Signature artist Zakk Wylde visited the Custom Shop on February 24th to sign the first 25 "pilot run" guitars of his new Signature Camo Les Paul. Zakk also came up with the idea of having his photo shot with each of the 25 guitars. A copy of this photo, along with a Camo Certificate of Authenticity (hand-signed by Zakk and Custom Shop General Manager Rick Gembar), will be sent to the purchaser of each of the 25 pilot run guitars (please note, the photo and signed COA will be available only with the 25 pilot run guitars; Zakk Camo LPs above #25 will get a standard orange COA and no photo). Zakk also consented to doing an hour-long online chat with his rabid fans. Over 250 SDMFs logged in (some well over an hour before the chat even started), and Zakk pulled no punches with his answers (like there was any chance of that!). Below is a transcript of the chat questions and Zakk's colorful answers (slightly edited).
Zakk Wylde: Hey Mother f***ers what's going on? Justin: Zakk did you know that your old guitar teacher Leroy Wright has a website and is coming out with a guitar instructional? Zakk Wylde: My guitar teacher Leroy - if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Brewtality: Hey Zakk, are u gonna tour the UK this year with Black Label Society? ZakkWylde: Yes.
Wylde_Pryde: Where the hell is EVIL TWIN!!!???? Zakk Wylde: The evil twin is watching NASCAR and practicing his ass off getting ready for OzzFest. (*Note: The evil twin is Nick Catanese, rhythm guitar player in Black label Society)
Jake E. Lee: I was told to be here for the Jake E. Lee chat - what's up? Zakk Wylde: Jake E Lee kicks ass, I have to play his solos every night with Ozzy and they kick ass. (*Note: Jake E. Lee preceded Zakk as guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne's band)
FinlandsWylde: Zakk are you ever gonna come to Finland? Zakk Wylde: Hopefully we will make it to Finland; I know we are going to Europe.
Hector20: Zakk, what advice do you have for someone that is trying to create his own sound? Zakk Wylde: Hector - just be yourself, obviously you've got to have influences vocally, for me it is Greg Allman, Ozzy, Ronnie Van Zandt.
Aero: Hello Zakk! Can you describe your work with Guns 'n' Roses? What kind of sound, musicians, style... thanks you very much. Zakk Wylde: Aero - Axl called me and asked me to jam; I have nothing but respect and love for the guy. We jammed for a while... just take a Black Label album and put Axl's vocals on it, that's what it might have sounded like.
UmairD: Zakk what do you feel about Axl Rose? Zakk Wylde: As far as I'm concerned, Axl is one of the greatest front men and singers ever.
hellride77: Hey Zakk! I love your music... I worship you!! Please come to Mexico!! Zakk Wylde: Doubt it - too hot.
Sonicbrew: Zakk, are you planning a Black Label tour after OzzFest? Zakk Wylde: Yes, I am.
Chris: Hey Zakk, will the Camo Signature Les Paul Custom will be released on the Epiphone line? Zakk Wylde: We'll probably do something with the Epiphone people, they make great s**t.
FinlandsWylde: I'm practicing 10 hours a day! Zakk Wylde: Not enough, dude.
Midnight: What do you think about Slash? Zakk Wylde: I'm good friends with Slash, Duff, and Matt... they are the real deal, I've never met Scott. I think it's great for them and I hope it's huge; it's great for the whole rock community.
Thefobia: Hey Zakk, u get bad press from p***y rock guitarists. Do you have a message for them? Zakk Wylde: You think I give a rat's mother f***ing ass?
Thefobia: That's what I thought!!!! U rock!
ShaneOmAck: ZAKK I PLAYED UR VERSION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MY HIGH SCHOOL TALENT SHOW. Zakk Wylde: Congratulations, I'm sure it was scary; you don't want to mess that song up.
Gabri: COME TO BRAZIL!!! Zakk Wylde: I love Brazil and the nuts there!
Brewtality: Zakk, what music are u listening to at the moment? Zakk Wylde: Damage Plan, Old Sabbath, classic rock radio.
Stephen: Zakk what do you think of other guitarists such as John Petrucci and Dime? Zakk Wylde: John Petrucci is one of the best guitar players on the planet and Dime, aside from being my brother, is the real deal.
mik-uk: Zakk the UK needs u and Ozzy... any idea when? Zakk Wylde: Tell the rest of the UK chapter we said hey, hopefully we'll be over there soon with BLS or Ozzy; I've got a lot of friends out there.
mik-uk: All the best to u and your family... say hi to Ozzy.
hellride77: Zakk what happened with the rumor of you doing a covers album? Zakk Wylde: F*** that, I'm a writer, it's all or nothing. I did a cover of "Whiter Shade of Pale" just me on the piano... I respect covers but if you can write, write your own s**t.
Billbailey: HOW DOES THE GRAIL FEEL AFTER NOT PLAYING IT Zakk Wylde: The Grail feels great, they refretted it and now the thing f***ing feels slammin'. (*Note: Zakk only recently recovered his long-lost late '80s LP Custom, affectionately known as "the grail")
Sonicbrew: ZAKK HOW DO YOU PLAY WITH WAH WHEN YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FOOT ON THE MONITOR? Zakk Wylde: I'll step on the wah more as a treble boost but that's about it.
LeighPaddedCell: Zakk, what do you think of the peavey 5150 amp? I've got a jcm900 SLX but i just can't get a brutal distortion sound out of it. Zakk Wylde: I use JCM800's, 2 203's or 2 204's from the early 80's - I hope that helps.
Tremor: Zakk, how old were u when you began playing guitar? Zakk Wylde: I started playing guitar at age 15.
The_BullsEye: ZAKK, FROM WHERE COMES THE IDEA OF THE WHOLE BULLSEYE THING? Zakk Wylde: Because Randy Rhoads, who is the greatest, had a white Les Paul Custom, and I had to do something different.
Duchovny: Zakk - your opinion on STEVE VAI please Zakk Wylde: Steve is a really close friend and one of the sickest guitar players on the planet.
Yvil: Who is going to play bass for BLS on OzzFest??? Zakk Wylde: James Lomenzo from Pride and Glory. (*Note: Pride & Glory was the name of Zakk's solo project prior to the formation of Black Label Society)
guitarguy9158: Zakk what was your practice schedule like when you where 16? Zakk Wylde: I would listen to all of the records I loved and do scales all day long. I still practice as much as I can, but there is so much bulls**t I have to deal with, it cuts into my practicing.
JCM800: What is the brand of tubes (pre-amp and power) in your using in your JCM800? And is it a modded amp? Zakk Wylde: I use 6550 Groove Tubes, and no my heads aren't modded.
JCM800: Thanks man. Hope to see you in Montreal, Canada. FinnishSOB: Zakk - You think Epiphone Les Paul is worth buying?? Zakk Wylde: Yeah, I told the Epiphone family if this thing is a piece of s**t you ain't puttin' my name on it.
Wylde SDMF: Zakk, how is little Hendrix doing??? Zakk Wylde: Hendrix is doing great, he's one funny little mother f***in' society dweller.
J ustin: Zakk how much would it cost to have BLS play at my birthday party? Zakk Wylde: It depends on how much beer you've got...
RickUK: Zakk, when you're stood playing lead stuff, does the picking come natural or is it harder to be as accurate and fast? Zakk Wylde: It's harder to play standing up, before I get out on the road, I practice for about two weeks standing up.
Billbailey: Y ARE THE NEW BULLSEYES MORE YELLOW IN COLOUR? Zakk Wylde: They put vanilla in the paint to duplicate the aging of the Grail, which was originally Alpine White.
BlizzardOfBLS: Hey Zakk... what did you first think when you first heard about Ozzy's accident? Zakk Wylde: It definitely freaked me out, I don't ever want to see him get hurt, I've got my dad and I've got him.
Kracpoe: Zakk, tell us about your new Dunlop Wylde Overdrive. Zakk Wylde: The new pedal that Jim Jr. and Scott Uchida made for me is very similar to the Boss Super Overdrive with more bottom end.
Sonicbrew: ZAKK HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ICED EARTH? Zakk Wylde: Yes, a kick ass band, good guys...
The_BullsEye: ZAKK THERE IS ANY CHANCE THAT U WILL COME TO SHOW IN ISRAEL? Zakk Wylde: I've never been to Israel, who knows maybe someday soon.
Todmakenzie: Who was your inspiration for slide guitar? Zakk Wylde: Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks.
M ShaneOmAck: ZAKK I HEARD U USED TO HAVE A SHRINE OF RANDY RHOADS IS THIS TRUE???? Zakk Wylde: Yeah, I still do.
Zakk Wylde: I've got to go sign a bunch of the Camo Bullseyes and letters of authenticity. As always stay strong, keep bleeding Black Label, I'll see you guys on the Ozzfest. We'll talk again soon.
Zakk Wylde Chats, Signs New "Camo" Les Paul
Signature artist Zakk Wylde visited the Custom Shop on February 24th to sign the first 25 "pilot run" guitars of his new Signature Camo Les Paul.
Zakk also came up with the idea of having his photo shot with each of the 25 guitars.
A copy of this photo, along with a Camo Certificate of Authenticity (hand-signed by Zakk and Custom Shop General Manager Rick Gembar), will be sent to the purchaser of each of the 25 pilot run guitars (please note, the photo and signed COA will be available only with the 25 pilot run guitars; Zakk Camo LPs above #25 will get a standard orange COA and no photo).
Zakk also consented to doing an hour-long online chat with his rabid fans.
Over 250 SDMFs logged in (some well over an hour before the chat even started), and Zakk pulled no punches with his answers (like there was any chance of that!).
Below is a transcript of the chat questions and Zakk's colorful answers (slightly edited).
Zakk Wylde: Hey Mother f***ers what's going on?
Justin: Zakk did you know that your old guitar teacher Leroy Wright has a website and is coming out with a guitar instructional?
Zakk Wylde: My guitar teacher Leroy - if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Brewtality: Hey Zakk, are u gonna tour the UK this year with Black Label Society?
ZakkWylde: Yes.
Wylde_Pryde: Where the hell is EVIL TWIN!!!????
Zakk Wylde: The evil twin is watching NASCAR and practicing his ass off getting ready for OzzFest. (*Note: The evil twin is Nick Catanese, rhythm guitar player in Black label Society)
Jake E. Lee: I was told to be here for the Jake E. Lee chat - what's up?
Zakk Wylde: Jake E Lee kicks ass, I have to play his solos every night with Ozzy and they kick ass. (*Note: Jake E. Lee preceded Zakk as guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne's band)
FinlandsWylde: Zakk are you ever gonna come to Finland?
Zakk Wylde: Hopefully we will make it to Finland; I know we are going to Europe.
Hector20: Zakk, what advice do you have for someone that is trying to create his own sound?
Zakk Wylde: Hector - just be yourself, obviously you've got to have influences vocally, for me it is Greg Allman, Ozzy, Ronnie Van Zandt.
Aero: Hello Zakk! Can you describe your work with Guns 'n' Roses? What kind of sound, musicians, style... thanks you very much.
Zakk Wylde: Aero - Axl called me and asked me to jam; I have nothing but respect and love for the guy. We jammed for a while... just take a Black Label album and put Axl's vocals on it, that's what it might have sounded like.
UmairD: Zakk what do you feel about Axl Rose?
Zakk Wylde: As far as I'm concerned, Axl is one of the greatest front men and singers ever.
hellride77: Hey Zakk! I love your music... I worship you!! Please come to Mexico!!
Zakk Wylde: Doubt it - too hot.
Sonicbrew: Zakk, are you planning a Black Label tour after OzzFest?
Zakk Wylde: Yes, I am.
Chris: Hey Zakk, will the Camo Signature Les Paul Custom will be released on the Epiphone line?
Zakk Wylde: We'll probably do something with the Epiphone people, they make great s**t.
FinlandsWylde: I'm practicing 10 hours a day!
Zakk Wylde: Not enough, dude.
Midnight: What do you think about Slash?
Zakk Wylde: I'm good friends with Slash, Duff, and Matt... they are the real deal, I've never met Scott. I think it's great for them and I hope it's huge; it's great for the whole rock community.
Thefobia: Hey Zakk, u get bad press from p***y rock guitarists. Do you have a message for them?
Zakk Wylde: You think I give a rat's mother f***ing ass?
Thefobia: That's what I thought!!!! U rock!
ShaneOmAck: ZAKK I PLAYED UR VERSION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MY HIGH SCHOOL TALENT SHOW.
Zakk Wylde: Congratulations, I'm sure it was scary; you don't want to mess that song up.
Gabri: COME TO BRAZIL!!!
Zakk Wylde: I love Brazil and the nuts there!
Brewtality: Zakk, what music are u listening to at the moment?
Zakk Wylde: Damage Plan, Old Sabbath, classic rock radio.
Stephen: Zakk what do you think of other guitarists such as John Petrucci and Dime?
Zakk Wylde: John Petrucci is one of the best guitar players on the planet and Dime, aside from being my brother, is the real deal.
mik-uk: Zakk the UK needs u and Ozzy... any idea when?
Zakk Wylde: Tell the rest of the UK chapter we said hey, hopefully we'll be over there soon with BLS or Ozzy; I've got a lot of friends out there.
mik-uk: All the best to u and your family... say hi to Ozzy.
hellride77: Zakk what happened with the rumor of you doing a covers album?
Zakk Wylde: F*** that, I'm a writer, it's all or nothing. I did a cover of "Whiter Shade of Pale" just me on the piano... I respect covers but if you can write, write your own s**t.
Billbailey: HOW DOES THE GRAIL FEEL AFTER NOT PLAYING IT
Zakk Wylde: The Grail feels great, they refretted it and now the thing f***ing feels slammin'. (*Note: Zakk only recently recovered his long-lost late '80s LP Custom, affectionately known as "the grail")
Sonicbrew: ZAKK HOW DO YOU PLAY WITH WAH WHEN YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FOOT ON THE MONITOR?
Zakk Wylde: I'll step on the wah more as a treble boost but that's about it.
LeighPaddedCell: Zakk, what do you think of the peavey 5150 amp? I've got a jcm900 SLX but i just can't get a brutal distortion sound out of it.
Zakk Wylde: I use JCM800's, 2 203's or 2 204's from the early 80's - I hope that helps.
Tremor: Zakk, how old were u when you began playing guitar?
Zakk Wylde: I started playing guitar at age 15.
The_BullsEye: ZAKK, FROM WHERE COMES THE IDEA OF THE WHOLE BULLSEYE THING?
Zakk Wylde: Because Randy Rhoads, who is the greatest, had a white Les Paul Custom, and I had to do something different.
Duchovny: Zakk - your opinion on STEVE VAI please
Zakk Wylde: Steve is a really close friend and one of the sickest guitar players on the planet.
Yvil: Who is going to play bass for BLS on OzzFest???
Zakk Wylde: James Lomenzo from Pride and Glory. (*Note: Pride & Glory was the name of Zakk's solo project prior to the formation of Black Label Society)
guitarguy9158: Zakk what was your practice schedule like when you where 16?
Zakk Wylde: I would listen to all of the records I loved and do scales all day long. I still practice as much as I can, but there is so much bulls**t I have to deal with, it cuts into my practicing.
JCM800: What is the brand of tubes (pre-amp and power) in your using in your JCM800? And is it a modded amp?
Zakk Wylde: I use 6550 Groove Tubes, and no my heads aren't modded.
JCM800: Thanks man. Hope to see you in Montreal, Canada. FinnishSOB: Zakk - You think Epiphone Les Paul is worth buying??
Zakk Wylde: Yeah, I told the Epiphone family if this thing is a piece of s**t you ain't puttin' my name on it.
Wylde SDMF: Zakk, how is little Hendrix doing???
Zakk Wylde: Hendrix is doing great, he's one funny little mother f***in' society dweller.
J ustin: Zakk how much would it cost to have BLS play at my birthday party?
Zakk Wylde: It depends on how much beer you've got...
RickUK: Zakk, when you're stood playing lead stuff, does the picking come natural or is it harder to be as accurate and fast?
Zakk Wylde: It's harder to play standing up, before I get out on the road, I practice for about two weeks standing up.
Billbailey: Y ARE THE NEW BULLSEYES MORE YELLOW IN COLOUR?
Zakk Wylde: They put vanilla in the paint to duplicate the aging of the Grail, which was originally Alpine White.
BlizzardOfBLS: Hey Zakk... what did you first think when you first heard about Ozzy's accident?
Zakk Wylde: It definitely freaked me out, I don't ever want to see him get hurt, I've got my dad and I've got him.
Kracpoe: Zakk, tell us about your new Dunlop Wylde Overdrive.
Zakk Wylde: The new pedal that Jim Jr. and Scott Uchida made for me is very similar to the Boss Super Overdrive with more bottom end.
Sonicbrew: ZAKK HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ICED EARTH?
Zakk Wylde: Yes, a kick ass band, good guys...
The_BullsEye: ZAKK THERE IS ANY CHANCE THAT U WILL COME TO SHOW IN ISRAEL?
Zakk Wylde: I've never been to Israel, who knows maybe someday soon.
Todmakenzie: Who was your inspiration for slide guitar?
Zakk Wylde: Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks.
M ShaneOmAck: ZAKK I HEARD U USED TO HAVE A SHRINE OF RANDY RHOADS IS THIS TRUE????
Zakk Wylde: Yeah, I still do.
Zakk Wylde: I've got to go sign a bunch of the Camo Bullseyes and letters of authenticity. As always stay strong, keep bleeding Black Label, I'll see you guys on the Ozzfest. We'll talk again soon.