Slash continues his world tour in support of his sophomore album, “Apocalyptic Love,” with a series of dates in South America this week.
On Saturday at Estadio Cubierto Malvinas Argentinas in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Slash was joined for an extended blues jam by guitarist Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, who opened the show.
“Many thanks to Zakk for jamming w/us tonight. It was an honor & a privilege,” tweeted Slash.
For his part, Zakk was thrilled, as well, posting on twitter, “BIG BL Thanks To SLASH/MYLES n The CONSPIRATORS for letting Is Roll w/Them... GREAT PEOPLE=GREAT TIME.”
Deep Purple’s landmark 1972 album, “Machine Head,” is getting the tribute treatment.
"Re-Machined: A Tribute To Machine Head" is a compilation CD featuring re-interpretations of songs by Metallica, Iron Maiden, Chickenfoot, Black Label Society and more.
The disc will be made available with Classic Rock magazine's upcoming Deep Purple fanpack.
Due on September 4, the fanpack also comes with an in-depth, official, band-endorsed 124-page magazine featuring exclusive interviews with Metallica, Maiden, Chickenfoot, Joe Bonamassa and Steve Vai.
Deep Purple discuss the making of the album, and provide access to exclusive and unpublished photos and artefacts from their archive.
The magazine also includes one of the last-ever interviews with keyboard icon Jon Lord, who died earlier this month.
Last week, Glenn Hughes assembled some friends to record "Highway Star" for this release as a tribute to the music legend.
Deep Purple’s most successful record, “Machine Head” reached number 1 in the UK and stayed in the top 40 for 20 weeks; it reached number 7 in the United States, remaining on the Billboard 200 for 118 weeks.
Various Artists "Re-Machined: A Tribute To Machine Head"
01. Smoke On The Water – Carlos Santana / Jacoby Shaddix 02. Highway Star – Chickenfoot 03. Maybe I’m A Leo – Glenn Hughes / Chad Smith 04. Pictures of Home – Black Label Society 05. Never Before – Kings of Chaos 06. Smoke On The Water – The Flaming Lips 07. Lazy – Jimmy Barnes with Joe Bonamassa 08. Space Truckin’ – Iron Maiden 09. When A Blind Man Cries – Metallica
Exclusive to this special edition:
10. Highway Star – Steve Vai, Glenn Hughes, Chad Smith, Lauchlan Doley
Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and his wife, Barbaranne, welcomed a new addition to the family this week.
Zakk posted the news on Thursday:
“VALHALLA JAVA ALMIGHTY BLACK LABEL!!! SABBATH PAGE WIELANDT WYLDE Has Come to Join The Mother Chapter!!!! JULY 4th,11:40”
Sabbath weighed in at eight pounds, 1.3 ounces and measured 21 inches long.
The couple’s fourth child, Sabbath is named after the legendary metal pioneers Black Sabbath.
Zakk reunited with Osbourne on the recent Ozzy & Friends tour, which was put together after the original Sabbath reunion trip fell apart following guitarist Tony Iommi’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Last week, Black Label Society announced that the band will be appearing at the Sunset Strip Music Festival honoring The Doors next month; they’ll also play a full Canadian tour this fall.
The Ozzy Osbourne & Friends show continues to wind its way across Europe.
The series of Ozzy-led concerts are fill-in shows for the originally scheduled Black Sabbath reunion, which was scaled back to three dates following news of guitarist Tony Iommi’s cancer diagnosis.
On Saturday, Ozzy and the crew played Malmö Stadion in Malmö, Sweden, with the now familiar setlist mix of Sabbath classics and Ozzy solo tunes.
Along for the ride are Sabbath’s bassist Geezer Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde, and Ozzy band members Gus G., Rob Nicholson and Tommy Clufetos.
In Sweden, the guys were joined by Slash for a few Sabbath tracks.
Black Sabbath’s plans for a full reunion album and tour this year were put on hold when guitarist Tony Iommi announced in January that he had been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system.
Iommi’s illness and timely treatment – including chemotherapy, steroids and radiotherapy – scaled Sabbath’s reunion plans down to three dates: a May 19 show in their hometown of Birmingham, the Download Festival in June and Lollapalooza in August.
Drummer Bill Ward also decided to sit out the reunion, for now, while he seeks a better contractual situation while negotiating with an unknown band representative.
The previously scheduled Sabbath shows have been replaced with an “Ozzy Osbourne & Friends” series of concerts, which started recently.
The Ozzy fill-in show played the Bergen Calling festival in Bergen, Norway on Monday night, and the band was joined for a few Black Sabbath classics by Slash.
Guitar World is firing up its first Rock & Roll Roast.
First victim: Zakk Wylde.
The legendary guitar magazine is teaming up with MusiCares to roast honoree Zakk Wylde, leader of Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne fretman.
Roastmaster for the event is Sharon Osbourne, as she leads a night of comedy, charity and chaos at the Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, California on Thursday, January 19.
The dais includes a celebrity panel featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Scott Ian, Chris Jericho, Jim Norton, Jim Florentine, Brian Posehn, Corey Taylor and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The evening kicks off the opening night of the annual NAMM Convention, where music equipment dealers show off their new toys.
All is well between Black Label Society leader Zakk Wylde and his former boss, Ozzy Osbourne.
Zakk had two lengthy stints as Ozzy’s guitarist: the first, from 1987 to 1995, and then from 2001 to 2009, when Osbourne brought in Firewind axeman Gus G. to handle things.
The days with Ozzy are behind him now — at least for the time being — since Osbourne announced in 2009 that he was replacing Wylde. But Zakk harbors no hard feelings. On the contrary...Osbourne simply decided his band was starting to sound like BLS.
“Yeah, no, totally, I still talk to Oz,” Zakk tells NewsOK. “No, no fallin' out or nothin'. No, we never got in any arguments ever. I mean, we were too busy dyin' of laughter. It was just like with Oz, ‘Zakk, I don't wanna be the lead singer in Black Label,' you know what I mean? I mean, if Randy Rhoads, if Saint Rhoads was still around, and if Randy was leavin' Oz, goin' to Quiet Riot and comin' back to Oz, Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Quiet Riot, after a while you go, ‘Uh, Randy, it's startin' to sound like Quiet Riot. I don't wanna be in Quiet Riot...I wanna have my own thing.' And you know, you can't blame Ozzy for that at all.”
“He knows I'm at his disposal whenever he needs me,” Wylde continues. “It's like, ‘Oh, you want me to come over and clean the dog run before you have company over? No problem.' And Gus G. (Wylde's replacement), aside from being a killer guitar player, he's a super cool dude ... Mom and the Boss (Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne), I mean, what more could Ozzy do for me? He introduced me to the world and then on top of it, Mom and the Boss always had me opening up on the Ozzfest and helping me all the time, so I mean, how could I not be eternally grateful to them?”
Black Label Society leader Zakk Wylde can sleep a little easier after successfully obtaining a long-term restraining order against an obsessed fan who allegedly left a creepy sacrificial offering outside the rocker's home.
TMZ reports Wylde was in an L.A. court Friday, where he testified his 20-year-old neighbor, John Radich, knocked on his door one day, shirtless, wanting to talk.
Zakk says he sent the guy home, but the next morning, he noticed Radich had left behind a "sacrifice" containing several bizarre objects, including a guitar covered in Sharpie marker and a boxcutter. Wylde cited another instance, claiming Radich also broke into his home studio recently, proclaiming, "I must assert my dominance!"
According to Zakk's wife, Radich has been obsessed with her husband forever, calling him "The Master," and she's afraid to live next to him.
Radich, who Wylde described as "mentally ill," was ordered to stay at least 50 yards away from Zakk and his family for the next three years.
The former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist filed the request last week, which resulted in cops placing the young man in a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.
Wylde appears on the new William Shatner album, “Seeking Major Tom,” due October 11, playing on a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” Check it out here.
Things are getting weird in Zakk Wylde’s world, and that’s really saying something.
TMZ reports former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist and Black Label Society leader Zakk Wylde has filed a request for a restraining order against his 20-year-old neighbor, claiming the man has been stalking and harassing him.
According to the complaint, Wylde recently called police to report an incident at his home involving the neighbor, which resulted in cops placing the young man in a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.
Wylde claims he is "terrified" of the neighbor, who allegedly recently left a "sacrifice" at the guitarist's home (see photo above).
According to Zakk, the neighbor was "deemed mentally ill" and diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 disorder, considered the most severe form of this mental illness.
An L.A. County Superior Court judge approved a temporary restraining order against the neighbor, requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from Wylde and his family.
Both sides are scheduled to appear in court on the matter on Friday.
Wylde appears on the new William Shatner album, “Seeking Major Tom,” due October 11 - you can hear their version of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”here.
“Iron Man,”the first track from the upcoming William Shatner album, “Seeking Major Tom,” has surfaced.
Shatner worked with former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist and Black Label Society leader Zakk Wylde and Mike Inez of Alice In Chains on the song as well, with Wylde recording his parts back in January.
"Zakk is one of the great guitarists who played with Ozzy Osbourne,” tweeted Shatner during the recording session. “A master playing a cover of IRON MAN. He's fantastic! I’m energized. MBB."
Due October 11, Shatner’s album features collaborations with rockers including Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Paice of Deep Purple fame, Peter Frampton, Johnny Winter, Michael Schenker, Steve Howe of Yes and others.
Shatner was given the Honorary Headbanger Award at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods Award Show back in April. Bill gained a new appreciation for hard rock/heavy metal while making the album.
“It’s increased my awareness of the excitement of heavy metal music, the emotion behind it, and the expertise of the musicians. I like good music and this is what this is,” he said.
William Shatner William Shatner – Iron Man (2011) Original by Black Sabbath
A week after he shocked fans by rocking the American Idol stage with contestant James Durbin, guitarist Zakk Wylde was spreading the rock gospel some more with an appearance on Lopez Tonight.
Wylde sat in with the show’s house band, Michael Bearden & The Ese Vatos, throughout Wednesday’s program, playing in and out of commercial breaks.
Zakk also stepped up for a full version of Lenny Kravitz’ “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”
Zakk’s next project - Black Label Society’s new disc, "The Song Remains Not The Same" - will be released on May 10. The offering features unplugged versions of material from Black Label Society’s latest album, “Order Of The Black,” as well as additional material recorded during the same sessions.
“The Song Remains Not The Same” was conceived, created and compiled by Wylde, and the title is, of course, a nod to Led Zeppelin.
BLS cover a few major tracks, including “Can’t Find My Way Home” (Blind Faith), “Junior’s Eyes” (Black Sabbath), “Helpless” (CSNY) and “Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Simon & Garfunkel).
Zakk Wylde – Are You Gonna Go My Way Original by Lenny Kravitz Lopez Tonight – April 20, 2011
Last week, a lot of headbangers had sore necks for a completely different reason: for throwing their necks out while spinning their head around at the news that Zakk Wylde had appeared on American Idol.
Wylde joined contestant James Durbin for a raucous performance of “Heavy Metal,” the Sammy Hagar tune from the film of the same name.
So how did Zakk end up on the show?
“Father [Chris] Jericho called me up," says Wyle, leader of the Black Label Society. "He's on Dancing With the Stars, so we've been busting his b**** about that." According to Wylde, Durbin asked Jericho to make the call on his behalf.
"It was that easy," says Zakk. "I was, like, yeah, no problem. Then the American Idol people gave me the song to learn. Sammy Hagar, no problem. I bought it from iTunes: off and running."
For his part, Durbin shared the news with his fans via Twitter.
“For the record: I ASKED for Zakk Wylde to play. I ASKED for a flaming piano. If it's possible, they'll make it happen. They love it! :-)”
Following the show, another tweet from James said it all.
“Zakk is a LEGEND! I have so much respect for him! His presence fueled me to push it! I've NEVER back bended that far!”
What's Wylde's professional assessment of James as a metal singer? "I think he did a great job. We all know Sammy Hagar's got a killer voice. He sang his b**** off, man."
Zakk’s having some fun with the whole thing: he now asks that the other members of his band Black Label Society refer to him as "The Idol."
"I told J.D. [bassist John DeServio] and the other guys in the band, 'You know, I'm also known as 'Icon'; they use the word 'legendary' around me. I guess now we can just throw 'Idol' in there.'" he says. "J.D.'s like, 'Dude, I'm not going to puke, I'm going to go hang myself.' So I'll definitely get some mileage out of this"
Up next for BLS is "The Song Remains Not the Same," an album that features acoustic versions of songs from their 2010 "Order Of The Black" album - it comes out May 10.
After a very heartfelt and respectful reading of The Beatles classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” on last week’s American Idol, James Durbin brought the power back on this week’s show – in more ways than one.
Joining Durbin for a energetic version of Sammy Hagar’s “Heavy Metal” was legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde – ex-Ozzy Osbourne player and leader of Black Label Society.
As the final performers on movie soundtracks night, Wylde and Durbin tore up the stage with a spirited effort, despite pre-show warnings from Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine, who tried to convince James to change his song selection. “You gotta be careful this week,” said Iovine. “That ain’t being careful.”
Durbin stuck to his guns. “This is what I’m doing,” James declared. “I know what’s best for myself as an artist, with no disrespect to either of you.” That statement earned Durbin a thumbs up from fellow mentor Will I. Am. of the Black Eyed Peas (is he a regular, now?) for fighting to stay true to his own vision.
“I have such a deep-seated passion for my music,” added James, “that I want to make the decisions…good or bad. I don’t think I’d still be here if it wasn’t for my passion.”
James earned plenty of praise following the performance. “He sung his ass off, without a doubt,” said Wylde. “Outstanding, Durbin!,” said Steven Tyler. “You just had to get that out, didn’t you. I’m glad you went with your feeling – nice lip to Jimmy, there – I’m glad you got that out, too.”
American Idol James Durbin - Heavy Metal With guest guitarist Zakk Wylde Original by Sammy Hagar American Idol – April 13, 2011
“Short of receiving an Emmy for my superb voice, the Honorary Headbanger Award is the next best thing. Praise be you won’t hear me sing.” - William Shatner
Legendary actor, recording artist and author William Shatner will be presented with the Honorary Headbanger Award at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods Award Show on Wednesday, April 20, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles.
Revered for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek, Shatner will be on-hand to accept his award, an honor Revolver magazine bestows each year to someone who has made their name outside of the metal world but still embodies its spirit.
Later this year, Shatner will officially prove the latter with his new album, “Seeking Major Tom,” which features collaborations with hard-rock musicians including Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and, on a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains.
BLS frontman/guitar god Zakk Wylde has announced the upcoming release of “The Song Remains Not The Same” on May 3.
The offering features unplugged versions of material from Black Label Society’s latest album, “Order Of The Black,” as well as additional material recorded during the same sessions.
“The Song Remains Not The Same” was conceived, created and compiled by Zakk Wylde himself and the title is, of course, a nod to one of Wylde’s favorite bands, Led Zeppelin.
BLS cover a few major tracks, including “Can’t Find My Way Home” (Blind Faith), “Junior’s Eyes” (Black Sabbath), “Helpless” (CSNY) and “Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Simon & Garfunkel).
Black Label Society “The Song Remains Not The Same” Release date: May 3
01 - Overlord (Unplugged version) 02 - Parade Of The Dead (Unplugged version) 03 - Riders Of The Damned (Unplugged version) 04 - Darkest Days (Unplugged version) 05 - Junior’s Eyes (Black Sabbath cover) 06 - Helpless (CSNY cover) 07 - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel cover) 08 - Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith cover) 09 - Darkest Days (featuring John Rich) 10 - The First Noel
In other BLS news, the next single from “Order Of The Black” - “Darkest Days” - will impact radio on March 21. The track showcases Wylde’s softer side with soulful lyrics, a hauntingly beautiful melody and captivating piano played by the guitar icon himself. An alternate version of the song featuring country superstar John Rich will appear on “The Song Remains Not The Same.”
After wrapping up a series of sold-out dates in Europe, Black Label Society will return to North America in early May to headline Fuse’s Uranium Tour 2011.
Mobile Backstage provides the official Black Label Society app for your direct connection with the band and the Doom Crew. Join the Berzerkers and share your experiences within this mobilized fan club.
This exclusive free app offers unique content from BLS. Yep, Mobile Backstage is your de facto personal access behind the scenes of the band chaos as it happens around the world.
BLS App features include:
* Follow BLACK LABEL SOCIETY around the globe on-the-go * Share your experiences (videos, pics, audio or text) instantly with the fan club and see what other Berzerkers are up to at the same time * Instant push notifications from Zakk, Nick, JD and Johnny as they happen * Rate and comment on all material posted by both the members of BLS and the fans * Send and receive private messages to anyone inside the app * Push your material to Twitter and Facebook * GPS locations in user profiles and postings * Berzerker envy from others who may not even own an iPhone (yep, some don't)
Black Label Society are tearing up stages across the UK on their current tour there; the eight-date trek runs February 14 – 23.
Black Label Society UK Tour 2011
Feb 18 – Cambridge - Corn Exchange Feb 19 – Southampton - Guildhall Feb 21 – London - The Apollo Feb 22 – Manchester - The Apollo Feb 23 – Bristol - Colston Hall
BLS leader Zakk Wylde sat down for a photo shoot and Q&A session during the tour, discussing things like their passionate fan base, his health issues, and, Zakk explains his mantra: “Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever.”
“The whole motivation is adversity,” explains Wylde. “Life’s a mountain; the Black Label way is we’re either going to through it, around it, over it, underneath it or dismantle it.”
In other BLS news, Zakk recently teamed up William Shatner to record a cover of the Black Sabbath classic “Iron Man,” for Shatner’s upcoming new album, “Seeking Major Tom,” due out later this year.
Black Label Society – Zakk Wyle interview UK tour - February, 2011
You might want to make sure you’re sitting down when you read this one.
William Shatner is teaming up with Black Label Society guitar hero Zakk Wylde to record a cover of the Black Sabbath classic“Iron Man,” for Shatner’s new album.
You read that right.
Shatner’s in the studio working on the record and, judging by a few of his Twitter posts, he’s clearly a Zakk fan.
"Just watched tracks being laid down by Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society for my upcoming record SEEKING MAJOR TOM. My best, Bill."
"Zakk is one of the great guitarists who played with Ozzy Osbourne. A master playing a cover of IRON MAN. He's fantastic! I’m energized. MBB."
"Seeking Major Tom" is being produced by Adam Hamilton, and early reports suggest the disc could contain as many as 20 songs, including a version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The CD is scheduled for release later this year.
Some video of Zakk wailing in the studio under the watchful eye of Shatner has surfaced.
Zakk Wylde and William Shatner – studio session
Here’s a classic Shatner performance of an Elton John hit, alongside a Family Guy parody/tribute.
William Shatner – Rocket Man Science Fiction Film Awards (1978)
Guitar hero Zakk Wylde made a cameo appearance on last weekend’s episode of Showtime’s hit comedy series "Californication."
"Californication" stars David Duchovny in his Golden Globe-winning role as hedonistic novelist Hank Moody who struggles to raise his teenage daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin), while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone).
The Black Label Society leader, and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, looked at home in his role as an employee at a music store.
Check it out:
Californication – Zakk Wylde cameo Showtime - January 16, 2011
Black Label Society – Mama I’m Coming Home Original by Ozzy Osbourne Live - 1997
Slash 
William Shatner 
