Zakk Wylde

Zakk Wylde
Born	Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt (1967-01-14) January 14, 1967 Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Musician, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer
Years active	1987–present
Known for	Principal guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne; founder and lead of Black Label Society; lead guitarist and singer of Pride & Glory; touring guitarist for Pantera

Zachary Phillip Wylde (originally named Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt; born January 14, 1967) is an American musician recognized as the principal guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and the founder, lead guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer of the heavy metal ensemble Black Label Society.

Wylde is well-known for his distinctive bulls-eye motif displayed on numerous guitars he uses. He also served as lead guitarist and singer for Pride & Glory, which released a single self-titled album in 1994 before disbanding. As a solo performer, he issued Book of Shadows and its sequel Book of Shadows II. In 2022, Wylde joined the reunited Pantera as a touring guitarist.

Early life

Born Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt in Bayonne, New Jersey, on January 14, 1967, Zachary Phillip Wylde is of Irish heritage. He began learning guitar at age eight but became more dedicated during his early teenage years. At 14, he was employed at Silverton Music in Silverton, New Jersey. Raised in Jackson, New Jersey, he completed his education at Jackson Memorial High School in 1985. Wylde has mentioned that he frequently played guitar nonstop between classes, which often left him fatigued during school hours.

Early career

Wylde’s initial musical endeavors involved performing locally with Stone Henge, followed by playing with the New Jersey-based band Zyris.

Ozzy Osbourne (1987–1995, 2001–2009, 2017–2025)

In 1987, upon hearing that Ozzy Osbourne was searching for a new lead guitarist, Wylde auditioned and secured the position after Osbourne’s manager Sharon Osbourne dismissed previous guitarist Jake E. Lee. Wylde toured extensively and contributed to the albums No Rest for the Wicked (1988), No More Tears (1991), and Ozzmosis (1995), also co-writing material.

After being succeeded by Joe Holmes in 1995, Wylde returned to Osbourne’s lineup in 2001. Although not credited with songwriting on this occasion, he recorded Down to Earth and participated in touring activities. Following auditions held between 2004 and 2005, Wylde was reinstated as Osbourne’s official guitarist for the 2007 release Black Rain and its subsequent tour.

Wylde rejoined Osbourne for select performances in 2017 and took part in the No More Tours II tour prior to its cancellation. On September 8, 2022, he performed at SoFi Stadium during the NFL season opener halftime show, playing "Crazy Train" along with the title track from Osbourne's Patient Number 9. Released the following day, this album features Wylde on guitar across four songs.

On October 19, 2024, Wylde appeared at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse during the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring Osbourne, performing Mama, I'm Coming Home and No More Tears.

Pride & Glory (1991–1994)

During Ozzy Osbourne's farewell tour supporting the No More Tears album in 1991, Wylde assembled a new band by recruiting former White Lion bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Greg D'Angelo. Originally intended to be called 'Lynyrd Skynhead', this Southern rock-influenced project recorded two tracks: an instrumental titled "Farm Fiddlin" featured on the 1991 compilation The Guitars That Rule the World, and a cover of "Baby, Please Don't Go" included in the 1992 compilation L.A. Blues Authority Vol. 1.

By early 1994, renamed 'Pride & Glory', drummer D'Angelo was replaced by Brian Tichy. That year saw the release of their only album through Geffen Records, along with headlining a performance at England’s Donington Monsters of Rock Festival. In November, following a tour in Japan, LoMenzo departed just before a planned U.S. tour; Wylde swiftly brought in longtime associate John DeServio as his replacement. Pride & Glory concluded with their final concert on December 10, 1994, in Los Angeles.

On January 31, 1998, Wylde reunited with LoMenzo and Tichy for a one-time performance at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go.

Solo projects (1996, 2016)

Following the dissolution of Pride & Glory, Wylde produced Book of Shadows in 1996 as a solo effort to satisfy his contract obligations with Geffen Records. Twenty years later, on April 16, 2016, he unveiled Book of Shadows II via eOne, an album composed during breaks in his touring schedule.

Black Label Society (1998–present)

After Book of Shadows achieved modest results, Wylde teamed up with drummer Phil Ondich in 1998 to create Black Label Society’s inaugural album, Sonic Brew, with Wylde handling lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and bass duties. During the Book of Shadows tour, Nick Catanese served as rhythm guitarist and subsequently joined Black Label Society; he remained until 2013 when Dario Lorina took over. John DeServio, a longtime acquaintance who had briefly substituted for Pride & Glory’s bassist, performed bass on Black Label Society’s first tour and officially became a member in 2005. Since then, Wylde has released eleven studio albums, three live recordings, and six compilation albums under the Black Label Society name.

The band was the headliner for Ozzfest’s second stage in 2006, with Wylde also appearing alongside Ozzy Osbourne on select dates. In 2012, they toured Europe supporting Osbourne during the Ozzy and Friends Tour, including performances at festivals such as Belgium’s Graspop Metal Meeting.

Zakk Sabbath (2014–present)

Since 2014, Wylde has fronted the Black Sabbath tribute act 'Zakk Sabbath' as both guitarist and lead vocalist. The group features Rob "Blasko" Nicholson on bass and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens of the Stone Age), who succeeded original drummer John Tempesta. JP Gaster (Clutch) briefly filled in on drums in September 2017. Zakk Sabbath performs sporadically and has released two studio albums: Vertigo (2020) and Doomed Forever Forever Doomed (2024).

Pantera (2022–present)

On July 14, 2022, Wylde was announced as a touring guitarist for the reformed band Pantera, stepping in for original guitarist Dimebag Darrell, who passed away in 2004. The lineup—comprising Wylde, Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown, and Charlie Benante (substituting for original drummer Vinnie Paul)—made their debut at the Heaven & Hell Metal Fest in Toluca, Mexico on December 2, 2022. Pantera co-headlined Monterrey Metal Fest alongside Judas Priest and appeared at Knotfest events across Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. In 2023, they embarked on an extensive European tour and supported Metallica on select North American dates during the 2023–2024 M72 World Tour. On June 15, 2024, Pantera performed as headliners on the Opus Stage at the UK's Download Festival—their first UK show in two decades.

Additional collaborations

Wylde became part of the heavy metal supergroup Generation Axe, initiated by Steve Vai and including guitarists Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Tosin Abasi. The ensemble toured widely between 2016 and 2019. Their live performance from Beijing in 2017 was issued as Generation Axe – The Guitars That Destroyed the World: Live In China. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Wylde joined Generation Axe and Brian May of Queen for a six-guitar arrangement of Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody," featured on AXS TV's 'At Home And Social With Nuno Bettencourt & Friends', recorded remotely.

Personal life

Wylde and his spouse Barbaranne are parents to four children, with one having Ozzy Osbourne as their godfather. He shared a deep friendship with guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, to whom he dedicated the track "In This River" following Abbott's tragic onstage murder in 2004.

As a devout Catholic, Wylde identifies himself as a "Soldier of Christ."

In August 2009, Wylde was admitted to the hospital due to blood clots, which compelled him to cancel his scheduled tour alongside Mudvayne and Static-X. After this health scare, he made the decision to stop consuming alcohol.

By 2011, Wylde had collaborated with Blair's Sauces and Snacks to create 'Berserker Hot Sauce' along with additional flavors. He also endorses 'Death Wish Coffee' through his Instagram account, promoting a product line named "Odinforce Blend" that carries his personal branding.

Equipment

Wylde’s preferred instrument was a 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom featuring a bullseye paint design, acquired from Metaltronix Amplification, which was concurrently developing a custom live setup centered around a creamy white Les Paul Custom equipped with EMG pickups, later dubbed "The Grail." Originally intended to mimic the spiral motif from the film Vertigo, the guitar returned from the paint shop with a different finish than expected—a change Wylde found appealing. This guitar was lost during transit in Texas in 2000 but was recovered three years later after a fan spotted Wylde’s initials carved into it and facilitated its return; in gratitude, Wylde provided his signature model as compensation.

Additional signature Les Paul models include a red flame-maple bulls-eye, black and antique-white bulls-eye versions, an orange "buzz-saw" style inspired by a Zippo lighter design, and a "camo" bulls-eye featuring mother of pearl neck inlays and green camouflage paint.

Among his favored guitars is a GMW RR-V dubbed the "Polka-dot V," crafted by luthier Karl Sandoval and frequently mistaken for a custom Flying V. His collection also comprises a custom Dean Splittail with mud splatter bulls-eye artwork and his signature Gibson Splittail model called the "ZV." Furthermore, he owns a Dean Dime series Razorback adorned with custom Bulls-eye graphics originally commissioned by Dimebag Darrell prior to his passing; Wylde exclusively employs this guitar on stage when performing the tribute piece "In This River."

For practice sessions, Wylde relies on Marshall MG Series combos ranging from 10 to 30 watts as well as Valvestate combos. He maintains a long-standing partnership with Marshall Amplification, favoring both their solid-state and tube amplifier models. During live performances, he exclusively uses Marshall JCM 800 amplifiers paired with twin 4x12 cabinets loaded with EVM12L 300W Black Label speakers. His typical effects chain features Dunlop Wylde Wah, Rotovibe, MXR ZW Phase 90, MXR Wylde Overdrive, MXR Carbon Copy Delay, MXR EVH Flanger, and MXR Black Label Chorus pedals split between each amplifier’s high gain input.

Wylde’s guitar rig from his 1988 tenure with Ozzy Osbourne is well documented through gear schematics.

At the 2015 NAMM Show, Wylde introduced Wylde Audio, launching his own series of custom guitars and amplifiers. Since then, he predominantly utilizes Wylde Audio gear during live performances.

Awards

In January 2006, Zakk Wylde was honored with induction into the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame in recognition of his distinguished music career and significant impact on the industry. The ceremony included appearances by prominent figures such as Ozzy Osbourne.

Wylde was also awarded the Metal Hammer Golden God Award in 2010.

Discography

Collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne

• 1988: No Rest for the Wicked
• 1990: Just Say Ozzy (live album)
• 1991: No More Tears
• 1993: Live & Loud (live album)
• 1995: Ozzmosis
• 2001: Down to Earth
• 2002: Live at Budokan (live album)
• 2007: Black Rain
• 2022: Patient Number 9

With Pride & Glory

• 1994: Pride & Glory

Solo Releases

• 1996: Book of Shadows
• 2016: Book of Shadows II

As part of Zakk Sabbath

• 2016: Fairies Wear Boots (Live Bootleg: Los Angeles '16) (live single)
• 2017: Live in Detroit (live EP)
• 2020: Vertigo
• 2024: Doomed Forever Forever Doomed

With Black Label Society

• 1998: Sonic Brew
• 2000: Stronger than Death
• 2001: Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live!! +5
• 2002: 1919 Eternal
• 2003: The Blessed Hellride
• 2004: Hangover Music Vol. VI
• 2005: Mafia
• 2006: Shot to Hell
• 2009: Skullage
• 2010: Order of the Black
• 2011: The Song Remains Not the Same
• 2013: Unblackened
• 2014: Catacombs of the Black Vatican
• 2018: Grimmest Hits
• 2019: Nuns and Roaches: Tasty Little Bastards (EP)
• 2021: Doom Crew Inc.

Guest appearances

Wylde has lent his guitar expertise and vocal talents to a wide variety of artists, boosting his reputation within the music community:

• Guitar solo on Britny Fox's "Six Guns Loaded" (1991)
• Solo contribution on Blackfoot’s title track "After the Reign" (1994)
• Participation on the holiday guitar compilation Merry Axemas 2
• Guest vocals and guitar work on Damageplan’s "Soul Bleed" and "Reborn"
• Guitar solos featured on Dope’s "Addiction" (2009)
• Solos performed on Fozzy’s tracks "Nameless Faceless" and "Wanderlust" (2005)
• Contributions across eight solo albums by Derek Sherinian
• Served as a judge for the Independent Music Awards, supporting new talent
• Lead guitar on My Darkest Days’ single "Porn Star Dancing" (2010)
• Featured on Jamey Jasta’s song "The Fearless Must Endure" (2011)
• Guitar solo on Black Veil Brides’ cover of Kiss’s "Unholy"
• Solo performance on The Rippingtons’ track "Monument / Monolith" (2012)
• Guitar solo contribution to Eric Gales’ "Steep Climb" (2014)

Live guest performances

• On August 1, 1993, Wylde joined the Allman Brothers at Great Woods Amphitheatre in Mansfield, Massachusetts, substituting for lead guitarist Dickey Betts. This show is captured on the bootleg titled Zakk Goes Wylde.
• Wylde has performed the U.S. national anthem on electric guitar at events for the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Los Angeles Dodgers. A rendition with the Kings is included in the DVD release of Boozed, Broozed & Broken-Boned.
• In February 2007, Wylde and Nick Catanese embarked on an acoustic tour visiting Hard Rock Cafe venues throughout North America. After Catanese departed mid-tour due to personal matters, Wylde continued solo until the tour's cancellation.
• On April 13, 2011, he accompanied James Durbin on guitar during Durbin’s performance of "Heavy Metal" on American Idol.
• On April 20, 2011, Wylde appeared with Michael Bearden and the Ese Vatos performing Lenny Kravitz’s "Are You Gonna Go My Way" on the show Lopez Tonight.
• He delivered a live electric guitar rendition of the U.S. national anthem at Rockfest in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 14, 2011.
• On December 8, 2011, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wylde joined Guns N' Roses to perform AC/DC’s "Whole Lotta Rosie" while Black Label Society supported Guns N' Roses during their U.S. tour; he repeated this collaboration at following dates.
• Since late 2014, Wylde has been a frequent participant in the Experience Hendrix tour alongside artists such as Billy Cox, Eric Johnson, and Buddy Guy. His performances often include renditions of "Manic Depression", "Little Wing", and "Purple Haze", frequently collaborating with fellow musicians during these sets.

Acting roles

• In 2001, Wylde took on the role of the lead guitarist for the fictional group Steel Dragon in the movie Rock Star, which starred Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston.
• He made a guest appearance as himself in the animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force on Adult Swim during season 2, episode 14 (2003).
• Wylde was cast as "Guitar Guy" in a 2011 installment of Californication.
• In the Angel season 4 episode titled "The Magic Bullet" (2003), he performed guitar alongside members of the audience.
• He portrayed Jed, the uncle of Bones, in the 2010 movie Bones.

Additional media appearances

• Wylde was featured in an episode of Behind the Music that focused on Pantera.
• He was included as a playable character in the 2008 music video game Guitar Hero World Tour, unlocked by winning a guitar duel against him and completing Black Label Society’s track "Stillborn".
• In 2012, Wylde took part in the charity event 'Rock & Roll Roast of Zakk Wylde' held at Anaheim's City National Grove, which included roasters such as Scott Ian, Corey Taylor, Sharon Osbourne, and Kerry King.