After alighting from the crazy train that is Ozzfest ‘06’, Zakk Wylde put down the ESPN remote, and picked up the phone, taking some time to talk to FasterLouder about his impending rampage through Australia and the new album, Shot to Hell.
From the moment Zakk opened his mouth it was clear he was hyped about the opportunity to return to Australia with The Black Label Society. “I love getting out to countries that don’t usually get a chance to hear us. Especially with Black Label, I was out in Australia with Ozzy in the 90s, but haven’t had the chance with my new crew.”
The passion in Zakk’s voice is evident when talking about the show that Australia should expect. “I love bringing back stuff from old records and stuff that I haven’t played or heard in a while and throwing it into a live show. I also love throwing some heavy stuff together, and suddenly changing it up to the more mellow stuff.” It was unmistakeable that Zakk wanted to be, and should be taken seriously as an artist who has succeeded after playing second fiddle as Ozzy’s guitarist for so long.
No longer is he in the shadow of one of the biggest names of rock ‘n’ roll, but a player of the game himself, which is the reason you won’t be hearing any nostalgic cover songs at the show. “Back when we were just starting out, we used to throw in ‘War Pigs’, ‘Miracle Man’ or something, but now that we have a full eight albums out, we can’t justify playing to my past anymore, I really don’t think we need them. We have enough good content to pull a great rock show without ‘em.”
And if you were wondering what guitars Zakk likes to shred on while playing live, the answer is ”All of em! The Buzzsaw, the Rebel, the original, and I especially love the one given to me by Dimebag Darrell before his premature passing” Dimebag was one of Zakk’s idols throughout his career; however when he was first starting out working at a music shop, he was a huge fan of Randy Rhoads who he couldn’t help gushing about, “I loved that guy. It’s amazing how I ended up taking his space in Ozzy’s band eventually. I’ve still got posters up of him, Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen up on my walls.”
After being a part of Ozzy’s band, playing with a new group wouldn’t have the same excitement right? “Well, they are all different. Playing with Ozzy was amazing, but this is where I am now, I mean, bringing out these records without Ozzy, with a whole bunch of new guys is great. The shackles are off I guess.”
And it isn’t like he doesn’t see his old friends, as he plays Ozzfest regularly. “It’s an awesome experience every time. No rest though, we move really fast, not to mention the promotional stuff for Black Label at the same time. Now I have to get geared for Europe and then of course Australia! It never ends.”
I doubt he would trade it for the world however!
“Touring with Black Label is a lot more sedate than with Ozzy. He costs me a lot of money each time I tour with him. I was up for Forty thousand for the last tour because he trashed a room and threw a TV out of a window. Needless to say, the room couldn’t be used for a week afterwards while they fixed it.”
Is complaining about the antics of Ozzy a sign that Zakk is finally getting old? “I have definitely slowed down since the old days. After four nights of partying I am toast, so we usually get some food and beer and watch the game on ESPN and kick back to recuperate. I also still get into the classic tunes. The Stones, Zeppelin, or some Sabbath, as long as it’s not on MTV you know?”
The tour is promoting the band’s massive eighth album, Shot to Hell which comes out in September. “I like the sound of this record,” says Wylde ”and I had a blast recording it, so I can take so much away from the experience, which I hope will show through the sound.”
Is the sound so very different from the last seven releases? “It has the same vibe and style to it, but I think every record is different, I mean, what’s the point otherwise. You need to grow with the music.”
And obviously you would have different goals going into the studio as a veteran rather than a new-school rocker? I ask.
”I think I have brought a more melodic and measured approach to this record. I thought about what I was trying to achieve from each song.” Did it work? “You’ll have to buy the record and find out!
Zakk Wylde and the Black Label’s album Shot to Hell will be released September 12 through Riot.
You can see Zakk Wylde when he performs at the following venues:
Thurs Sept 21 – Metro City Perth
Saturday Sept 23 – Thebarton Theatre Adelaide
Sunday Sept 24 – The Palace Melbourne
Tuesday Sept 26 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Thurs Sept 28 – The Arena, Brisbane
Sat Sept 30 – St James Theatre, Auckland
