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Go Fuckin’ Wylde
Interview with Zakk Wylde
BLS-Guitarist/singer/songwriter
By Deb Rao
July 21, 2005
Rock guitar God, Zakk Wylde, is hailed as one of today’s most influential and brilliant musicians in the world of heavy metal. Wylde’s technique comes from an era in music where Randy Rhodes and Eddie Van Halen ruled the guitar world. Zakk claims to have learned the important lessons of life and music compliments of his best friend and mentor Ozzy Osbourne, as well as the late Randy Rhoads. He is living proof that hard work and dedication to your craft can make dreams come true. With a story that reads like a rock and roll fairy tale, the legend of Zakk Wylde began in New Jersey at age 19, when Zakk was plucked out of obscurity by his idol, Ozzy Osbourne. Together the two went on to co-write many of Osbourne’s best-selling, multi platinum albums including ‘No Rest For The Wicked,’ ‘No More Tears’ and ‘Ozzmosis.’
While still maintaining his role as Ozzy’s lead guitarist, Wylde formed his own band, Black Label Society, in 1998. In BLS, Zakk serves as sole songwriter, lead vocalist and lead guitar player. To watch Zakk Wylde perform on stage is truly mind-blowing. He has a bluesy voice that is reminiscent of Gregg Allman, and unleashes some of the most skull-crushing heavy guitar riffs, that parallel those of his late friend and guitar hero Dimebag Darrell Abbott. A softer side of Zakk is revealed in his powerful performance on his latest video, “In This River”, where he truly exemplifies his melodic edge with lyrics and vocals that reach in and put a stranglehold on your heart and soul.
Black Label Society has released an impressive catalog of multi-platinum records. Their latest effort, entitled “Mafia”, was released in March of this year on Artemis Records. The first single, "Suicide Messiah", burned up the radio airwaves, as it was being playing in heavy rotation across the U.S.A. "Mafia" is truly a turning point in Zakk Wylde’s career, and for Black Label Society. The intensity and production of "Mafia" has launched BLS into super stardom. The band has been playing sold-out shows across the United States and Europe, and is currently ripping roofs off arenas as they perform on the main stage at OzzFest. Wylde's guitar skills are simply unmatched as he responsible for putting the real meaning of “guitar solo” back into metal. BLS’s new label, Artemis Records, coupled with great promotion, has finally brought Zakk the recognition he deserves.
I recently had the chance to catch up with Zakk during opening night at OzzFest. Glam-Metal is honored to feature this exclusive interview with him. He is one of the most genuine, talented and honest performers that I have ever met and in this interview, he gives fans an in-depth look at Black Label Society, OzzFest, his latest album,” Mafia", his beloved guitar hero Dimebag Darrell Abbott, and life as one of rock’s most brilliant guitarists. Welcome to The Society, and get ready as one of rock’s “Wyldest” players takes center stage in this up-close and personal interview with the one and only, Zakk Wylde.
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Zakk, I saw you perform with Black Label the past two nights, and your show was simply phenomenal. How is everything on OZZFEST going so far?
It's awesome. We are having a great time. I haven’t had the chance to see Maiden or Sabbath yet , because a lot of the times we have to get out of town real quick, right after our performance, because there is traveling. You know a lot of times people think you are hanging out, but you can't. But Ozzfest is cool, you meet a lot of great people. We have been signing at the fye tent at whatever chapter of the Black Label that we are at, whether it is Hartford, Jersey, whatever. We have met a bunch of super cool people that will be friends for life. That is always a bonus. After we’re finished meeting people at whatever chapter we are at, I get a couple of minutes to warm-up and get onstage and the next thing I know, we are back onstage again. Ozzfest just got started, at this point it’s just before the machine blows wide open, and everyone knows what they are doing.
Now the thing I noticed at Ozzfest this year was how the younger fans that were watching you perform for the first time in their life, were in complete awe of your talent. Parents brought their kids to Ozzfest and actually it was the first time that they have seen bands like Black Label, Maiden or Sabbath. How do you feel about that?
That’s cool. He can be the next guitar hero and I can go home and take a vacation. (Laughs)
How did you meet Ozzy and begin your incredible musical journey?
I met Ozzy when I was 19 years old. I was urinating in the bathroom and he said “Dude you got to be my guitar player.” (Laughs) No, I try to tell different stories as I go along to make it interesting. Actually, I auditioned for Ozzy like everyone else. I was playing at a club in Jersey at 2 o'clock in the morning, when everyone is drunk. His buddy came up to me and said “Do you want to play for Ozzy?” I said “You know Ozzy, that’s cool. Do you know Zeppelin too?” I love Sabbath, Jake E. Lee, Randy Rhoads, and I said what's up? He says, "Dude, my buddy Mark Weiss knows Ozzy and Sharon. Ozzy is actually in town at Mark's studio for a photo shoot.” I am like 19 years old and crapping in my pants. All I wanted to do was get an autograph. You know what I'm saying? So, I drove up there and Ozzy wasn’t there at first, when I was going to meet him in New York. He was with Andre the Giant getting wasted and drunk. I was like OH MAN. Then I got a phone call from Sharon, and at first I thought it was one of my buddies putting my Mom up to it. But then I heard a delay on the phone, and I knew it was Sharon. It was the first time I ever heard someone talk to me from England before. Sharon is like “Is this Zachary?” “Do you want to fly to Los Angeles and play in the band, if everything works out and I audition you?” So I went out there, and there was Ozzy on the couch and I just crapped in my pants, and the rest is history. 
Wow!! What an interesting story. He certainly picked the right guitarist! Tell me about that special Jersey vibe that you bring to your music.
Yeah! I'm living on a prayer because I have been shot through the heart! Do you know what I mean? Brutality! (Laughs). Yeah, you got so many great performers from Jersey. Frank Sinatra, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani are from Jersey. Some people say it is the pizza, I say it is the water.
Yeah, I think you're right! It's the water. Now let's talk about your new album, "MAFIA". I think that it is your best work yet. Your guitar playing is simply brilliant. The theme of the album seems to deal with the chaotic state the world is in today.
I got to be honest with you. I didn't play on the album. (Laughs) Thank you for the compliment though.
It was your impostor right?
Exactly!
What is your favorite tune from "MAFIA"?
I love "Fire it Up," “In This River" and I dig "Dirt on the Grave."
I love your ballads most of all on the new album. It features your softer, mellow side.
Well you can't always be pissed off all of the time. Actually, being in Black Label, I’m pissed off 98 percent of the time.
Do you think Black Label will ever do an unplugged acoustic tour?
A lot of people tell me that. I am getting old, I am 38, and eventually I would like to do a Neil Young phrase of my career.
That would be totally awesome. I saw you back in your early Pride and Glory Days, when you performed in Boston at the Paradise, and really enjoyed your acoustic set.
Wow, that was in 94.
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Yes it was. Now, what exactly is "Suicide Messiah” about?
I actually wrote that song about Scott Weiland. A buddy of mine who is one of my best friends is like the Captain Shield of Black Label. He is a NYPD Narcotics detective and ended up busting Scott. You know in certain parts of town, you know if you are down there, ya know what is going on, and he said dude this is Scott. I love Scott, he is amazing. He is like Dude, I got a problem, and I gotta stop. So that inspired me to write "Bow Down, You Chose Your Maker, He Never Gives, He is always a taker, he is the Suicide Messiah." Everyone I have ever know, I have never done that stuff in my life, always winds up dead or broke from doing that crap.
Yeah, I recently saw you perform at the WAAF Beach party earlier this year, and you did a very heart moving tribute to Dimebag. Tell me about that special guitar that he had made for you.
Dime said Zakk, “I can't wait for you to see what I got you man.” I said “Christ, what did you get me now dude.” I was hoping he got me a 15 inch dildo to stick up my ass. (Laughs) He said “Well it is not 15 inches it is 22 inches.” I said, "You know if that thing is under 15 inches, I ain't talking to you no more.” (Laughs) So I got this guitar, after he passed away and he never got to say, “Dude, did you like it man", and stuff like that.
That’s so sad. How did you meet Dimebag? He was your best friend, right?
I met Dime when I was playing in Pride and Glory. I always loved his playing and everything, we just met and became best buddies, and he was awesome.
 Who are some of your favorite artist’ that helped inspired you to become a musician?
Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Aldo Nova, John McLaughlin, Led Zeppelin, Sabbath, Ozzy, Allman Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, classic rock. I also like Pantera, Zombie, Meshuggah, I like lifting weights to Ministry. I saw Kathleen Edwards the other night on TV, a singer songwriter, and it was kick ass stuff. It is good music. Some of the best music on the planet is mellow music.
It seems like you have made metal exciting again with your innovative guitar solos, and music. How do you feel about music in general today. Do you think we are going back to the era when lyrical content actually mattered?
What is old is new again. Girls are wearing midriffs again, hip huggers. For a while girls were wearing baggy pants. It goes out of fashion and suddenly comes back again. Nirvana was amazing. Kurt was like I don't want to do Eddie Van Halen solos, I am a song writer. He was all about the attitude. It's like hot dogs and hamburgers. Some people like hot dogs better than hamburgers, it is still food. One is not better than the other, do ya know what I am saying?
Yes, exactly! BLS recently toured Europe. What is your favorite country to perform in over there and when will the new DVD be released?
Any where were there’s beer. We always have a great time at the outside gigs. We have visited many Chapters of the Society, we hung out awhile, we recorded a bunch of stuff in England and Paris. It is going to take us a while to put the stuff together. Ya know what I mean. 
Yeah! I hope Black Label tours in the fall, and does a longer set than the one at Ozzfest. I was so getting into the set and it was time for you guys to get offstage.
It is kinda like the guy who goes down on you and his cell phone rings, and he suddenly stops and the girl says “What the hell are you doing?”(Laughs) “You cut me off, What is going on.”
Yeah............perfect analogy. Black Label are definitely one of the most exciting bands performing at Ozzfest this year. Zakk, is their anything else that you would like to say to your fans here at Glam-metal?
Stay strong! Keep believing in Black Label. We will see you later and KEEP KICKIN’ FUCKIN’ ASS.
What’s you advice for musicians just getting started in music today?
You gotta love the music, whatever the music it is. Don't be swayed by what other people tell you. You got to be dedicated to your instrument, cuz there is gonna be ups and downs. It is all one big family, and we’re all in the same boat. Don't ever quit the music, cuz music is never gonna quit on you. Ya know what I am saying?
Well, there you have it Ladies and Gents- the legend-Zakk Wylde. This interview took us almost two years to finally land and well.... it was worth the wait. So exactly what have we learned from this very informative interview ? Well, for one thing, if you’re a dude and you go down on a chick, turn your cell phone off. Or else if it rings while you’re doing the deed, she’ll feel like she’s watching a BLS show at Ozzfest. And also, Zakk seems to really be into strange gifts...and let’s leave it at that. If you have the desire for more info on Zakk and crew, check out our interview with Zakk’s side kick Nick Catanese here. And Zakk’s home page www.zakkwylde.com
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