ZAKK WYLDE: 'All The BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Fans Will Love This New Record'

Kevin Karr of the Vallejo Times Herald recently conducted an interview with guitarist Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE). A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Vallejo Times Herald: What inspires you to play to this day?

Zakk: "Music is endless. I like being in the studio most of all. The creating music process is always killer. Everyday stuff seems to keep the writing going and seeing what will come next. I am sure that the fans will like the new [BLACK LABEL SOCIETY] record. We have the same feel on the records, you know. There are some more piano-type feel songs with this one as well. Just a kick-ass record, you know. That's what BLACK LABEL is about. Kicking some ass! Friends and family make the music process easier too. We have a lot of family and friends all over the world."

Vallejo Times Herald: What is it like playing double duty on the [Ozzfest 2006] tour?

Zakk: "I have done it before, so it was just like, 'Yeah" let's do it.' Some of the shows we headline the second stage at Ozzfest, and then I play with Ozzy right after that. He has been doing some of the headlining shows on the second stage. I play with BLS and then go on with him right after that. It's great. All of the fans are into it and it is great to get the reception that we have."

Vallejo Times Herald: Your fans/family are some of the nicest people I have met. The family really stands behind you in whatever you do. That must be a great feeling.

Zakk: "It's cool, man. It's like a giant tailgate party. You may get someone from the L.A. chapter at a show hanging out with someone from the New York Chapter or something like that. They all seem to be one big family and that to me is great. They are some of the best people to have there with you."

Vallejo Times Herald: Do you have any certain fond memories of being on the road over the years?

Zakk: "Just going out there to kick some ass on tour, meeting up with people, talking to fans, friends and other musicians. Stuff like that. It is all so cool that you can't just narrow it down. There is a lot to remember. The beer helps, though. (Laughs)"

Vallejo Times Herald: The new album, "Shot to Hell", due out September 12th — are there any surprises on this record?

Zakk: "There are always some. You try some new effects and some new guitars and try and set it to the next level. Every record we try to make, we want to be bigger and better than the last one. All the BLACK LABEL fans will love this new record. It kicks ass."