One of the most iconic names in the “heavy metal” genre, Zakk Wylde is most known for his illustrious relationship with Ozzy Osbourne. He began his musical career at a young age and produced music that brought comfort to people all around the world. Zakk’s first band, “Stone Henge,” was just the start of what was to come. Since then, Wylde had been involved with a number of regional bands in New Jersey until getting his big break with Ozzy Osbourne. He quit Ozzy to start his own band, “Black Label Society,” after an explosive debut and multiple chart-topping successes. He did, however, rejoin Ozzy, and he has also made cameo appearances on a number of his albums. He has also worked as a producer and songwriter. After ten years, “Black Label Society” continues to influence rock bands and fans around the globe, who are now referred to as “Berzekers.” Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever—abbreviated SDMF—is the band’s catchphrase. Wylde has guided the “Berzerkers” in forming a heavy metal group that has in every way adhered to his ideals and goals. Continue reading to get more fascinating details about this personality.
Early Childhood & Life
On January 14, 1967, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt was given the name Zakk Wylde. He was a guitar prodigy who began playing the instrument at a young age. He would frequently sleep in class while playing the guitar for up to 12 hours nonstop.
He left Jackson Memorial High School in 1985 with a diploma. When he was barely 14 years old, he started working at Silverton Music in Silverton, New Jersey.
Career of Zakk Wylde
Young Wylde’s first band, “Stone Henge,” began performing in New Jersey. The next local band Wylde briefly performed with was called “Zyris.”
In 1987, Ozzy Osbourne chose him to be the lead guitarist and co-writer for his band, and this was the beginning of his huge break.
He served as the lead guitarist for Ozzy’s band as well as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the later-disbanded Pride & Glory.
He left Ozzy in 1995 to start his own band, Black Label Society, which went on to become one of the era’s most well-known bands. He released his solo album, “Book of Shadows,” the following year.
In 2001, he joined Ozzy Osbourne’s group once more. Five years later, Roadrunner Records issued the album “Shot to Hell” by his band, “Black label Society.”
Wylde performed on several dates with Ozzy and the “Black Label Society” during the 2006 “Ozzfest.” Wylde played lead guitar on Ozzy’s album “Black Rain,” which was released the following year.
He played the role of “Jed” in the 2010 film “Bones” in which he made an appearance.
The song, “The Song Remains Not the Same,” was published by the “Black Label Society” in May 2011. ‘Black Veil Brides’ cover of Kiss’ ‘Unholy’ featured him on a solo as well.
Gibson Les Paul Custom model guitars with a “bulls-eye” design are known for being used by Zakk. He revealed Wylde Audio, his new business, and provided a sneak peek at his new range of custom guitars and amplifiers at the 2015 NAMM exhibition.
His debut album with Ozzy Osbourne, “No rest for the Wicked,” was released by Major Works in 1988. It was his first significant success, and the RIAA awarded the album gold and double platinum certifications. The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 at the time of release.
He issued “Book of Shadows,” his debut solo album, in 1996. Listeners seemed to like the tracks “Between Heaven and Hell” and “Way Beyond Empty.”
Recognition & Achievements
Wylde was selected as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ for three years by readers of the ‘Guitar World’ magazine.
His name is listed on the “Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame,” along with his handprint and signature.
Personal Legacy & Life
Hayley Rae, Hendrix, Sabbath, and Jesse are the names of Wylde’s four children with his wife Barbaranne.
Wylde wrote ‘In this River’ as a tribute to his dear buddy Darell ‘Dimebag’ Abott, who was killed in 2004.
He has contributed to the spread of the gospel and steadfastly upholds his Irish Catholic religion.
His health has been a concern, and he was admitted to the hospital in 2009 due to blood clots.
Zakk Wylde’s Net Worth
Zakk Wylde’s net worth is $16 million. He is an American musician, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and infrequent actor. Through his work as an Ozzie Osbourne guitarist, as the lead guitarist and singer for Pride & Glory, and as the founder of the heavy metal band Black Label Society, Zakk Wylde has amassed a substantial fortune. Additionally, he has performed as a solo performer and a television and movie actor.