Best known for his long stint in support of Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde live is an unforgettable experience. An endless hurricane of sweat-soaked blonde hair whipping around as fast and furious as the ear-bleeding dB riffs this muscular Thor-turned-guitar hero churns and burns on his ready and willing audience. It looks as devastating as it sounds. Pure, raw, unapologetic heavy metal thunder. Indeed, Zakk Wylde may not have invented rock and roll - but, he's doing his damndest to save it.
The thirty-something guitarist, who went from obscurity to guitar deity during his lengthy status as Ozzy Osboune's studio and stage guitarist and main songwriting partner is as busy as ever.
Zack is a huge fan of Monster Cable, which become an essential part of his live and studio rig, and views it as essential to his signature tone. "You know, when you're using a lot of cable, signal loss is the first thing that happens and boom! Suddenly you've lost part of your sound. Somewhere from the first pedal to the last one, it's just gone, man. With Monster, I lose no signal. And, because of that, my tone is slamming! Absolutely nothing gets lost from the amp to the peddle to the guitar. Yeah, if you're not going to go wireless, then buy some f--kng Monster Cable! I got no complaints, Monster is awesome. It hasn't let me down once."
Monster Cable caught up with Famous Monster Zakk Wylde between beers to get the latest scoop on the man and his plan. Here's what went down…
Monster: We understand you've been pretty busy lately. So, what's on tap for Zakk Wylde in the coming months?
Zakk Wylde: A lot! Me and the rest of Black Label Society are firing up the OzzFest. That tour will last twelve or fourteen weeks, something like that. Then we'll come back and I'll finish Ozzy's record and then blast out another Black Label album. Then, I'm supposed to go out in October, November and December with Ozzy on a solo tour.
M: There hasn't been a new studio release from Ozzy for years, that's great news that a new one will see the light of day soon. How far along is the record and what's it sounding like?
ZW: I think Ozzy has sung on seven tunes so far. As far as what it sounds like, well I'm trying to make it as f---ng heavy as f---g possible ya know?! The whole thing has just got to piss all over No More Tears, otherwise why do it?
 M: Your tenure with Ozzy has far outlasted any other guitarist he's had and you've also been an integral part of his solo career success, both as a songwriter and performer. So, why were you apart for so long?
ZW: Well, Ozzy has been busy, I've been busy. One day Ozzy called me up and said, "Do you want to get together and do some writing, ya know see what happens." Then he said "do you want to do the record?" Like I'm going to say no!
M: Stylistically, you've been all over the map throughout your solo career: mainstream metal, acoustic guitar, heavy-duty metal. You like to play it all, I guess!
ZW: As a musician I like doing different things. I don't like just doing one thing. I don't sit around all day just practicing certain scales. Black Label, is just another extension of stuff I like, ya know. I'll listen to like Neil Young when I'm kicking back, but when I want to lift weights and get rowdy as hell, I'll put on Pantera. At the end of the day I'm a musician. Period. I don't care about any of that rock star b.s. You can tell what guys are the real players and who the guys are doing it to get chicks or some dough.
M: Yet, it seems like a lot of musicians/bands aren't afforded the opportnity to follow their heart, they've got to do what sells.
ZW: Well yeah, when you're younger, you don't know. You'll do anything so your band is successful and you can play music for a living. When I was younger, I remember when Bon Jovi took off and we ended up getting pushed right into that. Everyone said "you're never going to get anywhere doing Metal shit. If you want to make it in the music business, you've got to look at Bon Jovi, what they're doing." But, I stuck it out and didn't care.
M: Well, you made it through that era and even the "no guitar solo" era of grunge, and yet, people still want to hear a good guitarist rip it up!
ZW: Well yeah, just because Soundgarden's Kim Thayil sucks, does that I mean I have got to stop playing kick-ass guitar?! I'll squash him!!!
 M: During the last few years, I understand you've struck up a friendship with Dimebag from Pantera. Any plans to collaborate musically, in the future?
ZW: Yeah, we were talking about working together. We'll se what happens. I mean, they're so busy right now. We talk on the phone every couple weeks, though. Maybe we'll do a G3-type record with a bunch of metal guitar players. Me, Dime and who knows, Kirk Hammett?? A real shredding record!
M: What's the gear lowdown for your live rig these days?
ZW: Same as always. Marshall JCM 800s with 200 watt EV speakers.
I use a Boss chorus, a Boss Super Overdrive. Then, I also use a Jim Dunlop Rotovibe and a Jimi Hendrix wah from Dunlop. That's all I need
M: Are the Marshall's modded at all?
ZW: Not at all. The only thing I've got in them is 6550's instead of EL34's. I think it sounds just a little bit fatter. Good and fat. It's void of Jenny Craig!!!
M: Over the past few years, Monster Cable has become an essential part of your live and studio rig. What does Monster do for your signature tone?
ZW: You know, when you're using a lot of cable, signal loss is the first thing that happens and boom! suddenly you've lost part of your sound, Somewhere from the first pedal to the last one, it's just gone, man. With Monster, I lose no signal. And, because of that, my tone is slamming! I mean. absolutely nothing gets lost from the amp to the peddle to the guitar.
M: Is there anything you can say to musicians out there who might not know that cable actually does make a difference?
ZW: Yeah, if you're not going to go wireless, then buy some f--kng Monster Cable! I got no complaints, Monster is awesome. It hasn't let me down once
Awesome Zakk Wylde & Ozzy Sites:
http://www.zakkwylde.com/
http://www.ozzyhead.com/
http://www.ozzynet.com/
http://www.metal.or.jp/~ozzy/
http://www.ozzy.net/
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