Zakk Wylde

Mon 16th Jan, 2012 in Features

The last time we spoke to Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, the legendary guitarist left a lasting impression, to say the least. Regaling us with tales of sexual misadventures and, well, not much else Wydle certainly lived up to his name.

Today, only months away from reaching our shores for Soundwave Festival, we find Wylde in an equally verbose mood, ready to talk about everything from his infamous feud with Fred Durst to life in the Osbourne circus.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to FasterLouder during the holidays we really appreciate it. How was Christmas and do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Yeah man, Christmas is always awesome; my oldest kids are 18 and 19 now and the youngest is 9 so we still have a great time. Everyone is on a break and we kick back. I don’t bother with New Year’s resolutions, I mean everyday you should be making resolutions on how much you’re gonna’ kick ass. I mean G-I-F-D, Get It Fuckin’ Done, Black Label Society style! Just the other day I decided it might be good idea if I stopped shitting my pants and going to the bathroom like normal people. The people in the movie theatre last night really appreciated that I had already started that change but the next challenge I am getting around to is wiping my ass.

Speaking of challenges -kids around the country have opened new guitars this Christmas. What are your tips for a would-be guitarist?

Well for starters, have a guitar with a good action. There is nothing worse than having an action that’s five foot off the guitar and plays like crap if anything it’s going to discourage people from playing. Learn off somebody that knows what they are doing and learn the basics really well. It’s like when someone can show you how to read to or write – as long as you get the basics then that goes a long way. I mean if you want to study it further and more in-depth later then do that, but get the basics down.

When I took lessons my guitar teacher Leroy Wright showed me the scales but also showed me how to play Sabbath songs, Zepplin Songs, ACDC and, you know, songs from my favourite bands so I am not just sitting around doing scales all day. You gotta be having a good time while you’re learning.

So what’s it like sitting back this many years since your first lessons and being regarded as one of the best guitarists in the world. How do you keep a level head about it all?

It’s cool man I mean its like well I look at like we benched 500 pounds today how do I bench 505 tomorrow. I say ok how can I improve on yesterday and get better. It’s all good.

Nice, so you are down for Soundwave in February, are you looking forward to getting back to Oz?

We can’t wait to get down there. I mean we love Australia and love doing festivals ‘cause we get to see a whole bunch of bands and catch up with the bands and our fans so we can’t wait.