Biography
Who is Zakk Wylde?
Early life and real name
Zakk Wylde was born Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt on January 14, 1967, in Bayonne, New Jersey. He grew up in Jackson, New Jersey, and attended Jackson Memorial High School, where he graduated in 1985. During his youth, he worked at Silverton Music at the age of fourteen.
He began playing the guitar at the age of eight, eventually practicing almost constantly between coming home from school and returning the next morning. His early musical awakening was sparked by listening to Rocket Man by Elton John, and his initial guitar influences included Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix.
Working with Ozzy Osbourne
In 1987, Zakk Wylde successfully auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne after hearing on The Howard Stern Show that the singer needed a new lead guitarist. He quickly joined the band, touring extensively and contributing to albums such as No Rest for the Wicked, No More Tears, and Ozzmosis.
Over the decades, he returned to perform with Ozzy Osbourne during multiple eras and special events. In 2022, he joined Osbourne onstage at SoFi Stadium for an NFL season opening performance and played guitar on tracks for the album Patient Number 9.
Pride and Glory and Solo Work
While touring with Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde formed the Southern rock project Pride and Glory. The group released a self-titled album in 1994 via Geffen Records and performed at the Monsters of Rock Festival in England before disbanding later that year.
Following the end of Pride and Glory, he recorded the acoustic-focused solo album Book of Shadows in 1996 to fulfill his record label contract. Two decades later, he released a second installment titled Book of Shadows II in 2016.
Black Label Society and Other Bands
In 1998, Zakk Wylde and drummer Phil Ondich formed the heavy metal band Black Label Society, releasing their debut album Sonic Brew. He has since released numerous studio, live, and compilation albums with the group while also touring heavily around the world.
In addition to his main band, he established the Black Sabbath cover band Zakk Sabbath and joined the reunited rock band Pantera as a touring guitarist in 2022. He also participated in the Generation Axe guitar tour alongside other well-known musicians.
Personal life and health
Zakk Wylde and his wife Barbaranne share four children. He is a Catholic who has described himself as a Soldier of Christ and maintains a close connection to his Irish heritage.
In 2009, he faced health challenges when he was hospitalized due to blood clots, which led him to stop drinking alcohol. Outside of music, he has partnered with brands to produce signature hot sauce and coffee products.
Birthday and age
Zakk Wylde was born on January 14, 1967, which makes Zakk 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Zakk shares the date with 28 other famous people.
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