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Book Review: Wild Times with Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society
by Rich and Laura Lynch
One would expect a book written by Zakk Wylde (with Eric Hendrikx) to be filled with wild tales of drunken escapades, destruction and daunting music. Yes, Bringing Metal To The Children - The Complete Bezerker's Guide to World Tour Domination has plenty of sordid stories of sex, alcohol and rock and roll - but, Zakk counters his course commentary with common sense advice on the music business and life in general.
Like many, Zakk's first paying gigs were playing at house parties where the place would often get trashed. At age nineteen, he started attending the "University of Ozzy Osbourne " where Wylde excelled as a guitar player and perfected his craft of writing and leading a band. During his tenure with Ozzy, Zakk started his own group Black Label Society, which is now Wylde's full time PhD program.
Zakk is a man of faith and has the spirit of a fighting Viking. His Catholic background and references to the "Odin Force of Valhalla" are part of his perceptions and personality as revealed in his book. Musicians that he admires are revered as Father, as in Father Al DiMeola and Jimmy Page has been exalted to Pope Page. Wylde's home studio is called the Black Vatican. Nordic lore and prose are also scattered throughout his tome.
Bringing Metal To The Children - The Complete Bezerker's Guide to World Tour Domination does not run in chronologically order but is a free flow of tales, thanks and theories. Amongst the cussing and comical commentary are rock solid recommendations. Simple points such as work hard and get it done aka "GIFD - get it fucking done".
Wylde advises Berserkers to follow their dreams and passion with a sense of purpose. He tells musicians "play what you love" (for the non musician - do what you love). Zakk lives by the creed SDMF (Strength, Determination, Merciless-Forever) which he explains in detail in his book.
Along with artwork, photos and skulls the manuscript includes a mosh pit survival guide, road rules and tips on a career in music. And if you ever wonder what an artist on stage does when he really has to take care of business, Zakk reveals the not so nice details in his own hilarious way.
The book covers a wide range of tales and topics. You may be surprised that the hard drinking Wylde - who is now dry - has a strong work ethic. No matter how dreadful he felt after a night and day (the two would often bleed into each other) of debauchery, Zakk would "Patton up" and show up for the gig or event that he committed to. Wylde is also still very hands on when it comes to Black Label Society.
Wylde lives by the 3 Rs "Revenge on your own failures, Retaliation upon yourself and Redemption (success)!" Again, solid advice from a rock solid musician. Bringing Metal To The Children - The Complete Bezerker's Guide to World Tour Domination would get an R rating if it was a movie but it gets 3 R's for a riotous, riveting and rousing read!
Related Links:
For more information on ZAKK WYLDE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Zakk Wylde |
Black Label Society
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