joining Sabbra Cadabra is Death Metallic, New Jersey’s premier tribute to Metallica. For over a decade, this band has captured the intensity and precision of Metallica’s signature sound, bringing the legendary thrash metal group’s most iconic tracks to life with impeccable musicianship. True to the ethos of their namesake, Death Metallic plays Metallica with “no compromise, no bs, no remorse,” delivering a performance that channels the power and fury of the original band while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Fans can expect to hear every iconic riff, thunderous drum beat, and soaring vocal line from songs that have defined a generation of metal lovers.

The combination of Sabbra Cadabra and Death Metallic creates a rare opportunity for fans to experience the dual legacies of Black Sabbath and Metallica in a single electrifying night. From the dark, pioneering tones of Sabbath to the relentless energy of Metallica, the concert promises a journey through the history and evolution of heavy metal, all performed with meticulous attention to detail and unrelenting passion.

Tickets for this double-bill event are now available, with a special promotion offering 20% off select seats for true fans using the code RETURN. This is more than a tribute show—it’s a celebration of heavy metal culture, a chance to relive the classics, and a testament to New Jersey’s vibrant live music scene.

For those looking to explore more live music events, concerts, and performances throughout the state, visit Explore New Jersey Music. With iconic tribute bands like Sabbra Cadabra and Death Metallic keeping the spirit of metal alive, UCPAC is set to host an unforgettable night that will resonate with fans long after the final chord fades.

MetalMania Live – 100% live heavy metal and hard rock. Features include the Metallica Live Radio Show, a full concert from the band’s archive.