Zakk Wylde Celebrates Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath Ahead of “Back to the Beginning” Festival

Ahead of the highly anticipated “Back to the Beginning” festival, Zakk Wylde made an engaging appearance on Loudwire Nights on June 30. During his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Wylde expressed his deep admiration for the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and the iconic band Black Sabbath.

“An Ozzfest on Steroids”

Describing the festival, Wylde remarked, “It’s pretty much like an Ozzfest on steroids.” He highlighted the essence of Ozzfest, which showcased the best in hard rock and metal, featuring bands like Metallica, Alice In Chains, and Guns N’ Roses. He likened the festival to a “Dorian Yates of the metal fests,” underscoring its growth and significance in the music scene.

Performing with Pantera

While Wylde is expected to be active on stage throughout the festival, he expressed particular excitement about performing with Pantera. “It’s going to be awesome being up there with Phil, Rex, and Charlie,” he shared. “I’m doing the Pantera celebration, jamming some Sabbath stuff. It’s going to be a blast.”

Zakk Sabbath and Obscure Tunes

For Wylde, playing Black Sabbath songs transcends mere enjoyment; it has become a dedicated project with his band, Zakk Sabbath. When asked about his favorite tracks, he found it challenging to narrow down his choices, particularly favoring lesser-known songs over radio staples. “There’s certain songs you know no one’s going to touch… There’s tons of stuff on that menu at the Black Sabbath steakhouse,” he noted, hinting at the variety of songs that could be performed.

Uncertainty and Anticipation

Reflecting on the unpredictability of the event, Wylde admitted that even the performers themselves are unsure about what to expect. “Nobody knows what’s going on… It’s kind of like how it was when I first joined Ozzy,” he explained, reminiscing about the early days of his career.

The Gruesome Twosome: A Legend in the Making

In true Wylde fashion, he shared entertaining anecdotes from his time with Ozzy. He recounted the wisdom of Ozzy’s longtime tour manager, Bobby Thompson, who cautioned him about the perils of drinking with the rock icon. “Bobby had been with Ozzy since the beginning… ‘Stay out of the web. He’s pulling you into the web,'” Wylde recalled, humorously referencing the chaos that often ensued during their nights out.

This camaraderie with Ozzy led to their infamous nickname, “The Gruesome Twosome.” Wylde laughed as he recounted how Sharon Osbourne would comment on their escapades, saying, “Oh, the Gruesome Twosome were out drinking last night again.” He contrasted his experience with his friends’ college days, stating, “I went to Ozzy Osbourne University. I majored in stouts, beers, pale ales… My liver and my pancreas can attest to that.”

Highlights from the Loudwire Nights Interview

• Plans for Back to the Beginning: “I’m going to be doing dishes, laundry, making everyone Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend. It’s going to be amazing.”
• Black Sabbath’s Legacy: “We’re all employed and we can pay our bills and take care of our families because of these four guys. They created an entire industry.”
• Auditioning for Ozzy: “I thought it was my friends having their mom prank me… I crapped my pants… I’ve been making him ham sandwiches and going light on the Colman’s.”

Listen to the Full Interview

Zakk Wylde’s full conversation on Loudwire Nights can be streamed through the podcast player provided. The show airs live every weeknight at 7 PM ET and is available on the Loudwire app, with interviews offered on-demand.

Conclusion

Zakk Wylde’s passion for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath shines through in his stories and his music. As he prepares for “Back to the Beginning,” fans can look forward to a celebration of heavy metal history and camaraderie that Wylde has embodied throughout his career.

FAQs

What is “Back to the Beginning”?

“Back to the Beginning” is a festival celebrating the legacy of iconic rock and metal bands, particularly focusing on Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.

Who is Zakk Wylde?

Zakk Wylde is a renowned guitarist known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and his own band, Zakk Sabbath. He is celebrated for his exceptional guitar skills and contributions to heavy metal music.

What can fans expect at the festival?

Fans can expect a lineup of performances from various hard rock and metal bands, including special tributes and collaborations, particularly featuring songs from Black Sabbath.