Zakk Wylde Quotes

Powerful Zakk Wylde for Daily Growth

About Zakk Wylde

Zakk Wylde, born Jeffrey Philip Wielandt on January 23, 1967, in Bayonne, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American heavy metal guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and the band Black Label Society. Inspired by legendary guitarists such as Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, Wylde started his musical journey at an early age. He formed a band called Distant Thunder in high school before joining Ozzy Osbourne's band in 1987, following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. His tenure with Osbourne yielded several successful albums, including "No More Tears" and "Ozzmosis." In 1991, Wylde formed Black Label Society as a tribute to the biker gang he was part of, and their debut album, "Sonic Brew," was released the same year. The band has since produced numerous albums, including "Stronger Than Death," "Hangover Music Vol. VI," and "Grimmest Hits." Wylde's signature guitar style, characterized by his rapid alternate picking and innovative use of pinch harmonics, has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time. In addition to his music career, Wylde has ventured into businesses such as clothing design (with the Zakk Wylde Clothing Co.) and wine production (with the Wylde Bouche winery). He is also known for his eccentric personality, often appearing in public with elaborate costumes and long hair. Wylde's life and work continue to influence a new generation of heavy metal musicians, cementing his status as a heavy metal legend. His quotes reflect his passion for music, life, and the spirit of rebellion that defines the genre: "Life is short and it's too damn long," and "If you can't stay up playing guitar all night long, maybe you need to choose another profession."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'd rather be a little crazy and have a big soul than have a small soul and be totally sane."

Zakk Wylde, in this quote, expresses a preference for living with a larger-than-life spirit (a "big soul") over adhering to conventional norms and living a predictable life (being "totally sane"). He suggests that embracing one's individuality, even if it comes with eccentricities or unconventional behavior, is more valuable than conforming to societal expectations. This quote speaks to the human desire for authenticity and self-expression, encouraging readers to live boldly and follow their dreams.


"I don't play guitar, I release the beast."

This quote by Zakk Wylde suggests that his approach to playing the guitar is not just a technical skill or craft, but rather an unleashing of raw, untamed creativity and emotion. In other words, when he plays, he doesn't simply play music; he lets loose a powerful, ferocious energy - the beast - that resonates through each note and chord. This interpretation highlights Wylde's passion, intensity, and unique connection with his instrument.


"Everybody's got their own voice on the guitar, and my voice sounds like me singing."

This quote highlights Zakk Wylde's belief that every guitarist has a unique, personal "voice" in their playing style. This "voice" is analogous to the sound of one's own singing voice - it's distinctly theirs and sets them apart from others. In this case, Wylde suggests that his particular guitar style, or "voice", mirrors the way he sings, making it unique to him. It emphasizes individuality, creativity, and the importance of self-expression in music.


"If you can't stomach what you do, then you're not gonna do it justice."

Zakk Wylde's quote underscores the importance of passion and enthusiasm in one's work or activities. If an individual lacks commitment to their chosen pursuit, they may struggle to achieve their full potential or produce subpar results. By embracing what they do with a genuine love and dedication, they can deliver exceptional performances that truly embody the essence of their craft. In essence, this quote encourages finding joy and fulfillment in one's endeavors for personal growth and greatness.


"Music is the universal language of mankind."

The quote by Zakk Wylde, "Music is the universal language of mankind," suggests that music transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries to communicate shared emotions and experiences among all humans. Music can evoke feelings, inspire, comfort, and bring people together across various backgrounds, making it a powerful tool for understanding and empathy.


You never toot your own horn.

- Zakk Wylde

Never, Own, Your, Horn

If you bleed Black Label and you're going to be a man, you gotta get up there and do what you gotta do every day, relentless and as tired as you can be.

- Zakk Wylde

Every Day, Going, Gotta, Label

All my writing, I always do it in the studio, 'cause everything sounds good. The piano's there, the keyboards; if you want to put strings on something... And everything sounds good when it's in the cans; it sounds killer.

- Zakk Wylde

Want, Always, Studio, Keyboards

You listen to Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio in it, and it's not Black Sabbath. They should have just called it 'Heaven and Hell' right from the beginning. Because you listen to that 'Heaven and Hell' album, that doesn't sound anything close to Black Sabbath.

- Zakk Wylde

Beginning, Album, Sabbath, Ronnie

I don't think it's ever changed, whether its Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Zeppelin, Guns n' Roses or anyone today, the reason why you get into music is because you love it, and if you're good at it, that's a plus.

- Zakk Wylde

Love, Reason, Frank, None

As much as I love heavy riffs, I like The Eagles, Neil Young, Elton John, Crowded House.

- Zakk Wylde

Love, Young, Like, Elton

You have to pay attention, like with tours and expenses; you have to factor that all in. You want to play music for the rest of your life, you have to pay attention to all the things. You want to know what's always going on.

- Zakk Wylde

Rest, Play, Always, Factor

I had throat surgery. We had to check that out and make sure it wasn't cancerous. I had a polyp on my vocal cord, so I had that taken out.

- Zakk Wylde

Sure, Vocal, Throat, Cord

I'm excited to join my brother-in-law Ken Thomson every Tuesday night on SiriusXM to recap all of the awesome NFL action, and to find out what in the Wylde world of sports is going on.

- Zakk Wylde

Sports, Excited, Going, Tuesday

If I'm playing with Ozzy it's just a guitar thing. But with the vocals I feel like I'm studying for the SATs.

- Zakk Wylde

Studying, Feel, Like, Vocals

For Black Label Special Opps, adversity is what you thrive on. General Patton is a huge fan favorite in Black Label.

- Zakk Wylde

Adversity, Black, Label, Thrive

We were sitting on the bus one day and there were 5 of us hanging out. There was only one beer left in the cooler and we actually all took a little cup and split it. It was a pathetic day in a rock and roll when five grown men have to be sitting there sharing a beer.

- Zakk Wylde

Rock And Roll, Bus, One Day, Sitting

If I sit down with an electric guitar, what's going to come out are Sabbath/Zeppelin type riffs, but if I'm sitting behind a piano late at night, I might write something like 'Desperado.' You're not going to write 'Desperado' between a wall of Marshalls and thumping, crushing volume.

- Zakk Wylde

Behind, Crushing, Type, Sitting

Had an awesome time. You tell me to show up and all I have to do is drink beer, play guitar all day and I can lift weights and you're going to pay me for this!

- Zakk Wylde

Play, Tell, Going, Weights

That's why for Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society the colors are black and white. There are no gray issues. Life is black and it's white. There's no in-between.

- Zakk Wylde

Black, Why, Label, In-Between

With Nine Inch Nails, it's all Trent Reznor. So when we get a new record from Nine Inch Nails, it depends on what side of the bed Trent's waking up on and what he's been eating lately and what he's been into. Because he's preparing the whole meal.

- Zakk Wylde

Bed, Been, Nine, Lately

I'm just worried that there's enough beer on the bus. That's the top priority at all times.

- Zakk Wylde

Top, Bus, Times, Priority

Back when I was jamming with Axl and the guys they had boxes of cassettes with song ideas. How do you know which ones you like now when you have that many ideas.

- Zakk Wylde

Song, Boxes, Which, Do You Know

I'm a good Catholic boy.

- Zakk Wylde

Good, Boy, Catholic

Another Black Label motto. That's what I think life is. It's just another bridge to cross. You ask no questions. Whatever work it is you gotta do, you gotta go over it, under it, through it, around it, to do it.

- Zakk Wylde

Through, Over It, I Think, Bridge

Another time I cracked two of the vertebrae in my back and broke a rib.

- Zakk Wylde

Back, Broke, Another, Cracked

Great musicians, you don't just hear them, you feel them. When I listen to Randy Rhoads, I feel every note. I learned a lot from him.

- Zakk Wylde

Note, Randy, Learned, Hear

It isn't a band. It's bigger than a band. It's a lifestyle.

- Zakk Wylde

Band, Bigger, Than, Lifestyle

Chris Jericho is a great guy. He's beyond hysterical. He's good people. They're really good. Chris wanted me to throw down a solo. He sent it to me and I knocked it out.

- Zakk Wylde

Knocked, Guy, Great Guy, Solo

There's only one Sabbath guitarist and he is the architect for everything, Tony Iommi.

- Zakk Wylde

Tony, Sabbath, Architect, Guitarist

The tours are campaigns.

- Zakk Wylde

Campaigns, Tours

Around my house, I won't even speak to my family unless they first address me by my official Berzerker name, Godred Crovan, Victor of Sky-Hill and Ruler of Man and the Isles. And now that I think of it, that's probably why nobody speaks to me unless it's time to feed the dogs or take out the garbage.

- Zakk Wylde

Why, I Think, Official, Victor

One day my wife went and saw the accountant and said she's pulling the plug. She said you guys are done. I said, how bad can it be? 10 grand? She said you're not even close. It came out to almost $50,000 in alcohol for two months.

- Zakk Wylde

Accountant, Bad, Almost, Close

Without a doubt, even when I play with Black Label, when we have different guys I play with, everyone always brings their own magic, their own flavor to the soup, hands down.

- Zakk Wylde

Magic, Play, Always, Flavor

For me, the music dictates the melody. Give me a riff to sing over, you know?

- Zakk Wylde

Give, Over, Melody, Dictates

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