Heavy Metal Nation is a place for fans of heavy, interesting music to come and read, write, and comment on articles about heavy music. The heat is sweltering, and Zakk Wylde is sitting in the bar area of the hotel, his attire consisting of a singlet and trackpants, and his beard looking remarkably longer than it’s ever been. He’s joking around with all those around him, and pausing in midst of conversations to greet anyone new who walks by and appears to be a fan.

Upon our introduction, it is as though we’ve known each other for years, and our meetings are a common occurrence. He makes certain all those around him are comfortable, happy and have sufficient beverages. Throughout the interview, he proves to be a talkative and animated character, jumping from topic to topic, and leaping from his chair to act out situations and further enhance his storytelling.

When asked about how he’s surviving in our blistering Aussie weather, he replies, “I’ve been in the gym, and trying to sleep, you know ‘cause… you’ve got the flight from like California, and then you [get here and you’ve] got you guys all like *slouches back in chair*, you know I’ve got to check your pulses to make sure you’re still alive… but you make it you know, you’re Black Label.”

At this point Zakk offers us both a beer, and we catch Zakk on the topic of Australian beer. “I usually have Becks man, but you know… Heinekin’s good… But… most of the time when we’ve been down here it’s you guys turning me onto [Australian beer] like, you go ‘Zakk’ *pretends to hand over beer*, because you know, you’re representing your Australian Chapter.

It’s like you go, ‘Zakk you want some Australian shit?’ And I go ‘What about some VB or Fosters?’ and you’re gonna go *makes fist* and try and knock me down... But Fosters is the biggest Australian beer in America… but you go ‘Zakk, I would never drink Fosters in my life’, but everyone in America goes ‘Ah, this is cool, this is Australian beer’.”

He goes on to talk about the price of beer, and how life’s too short, and you’ve got to just buy decent beer. Zakk then excuses himself for a moment and stops to put his arms on the desk and his head in his hands. After about thirty seconds or so, with us having no clue what he’s up to, Zakk informs us he just cured his hiccups.

When asked what it’s like being back in the saddle with Ozzy, he swiftly replies, “Being in the band is family… I’m just a phone call away… whether it’s ‘I’m gonna do this’, or ‘I’m taking a break’, or ‘do the Black Label thing’ or there’s the movies thing now or do this or do that… all he’s got to do is call me, he knows I’ll always be there for him. It’s family.

You know, if Oz wants to go back with Sabbath or if Oz wants to take a break or if he goes ‘Zakk, I want to write a new record’ or do this or do that, it’s cool. Or if he goes ‘You know what Zakk? I want to work with these other guys’ and this and that.”

With the simple mention of Randy Rhoads’ name, Zakk swiftly interrupts, “Well we know Randy is the man… The crazy thing with Randy is… I never got a chance to go see him play... I remember us all crying… I remember my mother [said to me, when I was] crying…’Sweetie, why are you crying?’… [and I replied] ‘Randy Rhoads died’…[she said] ‘If you love him that much, he’ll never die. If all you guys love him, he’s in you guys.’”

By now, Zakk’s eyes were filled with tears. During the time he was speaking of the man he has idolised all his life, Randy Rhoads, it became obvious how sincere this guy was. He wasn’t just another man in the Metal scene, he’s a man who loves and respects all those in his life, including his ever-expanding musical family. Struggling with words, he slaps his hand on his chest and nods his head, acknowledging the hero that lives in his heart still to this day.

Zakk Wylde isn’t one to mess around. Up until the Shot to Hell, BLS had released an album almost every 12 months. “I worked my ass off… I have no ass left, apparently, as you can see. *Zakk stands up, leans over and points at his ass* Don’t touch it, because it’s so hot”.

He’s right, he is constantly making records and touring, whether it be with Ozzy or with his own band. Having released the last Black Label Society album in September 2006, we ask if there are plans to hit the studio once again some time in the near future. “We’re gonna do another Ozzy record, another Black Label record, and then we’re gonna head back out on the road.”

For all the fans out there wondering just what the new BLS album will sound like, Zakk gave us a bit of insight. “I’m 41 now… the older I get it’s going to be mellow… I have no regrets, the bottom line is, I don’t wanna act like I’m 21 years old. I’m 41, I like being 41… Me and you aren’t gonna turn up at a high school and like we’re 12 years old, it’s kinda pathetically embarrassing, you know what I mean? … I mean, you look back on the funny hair… that was the day… you know, but you look at it and go *gives us a look of disbelief*”

He then changes the subject back to Ozzy, and tells us how even the great man himself has his doubts about his younger years. “He’ll go, ’Look at this’ and hold up [the fringe jacket]… and I mean, I love it… [I’d tell him] well you’ve got Sinatra, Elvis, You… I think it looks cool. ”

Throughout the interview, Zakk shows utmost respect for all those around him, as well as all those he speaks of. It is quite clear that this man is an authentic, down-to-earth guy, who also just happens to be one of the greatest guitarists to walk the face of this earth. And when it’s finally time for Zakk to depart and head to rehearsals for the Ozzy show the following night, he makes a point to get a photo with us, sign some stuff, and wish us all the best.

Posted 3rd April 2008 by Am I Evil? and Jetcitywoma
Updated Thursday, 8 July, 2010 0:29 AM