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 Last night, we here at GlamMetal.com reported that Black Label Society guitarist Nick Catanese had to leave the current acoustic BLS tour because of personal reasons. Today, we have a special update from the Evil Twin. Also we are proud to present to the many fans of Black Label Society, an Exclusive Interview with Nick Catanese that was conducted prior to his departure from the tour.
Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society will continue the Hard Rock Café and radio station tour. Be sure to check out your local radio stations for details. Also be sure to check out Zakk, as he performs Black Label Society’s latest single, “Blood Is Thicker Than Water” coming to a city near you soon. This is a rare opportunity to see guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde perform in this very up close and personal acoustical setting.
Guitarist Nick Catanese is living proof that Rock and Roll dreams really do come true. In 1996, Nick responded to an add in Metal Edge to perform with Zakk Wylde, and the rest is history. Today, Nick Catanese is one of the top guitarists in the music world today. Nick has a style that is reminiscent of Eddie Van Halen, and his late guitar hero Dimebag Darrell Abbott. He plays with a passion and fury that is truly amazing to watch in concert. Black Label Society is known for their brilliant guitar performances, and to witness Zakk Wylde and Nick Catanese perform live, is surely an amazing concert experience for any Black Label Society fan.
Pittsburgh's Nick Catanese is an established guitarist, who is also endorsed by Washburn, which has produced a special ET Signature Guitar Line. Nick has combined all of his favorite features, when developing the special ET "Shot To Hell Signature" Guitar Model. Special features of the ET Signature "Shot to Hell" guitar include a guitar body that resembles that of a Les Paul, jumbo frets, and an amazing rich tone that sustains it's sound in concert. Be the first on your block to get an Exclusive ET Shot To Hell Signature Guitar.
On September 12, 2006, Black Label Society released "Shot to Hell" on Road Runner Records. The album is raw, real, and full of emotion. On the other side of the coin,”Shot to Hell,” showcases the softer side of Zakk Wylde.
In this Exclusive feature with GlamMetal.Com, guitar virtuoso, Nick Catanese talks about his special Guitar, gear, the upcoming Black Label Society tour in March, the making of his ET Washburn “Shot To Hell” guitar, and how Black Label Society has evolved into one of the top bands in music today.
www.boogiestreet.com www.washburn.com/catanese www.nickcatanese.com
Nick, The fans are concerned about your recent departure from the acoustic tour. How are you doing?
I'm doing good. I had a relapse of pheumonia and I am on on antibotics. I gotta get myself back for the tour in March.
The Staff of GlamMetal.com wishes you a full recovery.
Thank you.
Nick, First of all congratulations on your new Signature ET "Shot To Hell" guitar. Tell us about the special features of your Washburn Shot to Hell guitar.
Well, what I wanted to do was take the body style somewhat and the feel of a Les Paul and make it even more mean. It has everything I love, which includes a fat neck, jumbo frets, EMGS, Tone Pro bridges, and it's just a weapon of doom.
How many guitars do you have currently on the market? What special features were you looking for when you were designing them?
I have the Red one and the Black one, but through www.boogiestreet.com , we are doing rare ones like runs of 1 through 30 of just ideas that I have for them.
How many different guitars do you own? 
I don't even know. I think around 30 or 40 guitars.
How is the acoustic tour going?
It is going very well. It just shows how diverse Zakk really is.
What songs are being performed off of “Shot To Hell”?
"Blood Is Thicker Than Water", and The Last Goodbye".
Do you find it more challenging to perform the songs acoustically than electrically?
Nah, it's always fun to change it up.
Tell us about the special Dean Markley Strings that you are endorsing? Do they sustain the sound longer? I know how important it is to have the strings last during a show and really hold that special tone in concert.
They just have so much bite and they give you more bang for your buck that's for sure.
What inspired you to pick up a guitar?
"Eruption" by Eddie Van Fuckin’ Halen.
Nick, Let's talk about your style of guitar playing. How do you match the different guitar tones between you and Zakk? Is it hard to match the pinch harmonics?
Zakk and I have been matched together I think. When I was 16, I used to learn every Zakk lick and song until I nailed it, and that's how I got those harmonics. Now it paid off, we have a blast jamming together.
Who are some of your favorite guitarists?
Eddie Van Halen, Randy, Keith Richards, Tony Iommi, John Sykes, George Lynch, David Gilmore.
"Shot To Hell" is Black Label Society debut album for Road Runner Records. The label has done such a great job promoting the band. How would you describe "Shot to Hell?"
"Shot to Hell" is a mixture of both, "Mafia" and" Book of Shadows, " Great heavy stuff and wicked melodic songs with so much heart. Zakk just blows my mind with his creativity. He is a song machine. People will dig it.
Was it a challenge to learn all of the diverse guitar parts on the recent Black Label Society Tour? How do you think Black Label Society evolved as a band over the years?
No it wasn't a challenge, not at all. Zakk and I have such a great past together. I know what he is going play. I am blessed to have been around him for so long that I pick up easy with him. I love it. I just think as a band we are getting along so well as a unit it shows onstage and the crowd picks up on it and has a blast with us
What special effects and pedals do you use onstage?
Nothing special, just a chorus, the Zakk Wylde Overdrive, a rotovibe, and a wah pedal.
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As a guitar player, what is more important speed, or technique?
Neither, you have to learn how to play from the heart first. That is the main key. With no heart it doesn't matter how fast you are. You need feel and heart.
Tell us about the special guitar instruction video that is going to be featured on Comcast. How can the fans get the video?
It will be on Comcast sometime soon on the guitar star lessons.
How did it feel to be featured in the June Issue of Guitar World?
Amazing. It always is to see yourself in a magazine.
As a guitar player, what has Zakk taught you as a guitarist?
A lot, since I have been playing with him for 10 years. Zakk taught me picking, different ways to play chords and solo techniques
What type of music styles do you enjoy performing? I know Black Label Society started out with a Southern twang, and have recently returned their roots on "Shot To Hell.
Rock, and I love the ballads
Have you ever thought about releasing an instrumental album?
I don’t have time with the BLS schedule, but I would like to one day.
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On the recent, fall "Shot to Hell" tour you had the opportunity to play lead, on "Spoke in The Wheel", and "Last Goodbye". What did it feel like to play lead for your boss Zakk Wylde?
It's a fuckin honor, for Zakk to say here take the leads man, and hearing Zakk say every night, when the solo comes up,” Nick Catanese on the guitar", I never in my life thought I would hear that.
How supportive were your parents when you told them you wanted to pursue a career in music?
VERY, and still are to this day. My Dad manages me.
You recently attended NAMM. What were some of the highlights? The convention has to be the ultimate gear convention. What was it like meeting some of your heroes there?
There were so many highlights. Meeting Paul Stanley, signing with George Lynch, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and meeting so many cool people.
What advice to you gives aspiring guitar players at the NAMM Signing?
I tell them play with your heart and love every minute of it.
How has the music industry evolved since the early days of Black Label Society? It is so refreshing to see musicians playing solos again.
Well, that's why put in so many hours. You have to reach a certain level.
What has been your favorite Black Label Society Tour so far? Any special memories?
Every one of them is special in it's own way. We bond more and more as a unit. It's one big unstoppable force that will continue for a long time.
Musically, what does the future hold for Nick Catanese?
Not sure just taking things as they go, but Black Label will continue and beat ass every time.
What can the fans expect to see on the upcoming Black Label Society tour?
Same beating Black Label style.
Nick, Thank you, for taking time out of your busy schedule do this interview.
Thank you so much for your support of Black Label Society at GlamMetal.com. |
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