Zakk has been voted "Most Valuable Player" for three successive years in the "Guitar World" (US) magazine polls. In 2005, he was also voted "Best Metal Guitarist", "Number 1 Shredder" and received the "Metal Hammer" (UK magazine) "Riff Lord" and "Golden God" awards.
Wylde has done numerous "guest" appearances on many albums, such as the debut album for Damageplan as guest vocalist, as well as Derek Sherinian's album "Black Utopia" alongside Yngwie Malmsteen, among others.
Zakk's film credits include Rock Star (As "Ghode", guitarist of the ficticious 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 (Zakk's favorite beer is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale). He has also done a comedy skit show alongside Jim Breuer, titled "Crapshoot", which is now available on DVD.
Wylde has also appeared as a guest star on the TV show Aqua Teen Hunger Force. He is a New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. He also performed the National Anthem on the electric guitar during a New York Rangers game in October 2005.
Zakk and his wife, Barbaranne, have 3 children and live outside of Los Angeles. He was a close friend of the deceased Dimebag Darrell since 1993, exchanging guitars in admiration for one another as fellow guitarists. Dimebag had given Zakk one of his custom Dean guitars with the trademark "bulls-eye" design on it shortly before the guitarist's untimely death. Wylde 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. He dedicates each live performance of the song to Dimebag.
Zakk started playing the guitar at the age of 15 and used to work at Silverton Music in Silverton, NJ. He practiced guitar as much as 12 hours per day. Often, he would play the guitar almost non-stop between coming home from school and leaving for school the next morning. He would then sleep through the school day.
Growing up, Zakk played locally with his first band called "Stone Henge" then later with local Jersey band "Zyris". Years later, a virtually unknown 19 year-old Zakk 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 the departed Jake E. Lee. Jake replaced the deceased Randy Rhoads, an idol of Zakk's, for whom he even built a shrine.
It is said that Wylde, at the age of 19, was hired after only one audition. Zakk's then-girlfriend (now wife) Barbaranne heard Ozzy was looking for a new guitarist on the Howard Stern radio show and sent him a mix tape. Ozzy dismissed the tape among thousands of others as "just another Randy Rhoads clone". But a couple weeks later, Ozzy's drummer at the time told him he'd found this great guitarist from New Jersey. Zakk recalled how he received a phone call from Sharon (thinking it was one of his friends' mother) telling him there was a ticket for him to fly out and audition for Ozzy. Ozzy soon recognized him from the tape and press kit, and hired him as his new guitarist.
Ozzy had run through many hopefuls following Lee's departure. At his fated audition, Zakk reminisces that he was hired on the spot even before he started playing, when he was still tuning his guitar. He first appeared in No Rest for the Wicked in 1988 with Ozzy Osbourne. In addition to Black Label Society, Zakk has been part of a Southern style blues band called "Pride & Glory" that released one self-titled album before disbanding. He has also released an acoustic solo project entitled "Book of Shadows" that contained a much different style of music than he had been accustomed to producing in the past.
Gibson Les Paul Custom "Bulls-eye" Zakk Wylde Signature Model Guitar
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Gibson Les Paul Custom "Bulls-eye" Zakk Wylde Signature Model Guitar
Zakk Wylde's guitar-playing style is usually characterized by his use of pinch harmonics (often confused with artificial harmonics), and his guitar soloing technique is usually characterized by his use of the minor pentatonic scale, playing rapid box-pattern licks using strict alternate-picking, creating a very distinctive, choppy attack, compared to the more fluid playing styles of other rock guitarists. Another notable feature of Zakk'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 picked up from watching Albert Lee, one of his influences.
He is known for his use of Gibson Les Paul Custom model guitars with a unique "bulls-eye" graphic on them, a design he used to deliberately differentiate himself visually (despite having a similar hairdo) from Randy Rhoads - who was also frequently identified by his white Les Paul Custom. Interestingly, one of Zakk'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.
Zakk's signature Les Pauls 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, 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 a regular store front and is christened "The Grail". It was lost to Zakk for some time when it was stolen while he was coming back from a gig in Texas. Rewards were posted to anyone that had information about the guitar - it holds sentimental value to him since it was a graduation gift from his parents.
Zakk and The Grail were only reunited years later, after a fan bought it at a pawn shop and realized he may very well have the missing guitar after checking the initials "Z.W." on its back and the serial number marked on the headstock. He then contacted Zakk's webmaster to arrange its return.
Gibson has released production models of Zakk's unique guitars, a testament to his commercial success and influence. Ozzy has always left the option open to his musicians to leave if they see greener grass elsewhere, but Zakk had stayed faithfully by the side of the Prince of Darkness ever since his teens. Zakk has also in the past auditioned and was poised to become part of Guns N' Roses but a miscommunication between management led to Zakk never having the opportunity to play with Axl Rose.
Zakk has stated that he has no respect for musicians who release material "not true to themselves". As a consequence, the band Limp Bizkit and their front man, Fred Durst are regularly ridiculed during Black Label Society's live events. Besides Fred Durst, Zakk has ridiculed 90's grunge band Nirvana by calling them 'shitvana' after finding out Dave Grohl helped Ozzy with guitar parts on an album. Wylde also believes that during a time of war, full allegiance to country, government and troops is required. Some believe him to be conservative, but Wylde cited "followers of George Bush" as one of the influences behind the "Mafia" track "Suicide Messiah".
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 had the presence of many rock celebrities.
Although Ozzy Osbourne has been auditioning new guitarists for future material, he announced Zakk as the official guitarist for his new album as a follow-up to his last studio release, "Down To Earth". Notably, the band performed recently during the latest UK Music Hall of Fame, playing "Crazy Train".
As of 2006, Zakk started the studio recordings for Black Label Society's follow-up to the 2005 release, "Mafia". The new album will be called "Shot To Hell", and will be released on September 19th through Roadrunner records with Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers) producing. The original release date was July 3rd. Black Label Society will be headlining 2nd stage at this year's Ozzfest wih Zakk playing double duty with Ozzy on certain dates. Ozzy's new album will be out in 2007.
Zakk Wylde uses various Gibson Les Paul Custom guitars with a "bulls-eye" graphic, as well as the famous "Rebel" Les Paul decorated with bottle caps, in addition to other guitars such as a Gibson SG Doubleneck (EDS-1275). His guitars are outfitted with his signature GHS Zakk Wylde Boomers strings and a set of active EMG 81 and EMG 85 humbucker pick-ups. He usually gives preference to Marshall amplifiers such as the JCM800 2203's and 2204's (He has his own Signature JCM800ZW Amp and cabinet loaded with EVM12L-Black Label guitar speakers). Jim Dunlop worked with Zakk to design two effect pedals, the MXR ZW-44 Dunlop Overdrive pedal, and the ZW-45 Zakk Wylde Signature "Cry Baby" wah-wah pedal, MXR m-134 stereo chorus, MXR EVH Van Halen signature phase.
Zakk was good friends with fellow musician Dimebag Darrell and before his death, Dimebag gave him a custom made Dean guitar that was Dimebag's Razorback signature guitar, painted with Zakk's Bullseye graphic.
Zakk's settings for Standard, Eb, Dropped D, and Dropped B tuning: GBZW (.010 .013 .017 .036 .052 .060) and for Dropped A, Dropped G, and other dropped tunings in a "D" tuning: GBWZLO (.011 .014 .018 .036 .052 .070).
Discography
With Pride & Glory
* Pride & Glory (1994)
Solo
* Book of Shadows (1996)
* Acoustic Cowboy* (1998)
* Kings of Damnation (Career Retrospective) (2005)
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 (2001)
* 1919 Eternal (2002)
* The Blessed Hellride (2003)
* Boozed, Broozed, and Broken Boned (DVD) (2003) (Certified Platinum)
* Hangover Music Vol.VI (2004)
* Mafia (2005)
* The European Invasion - Doom Troopin' Live (DVD) (2006)
* Shot To Hell (2006)
With Ozzy Osbourne
* No Rest For The Wicked (1988)
* Just Say Ozzy (1990)
* No More Tears (1991)
* Live & Loud (1993)
* Ozzmosis (1995)
* The Ozzman Cometh (1997)
* Down To Earth (2001)
* Live At Budokan (2002)
* Black rain (2007)
Other appearances
* Make a Difference: Stairway to Heaven / Highway to Hell (1989)
* Ward One: Along the Way (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)
* Thunderbolt Tribute To AC/DC (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)
* Ozzfest 2001: The Second Millennium (2001)
* Rock Star Soundtrack (2001)
* Themes of Horror (2001)
* Ozzfest 2002 (2002)
* Gibson's 50th Anniversary (2002)
* Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary - Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2003)
* Damageplan - New Found Power (2004)
* Fozzy - All That Remains (2005)
* The Shield Soundtrack: Music From The Streets (2005)
* MTV Headbangers Ball: The Revenge (2006)
Zakk Wylde chose the tour de force stomper "Blood Of The Sun" for the tribute album, "Legacy: A Tribute To Leslie West".
Cry Me A River
Zakk Wylde Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep on runnin?
But I just can't hide
No, I just can't hide
I keep on hurtin? baby
I keep on hurtin? so deep inside
So deep inside
Lord I need your smile
Made my grass green
And my blue skies blue
Lord was time when 2 was 1
Tell me now girl
Where?ve all the good times gone
Cry me a river
Wash my blues all away
Cry me a river
Girl you is my riverboat
Take me away
Is reachin? out my hand
won't ya please help me to my feet once again
Tears fallin? like rain
Lord it?s a time
When everybody needs a friend
Girl where?ve you been
Lord I need your smile
Child like the one I once knew
Made my grass green
And my blue skies blue
Lord was a time when 2 was 1
Where?ve all the good times gone
Cry me a river
Wash my blues all away
Cry me a river
Girl you is my riverboat
Take me away
In Zakk Wylde's song Cry Me A River, the lyrics describe the feeling of continuously running and trying to hide from one's pain and hurt that is deeply rooted inside. Despite trying to keep up a facade, the singer cannot ignore the fact that they need help and a friend during this tough time. The lyric "Lord I need your smile, child like the one I once knew, made my grass green and my blue skies blue" represents the yearning for a sense of innocence and happiness that was once present in their life, but has since faded away. The line "Where've all the good times gone" further emphasizes the sense of loss and longing for better times.
The desire to be consoled and shed tears is evident in the chorus, "Cry me a river, wash my blues all away, cry me a river, girl you is my riverboat, take me away." The singer seeks comfort in their personal riverboat, which represents the person they turn to in order to receive support and guidance through difficult times. The song's overall message is that it's okay to ask for help and show vulnerability, and that it's important to surround yourself with caring individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep on runnin? baby
I'm constantly moving forward in my life, despite my struggles and pain.
I keep on runnin?
I never stop trying to improve and find happiness.
But I just can't hide
My troubles and pain are always present, and I can't ignore or hide them.
No, I just can't hide
I'm honest about my emotions and struggles, and I'm not afraid to show them.
I keep on hurtin? baby
My pain is deep and continuous, and it affects every aspect of my life.
I keep on hurtin? so deep inside
My emotional pain is profound and difficult to express or release.
So deep inside
My pain is buried within me, and it's hard for anyone to see or understand.
Lord I need your smile
I'm looking for comfort and support from a higher power or someone who can inspire me.
Child like the one I once knew
I'm seeking the innocence and simplicity of my past, when life was easier.
Made my grass green
Those happier times created a sense of fulfillment and contentment in my life.
And my blue skies blue
My life was filled with hope, optimism, and positivity in those times.
Lord was time when 2 was 1
I remember a time when I was happy and whole, and I'm trying to get back to that.
Tell me now girl
I'm asking someone for help or guidance in finding my way back to happiness.
Where?ve all the good times gone
I'm wondering why I can't seem to find happiness or contentment anymore, despite my efforts.
Cry me a river
I'm asking someone to help me release my emotions and pain so that I can move on.
Wash my blues all away
I'm hoping that by expressing my pain, I can find a way to heal and feel better.
Girl you is my riverboat
I'm relying on someone to help me navigate through my pain and find happiness again.
Take me away
I want to leave my pain behind and start anew.
Is reachin? out my hand
I'm looking for someone to help me up and show me the way forward.
won't ya please help me to my feet once again
I'm asking someone for their support in helping me get back on my feet and find my way forward.
Tears fallin? like rain
I'm crying and feeling overwhelmed by my pain and emotions.
Lord it?s a time
I'm going through a difficult period in my life.
When everybody needs a friend
I'm looking for someone to be there for me and support me during this tough time.
Girl where?ve you been
I'm asking why the person who can support me hasn't been there for me lately.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Hamilton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marti
on Lost Prayer
It's pretty obvious to me that the video to this song is about the corruption of this young boy. He falls into an evil trap of sex addiction and is controlled by demonic thoughts, represented by the red-masked demon. This lifestyle is unsatisfying and in the end he is chewed up and thrown away, so to speak, by those he used and who used him. He also deprived himself of real love from the girl/young woman/angel because of his inner demons and continued bad choices.