Zakk Wylde Talks New Book, Ozzy, Guns N Roses and Berzerkers [INTERVIEW]

Zakk Wylde, Ozzy's Osbourne's longtime guitarist for over 25 years and founding member of Black Label Society, has released a new book 'Bringing Metal To The Children'. It's the complete guide to backstage lunacy, and shares what really goes on behind the tour bus windows while on the road.  Zakk Wylde is quite the character as lead Viking of the Berzerker World, and he talked to Q103 about a variety of topics.

So why did you write this book?

Well, I didn't want to write a biography, I got together with Eric Hendrikx and said we ought to write a book about all the stuff that happens and stuff that you can't make this stuff up.  The music industry has a whole cast of characters that causes the comedy- sit back, grab your popcorn, and enjoy the show. It's gonna be good!

Tell us about the term 'Berzerkers'?

I'm sure you have been asked this a hundred times, you've played with Ozzy Osbourne for 25 years. You call him 'the Boss' and Sharon 'Mom'. How did you get that break to play with Ozzy?

How did it feel to leave Ozzy?

My relationship with Ozzy is bigger than the music anyway. If you need me to clean up the dog, or run or stop and get some eggs and Starbucks, it's no big deal. What more can Ozzy do for me? Without Ozz, there is no Black Label. He didn't leave me on the unemployment line. I'm all about Black Label 25/8 and I will always be there for Ozzy.

Black Label Society is very successful, 11 albums to your credit. Why is BLS on the verge of World Domination?

You were real real close with Dimebag Darrell, can you tell us something about him that many may not know?

What do you think about Guns N' Roses, do you think they will ever perform together again?

There are some crazy stories in this book- many of them concerning groupies, is that why you got in the business?

Any advice to give to a up and coming artist?

I've been doing this since I was 17 years old, at the end of the day, you got to play what what you love.. whether its Bon Jovi or Slayer.. Enjoy the music that you're doing for the hour and a half that you are on stage, at least you get the satisfaction of playing what you love.  It's tough enough to get in this business. The payback is playing what you love!

Good luck with your book and thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.  The next time you're routing your tour, make sure to mark the Capital Region down as a stop. It has been way too long!