Zakk Wylde

Infobox musical artist
Name = Zakk Wylde


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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1967|1|14
Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
Died =
Instrument = Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Banjo, Piano, Keyboards, Mandolin, Harmonica
Voice_type =
Occupation = Musician, Songwriter, Producer
Years_active = 1987 - present
Label = Geffen, Spitfire, InsideOut Music, Artemis, Roadrunner, Epic, Sony
Associated_acts = Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, Pride & Glory, Steel Dragon, Derek Sherinian
URL = [http://www.zakkwylde.com zakkwylde.com]
Notable_instruments = Zakk Wylde Signature Les Paul
Zakk Wylde Signature Gibson Flying V

Zakk Wylde (born Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt on January 14, 1967 in Bayonne, New Jersey) is an American musician, who is best known for his roles as a guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of Black Label Society. He was lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory, who released one self-titled album in 1994 before disbanding. As a solo artist he released Book of Shadows in 1996.

=Career=

The Early Years

Wylde started playing the guitar at the age of 15 and worked at Silverton Music in Silverton, New Jersey. He grew up in Jackson, New Jersey, and went to Jackson Memorial High School there, where he graduated in 1985. [LaGorce, Tammy. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F00E7DB1631F934A15752C1A9639C8B63 "MUSIC; Thor, With an Electric Hammer"] , "The New York Times", November 27, 2005. Accessed October 6, 2007. "But the frustrating part for Zakk Wylde -- born in Jersey City, raised in Jackson and possessed of a gift for heavy-metal noise that regularly earns him the cover of any magazine with "guitar" in its title -- is that the six-string inner circle rarely widens.... "I was in Sayreville at this place called Close Encounters with my buddies in Stone Henge," a band formed with friends from Jackson Memorial High School in the mid-80's, Mr. Wylde said in a recent phone interview from Columbus, Ohio, where he was touring in support of "Mafia" (Artemis), a Black Label disc that entered the Billboard Independent Album chart at No. 1 last March."] Wylde has stated that he would practice playing the guitar as much as 12 hours per day and often would play the guitar almost non-stop between coming home from school and leaving for school the next morning, then sleeping through the school day.

Growing up, Wylde played locally with his first band, "Stone Henge", then later with local Jersey band "Zyris". He was taught by neo classical guitarist Sean Roche. Years later, the then unknown 19 year-old Wylde landed the coveted role as lead guitarist and co-writer for Ozzy Osbourne. He sent Ozzy a demo tape in 1987 and was hired to replace Jake E. Lee. Jake E. Lee had replaced the deceased Randy Rhoads, Ozzy's principal guitarist in the post-Black Sabbath period, beginning in late 1979. Wylde has stated that he has no respect for musicians who release material "not true to themselves". The late Randy Rhoads, a rock original, remains Wylde's foremost guitar-playing and stagecraft influence.

Working for Ozzy Osbourne

Wylde's then-girlfriend (now wife) Barbaranne heard Ozzy was looking for a new guitarist on the Howard Stern radio show. While playing at a local gig, a photographer (Mark Weiss) spoke to Wylde urging him to audition for Ozzy, and offered to send a press kit along to Osbourne; Wylde, who at the time was working at a local Getty gas station, decided he had nothing to lose. Ozzy dismissed the tape among thousands of others as "just another Randy Rhoads clone". But a couple of weeks later, Randy Castillo, Ozzy's drummer at the time, told him he'd found a great guitarist from New Jersey. Wylde recalled how he received a phone call from Sharon Osbourne (thinking it was one of his friends' mother) telling him there was a ticket for him to fly out and audition for Ozzy. Wylde has said that he was hired on the spot before even playing, while he was still tuning his guitar. The truth of this is unknown as Wylde is known for joking with interviewers. The first material he released with Osbourne was "No Rest for the Wicked" in 1988.

Guitar Playing Technique

Zakk Wylde's guitar-playing style is characterized by his use of pinch harmonics and wide/aggressive vibrato. His guitar soloing technique is usually characterized by use of the minor pentatonic scale, playing rapid box-pattern licks using strict alternate-picking, creating a very distinctive, choppy style of playing. Another notable feature of Wylde's playing is his liberal use of "chicken pickin' ," a technique which is usually associated with country music, and which is (comparatively) rarely seen in heavy metal; a technique he has stated as being picked up from watching Albert Lee.

Favorite Guitars

He is known for his use of Gibson Les Paul Custom model guitars with a "bulls-eye" graphic on them, a design he used to deliberately differentiate himself visually from Randy Rhoads - who was also frequently identified by his white Les Paul Custom. Interestingly, one of Wylde's favorite stage guitars of late is a replica of Rhoads' Flying V. The "bulls-eye" paint job was originally supposed to look like the spiral from the movie "Vertigo", but when it came back incorrect from the luthier, he liked the result and stuck with it.

Wylde's signature Les Paul's include, a red and flame-maple bulls-eye model, a black and antique-white bulls-eye model, an orange "buzz-saw" model, which Zakk got the pattern off a zippo lighter [http://www.guitarchina.com/news/newspic/20050201_091635_93490.jpg] , and a "camo" bulls-eye model with mother of pearl neck inlays and a green camouflage paint scheme. His original bulls-eye Les Paul was bought from one of the owners of Meteltronics Amplification. Metaltronics was building a one-off live rig for Zakk that was designed around one of the owner's guitars, a creamy white Les Paul Custom with EMG's -- to become known as "The Grail".

The Grail

Zakk fell in love with this particular guitar, "The Grail", the ever-present Bullseye-painted Gibson Les Paul Standard, and eventually was able to barter for it by trading for two other Les Pauls. All noteworthy rock guitars seem to have sad-happy tales associated with them, and "The Grail" is no exception. It somehow became lost to Wylde for some time when it fell off the truck as he was traveling between gigs in Texas. Rewards were posted to anyone that had information about the guitar - it holds sentimental value to him since it was the guitar with which he wrote and recorded all of his Ozzy material.

Wylde and The Grail were only reunited years later, after a fan bought it at a Dallas pawn shop and realized he may very well have the missing guitar after checking the initials "Z.W." carved into the humbucker pickup backs, and the serial number marked on the headstock. He then contacted Wylde's former webmaster Randy Canis to arrange its return to Wylde [http://www.zakkwylde.com/ ZakkWylde.com] .

Return to Ozzy

Ozzy has always left the option open to his band members to leave if they wish, but Wylde has stayed faithfully by Ozzy's side ever since he was a teenager (although Zakk was replaced in Osbourne's band by Joe Holmes from 1995 until his return in 2001).

On January 17, 2006, Zakk Wylde was immortalized at the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame located at 7425 Sunset Blvd, featuring his hand prints and signature, in recognition to his successful career as a musician and contribution to music industry. The event was open to the public and many rock celebrities were present, including Osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne was auditioning new guitarists for future material in 2005/2006 but announced Wylde as the official guitarist for his new album, "Black Rain." Wylde on stage with Ozzy gives Ozzy's show performances a forceful, timeless rock energy -- witness the superior, show-closing stage work on "VH1 Rock Honors" broadcast recorded live in 2007 in Las Vegas -- classic Ozzy on stage; Wylde honoring the Randy Rhoads influence in the music (See "Appearances" below). Wylde appears to be Ozzy's stage and recording guitarist for the forseeable future.

Black Label Society's new album, "Shot To Hell", was released on September 11th (UK), 12th (US) through Roadrunner records with production by Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers). Black Label Society headlined the 2nd stage at the 2006 Ozzfest, with Wylde playing double duty with Ozzy on certain dates. Ozzy's new album, Black Rain, was released in May 2007. Zakk Wylde is currently working a new film called "The Berserkers", with Zakk taking on responsibilities for script and production.

Personal life

Wylde and his wife, Barbaranne, have 3 children; a daughter, Hayley-Rae, a son, Jesse John Michael (named after Ozzy Osbourne), and another son, Hendrix Halen Michael Rhoads (named after Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Mike Piazza, and Randy Rhoads). He and his family live outside of Los Angeles. He and Barbaranne both attended Jackson Memorial High School in Jackson, New Jersey. Zakk was a close friend of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, founding member of Pantera and Damageplan, since 1993, exchanging guitars in admiration for one another as fellow guitarists. Wylde had given Dimebag one of his custom Gibson guitars with the trademark "bulls-eye" design on it shortly before Dimebag was shot and killed while performing in Columbus, OH on Dec. 8, 2004. Likewise, Dimebag had a customized Dean Razorback painted with the bullseye design for Wylde. Zakk dedicated the song "In This River" to Dimebag, citing that although the song wasn't originally written for him, the lyrics were fitting to the situation. The song gained a new importance and was changed from its original format during the live performances to make it more of a "Free Bird" type ballad with the addition of more solos, with Zakk playing with the Dean Razorback guitar Dime had given him. He dedicates each live performance of the song to Dimebag and, several times, he even cried on stage when playing the song. He has also stated it will be played at every Black Label Society concert as long as he is touring. Zakk is Irish Catholic. [cite web|url=http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/003756.html|title=Modern Guitars Interview]

Appearances

Wylde has made guest appearances on many albums, such as the debut album for Damageplan as guest vocalist and guitar on the tracks "Soul Bleed" and "Reborn." He has also worked on four of Derek Sherinian's solo albums: "Inertia", "Black Utopia", "Mythology" and "Blood of the Snake" alongside Yngwie Malmsteen among others.

On August 1st, 1993, Zakk appeared on stage with the Allman Brothers on lead guitar since Dickey Betts was unable to make the show, and they needed a guitarist at the last minute. This show is documented on the bootleg "Zakk Goes Wylde."

Wylde's film credits include "Rock Star" (As "Ghode", guitarist of the fictitious band Steel Dragon) and the concert DVD "Boozed, Broozed, and Broken-Boned" (Certified Platinum), recorded at Harpo's in Detroit, MI. It was the first time in the concert hall's history that all of the alcohol had been consumed on one night (Wylde's favorite beer is Sierra Nevada). It should be noted that his next concert DVD "" was released in 2006. He has also done a comedy skit show alongside Jim Breuer, titled "Crapshoot", which is now available on DVD.

Zakk Wylde also appeared on the TV show Angel in the season 4 episode The Magic Bullet where he plays acoustic on the song "Mandy" while Angel and Conner sing along.

Wylde has also appeared as a guest star on the TV show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force". In it, he plays guitar on a track produced by Master Shake that is supposed to become the next big birthday song, which is called "Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary." Wylde becomes irate when he finds out that Master Shake cannot pay him for his input on the project. Later in the show, Wylde is killed when caught between the crossfire of two robotic banjo-playing scorpions that apparently were, for some reason, armed with laser cannons.

He is a New York Yankees fan. He performed the National Anthem on the electric guitar during a New York Rangers game in October 2005. He has also played the anthem at Los Angeles Kings and Dodgers games. A video of a Kings performance is included as an extra feature, on the DVD "Boozed, Broozed, and Broken-Boned"

On January 30, 2007, Zakk along Black Label Society were the musical guests for MTV's Wrestling Society X debut. Zakk worked the night as a guest commentator as well.

On February 1, 2007 Zakk & Nick Catanese began a tour of acoustic shows at the Hard Rock Cafe in various cities across North America. Although Nick had to leave mid-tour due to unspecified personal reasons, Zakk continued to play shows alone. Zakk performed several songs, on both the acoustic guitar and keyboard. The tour was eventually cancelled due to unspecified reasons.

On February 2, 2007 Zakk Wylde guest hosted on Seattle's 99.9 KISW on the afternoon program The Men's Room

On the May 18 edition of WWE Smackdown, Zakk appeared with Ozzy Osbourne to play the hit single "I Don't Wanna Stop".

Zakk Wylde, with his Gibson Bullseye Flying V guitar, performed alongside Ozzy Osbourne on the 2007 "VH1 Rock Honors" cable broadcast (featuring tributes to and performances by ZZTop, Heart, Genesis, and Ozzy Osbourne), playing the show-closing numbers (with soaring guitar solos) "I Don't Wanna Stop", "Bark At The Moon",and "Crazy Train", complete with fireworks, to an auditorium audience in Las Vegas.

Not to go missing from the "Guitar Hero" game phenomonem, Zakk Wylde has recorded a guitar duel for the upcoming Wii/PS2/PS3/360 game "Guitar Hero: World Tour".

=357 Customs controversy and lawsuit= In December 2005, a promotional offer was posted on [http://www.zakkwylde.com/ ZakkWylde.com] , stating that anyone who bought a $100 merchandise gift certificate and a miniature model of a chopper would receive an $800 Epiphone guitar. The offer was posted by custom chopper company 357 Customs, through the then webmaster of ZakkWylde.com. On June 2, 2006, Bob Ringe, Zakk Wylde's manager, stated on the website that "357 Customs ran a promotion directed toward Zakk's fans, and [...] 357 has not delivered merchandise ordered during the promotion. Zakk has not authorized or otherwise been involved with this promotion, and has not received any compensation from it." Ringe went on further to state that he has instructed his lawyers to "contact 357....monitor this situation and follow up with 357." During and after the timeframe in which the 357 Customs offers were being advertised, numerous conversations, both via email and telephone were held with then current and former members of Zakk Wylde's management team, including Tim Bolin and Bob Ringe, and also Zakk Wylde's wife, with all parties confirming and supporting the promotion. A number of statements, both from the webmaster and Wylde himself, posted on ZakkWylde.com repeatedly stressed the legitimacy of the offer, and even went as far as placing blame on guitar maker Epiphone and electronics manufacturer EMG for the shipping delays. No order had ever been placed and these statements seemed to be offered as a means of placating the increasingly concerned customers. Several telephone conversations were reportedly recorded of staff from 357 and Zakk's management staff confirming the promotion but no longer exist. Fact|date=December 2007

On June 14th, 2006, Zakk Wylde's attorneys filed suit against 357 Customs Inc. in the Superior Court of the State of California. The suit alleges trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition, false advertising, breach of contract, as well as several other counts. The text of the lawsuit indicates that it was brought about to prevent any further victimization of Zakk's fans and to recoup unpaid royalties from 357 Customs. There is nothing in the suit indicating specific damages to be recovered on behalf of fans. [http://www.zakkwylde.com/357lawsuit.pdf Text of Lawsuit]

On July 5 2006, Black Label Society's webmaster, Chad Dyer, resigned from the website. He admitted being hired by 357 Customs as their webmaster and claimed that he wasn't aware of the conflict of interest. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54623] To this date, reports are that he has not been paid for the work on 357customs.com, even after it cost him his position with the Black Label Society he held in 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. Various reports note that Dyer was a paid employee of Black Label Society, which was not the case. The posted resignation letter on www.zakkwylde.com that was written by Dyer and signed off on by Zakk's manager Bob Ringe confirmed that he provided webmaster services at no-charge on account of his friendship with Zakk.

Seeking to bring an end to the episode, on May 8, 2007 Zakk Wylde's Attorney filed a Request For Dismissal of the case, ending the court litigation and any hope that 357 Customs Inc would be held to account for their actions.

Discography

With Pride and Glory

*"Pride & Glory" (1994)

Solo

* 1987 Instrumental Solo Demo Tape
*"Book of Shadows" (1996)

With Derek Sherinian

*"Inertia" (2001)
*"Black Utopia" (2003)
*"Mythology" (2004)
*"Blood of the Snake" (2006)

With Black Label Society

*
*"Sonic Brew" (1999)
*"Stronger Than Death" (2000)
*"Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live +5" (2001)
*"1919 Eternal" (2002)
*"The Blessed Hellride" (2003)
*"Boozed, Broozed, and Broken Boned" (DVD) (2003) (Certified Platinum)
*"Hangover Music Vol. VI" (2004)
*"Mafia" (2005)
*"Kings of Damnation 98-04" (Career Retrospective) (2005)
*"Shot To Hell" (2006)
*"The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live" (2006) (DVD)

With Ozzy Osbourne

*"No Rest For The Wicked" (1988)
*"Just Say Ozzy" (1990)
*"No More Tears" (1991)
*"Live and Loud" (1993)
*"Ozzmosis" (1995)
*"Down to Earth" (2001)
*"Live At Budokan" (2002)
*"Black Rain" (2007)

Other appearances

*"Stairway To Heaven/Highway To Hell" (1989)
*"" (1990)
*"Dweezil Zappa: Confessions" (1991)
*"LA Blues Authority" (1991)
*"Britny Fox: Bite Down Hard" (1991)
*"Guitars that Rule the World" (1992)
*"C.P.R" (1992)
*"Stevie Salas: The Electric Pow Wow" (1993)
*"Blackfoot:After the reign" (1994)
*"Stairway to Heaven Tribute" (1997)
*"Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus 2" (1997)
*"Hard Pressed - Nobuteura Mada" (1997)
*"Love: Tokma" (1997)
*"Merry Axemas Vol.2 - More Guitars" (1998)
*"RE-SET - Marcy" (1998)
*"Humanary Stew - A Tribute To Alice Cooper" (1999)
*"" (2001)
*"Rock Star Soundtrack" (2001)
*"Themes of Horror" (2001)
*"Gibson's 50th Anniversary" (2002)
*"Aqua Teen Hunger Force - Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary " (2003)
*"Damageplan - New Found Power" (2004)
*"Fozzy - All That Remains" (2005)
*"VH1 Rock Honors with Ozzy Osbourne" (2007)
*"Rock2Wgtn with Ozzy Osbourne" (2008)
*"Monsters Of Rock (2008)
*"Guitar Hero World Tour as himself" (2008)

References

External links

* [http://www.blacklabelsociety.com Black Label Society Official Website]
* [http://www.zakkwylde.com/gear.html Zakk Wylde's Guitar Gear]