Born as Jeffrey Wielandt in New Jersey in 1967, Zakk Wylde exploded onto the metal scene as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist on the double platinum 1988 album “No Rest for the Wicked”. Wylde was no mere hot shot, 21-year old hired gun. He co-wrote multiple songs on the album and would continue to steadily play and write with Ozzy through 1995, and on and off after that. Wylde was an integral part of the quadruple platinum “No More Tears” and double platinum “Ozzmosis” albums as well.

After leaving Ozzy, Wylde started a Southern rock band called Pride & Glory that released one album. He formed Black Label Society in 1998 with Mike Inez (Ozzy, Alice In Chains) on bass and Ohio’s own Phil Ondich on drums. Their first album “Sonic Brew” came the following year and they’ve since released over 12 more.

Wylde’s rock and roll bona fides are beyond reproach. He’s a rock star’s rock star and has counted guys like Darrell Abbott, Shannon Hoon, Kerry King, Nikki Sixx, Slash, Robert Trujillo, Scott Ian, Pepper Keenan, Phil Anselmo, Dave Grohl and Axl as friends. He’s written for and played with some of the biggest acts in music.

Wylde was a disciple of Randy Rhoads but he’s also the go-to guy when a band like the Allman Brothers needs an emergency guitar player. He’s played with William Shatner and has a kid named Hendrix and another named Sabbath. What’s not to love about this guy?

Track one, side one: