How Zakk Wylde’s Journey with Ozzy Osbourne Began: A Tribute to Guitar Legends
In 1987, Ozzy Osbourne took a significant risk by bringing on the relatively unknown Zakk Wylde as his third permanent guitarist.This decision, however, was not without its strategic reasoning.
Randy Rhoads, with his remarkable skills, was instrumental in propelling Ozzy’s solo career after Black Sabbath, introducing a new guitar icon to the world. Bob Daisley, the bassist, recalls that he recognized Rhoads’ exceptional talent during their very first jam session.Tragically, Rhoads’ promising career was cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1982.
Following Rhoads, Jake E. Lee stepped in, having already made a name for himself with bands like Ratt and Rough Cutt.Despite his talent, Lee never quite resonated with fans likewise Rhoads did, although he believed that he and Rhoads excelled in different areas of guitar playing.
After two albums, Lee exited the band, leaving a highly competitive environment for the open position. among those vying for the role was the neoclassical shredder Chris Impellitteri,who was at the peak of his career. Yet, in a surprising twist, ozzy chose to take a chance on the 20-year-old Wylde, a decision that would lead to a remarkable partnership reminiscent of his earlier collaboration with Rhoads.
The Birth of a Guitar Hero
Wylde quickly became a guitar hero for countless fans and played a crucial role in crafting some of Ozzy’s most iconic tracks, starting with his very first riff.
“The first riff I composed for Ozzy was ‘Miracle Man,’” Zakk shared on his YouTube channel. “I drew inspiration from ‘Foxey Lady.’ It all started with some experimentation.”
He elaborated, “As everyone says, every creation has its roots. Jimi Hendrix would likely have said, ‘Yeah, Zakk, I got that from this.’”
In his clarification, Zakk noted that he not only played the riff at a faster tempo but also incorporated “some 16th notes and a bit of Marshall crunch, and before I knew it, it became ‘Miracle Man.’” The riff, played in Eb standard tuning (a half step down), features chugging bass notes on the low E string and a mix of double and triple stops on the higher strings, echoing the style of “Foxey Lady.” This approach gives the riff a dynamic and expansive range.
Honoring the Legends
In a recent conversation with Guitar Player, Zakk expressed his deep respect for the guitar legends who paved the way for him. “I’m well aware of the remarkable rhythm guitar parts that have come before me, like Jake E. Lee’s contributions to ‘Bark at the Moon’ and Randy Rhoads’ work on ‘Crazy Train.’ These tracks are integral to my growth as a guitarist. When I cover these songs, I make sure to nail those rhythm parts; or else, I’m not truly playing the song,” he stated.
Wylde’s energetic approach to “Miracle Man,” characterized by its galloping rhythms, draws parallels to the main riff of “Bark at the Moon” and the chunky verse riff of “Crazy Train.”
“Creating music is like crafting a new dish,” he explained. “You take the ingredients you have and mix them to create something unique. my role as Ozzy’s guitarist was to weave together all the elements of the song, much like those iconic parts did. Everything I absorbed over the years influenced my own style.”
“The rhythm guitar part with the 16th notes was shaped by my ability to play those classic lines from Randy and Jake,” Wylde continued. “I’m blending various influences to create something fresh that I might not have conceived without studying those great players.”
A Satirical take on Hypocrisy
The song, co-written by Ozzy, Zakk, and Bob Daisley, satirizes televangelist jimmy Swaggart, who infamously blamed the 1985 suicide of an Ozzy fan on the singer’s supposed depravity. Ironically, Swaggart later faced scandal himself when he was caught with a prostitute and admitted to a pornography addiction, revealing his hypocrisy.
The music video for “Miracle Man” was filmed in a U.K. cathedral, featuring Ozzy dressed as a televangelist amidst a backdrop of pigs, creating a clear narrative. However, while the guitar community embraced Wylde’s unexpected emergence, the pigs were less than thrilled by the loud music.
“When the music started, all the pigs let loose at once because it was so loud in there,” Ozzy recalled.“As soon as the playback began, it was like a symphony of pig sounds! I had a brand-new pair of suede boots on, and I never wore them again.The smell was impossible to get rid of!”
zakk Wylde’s Ongoing Legacy
Wylde, who has taken advantage of Ozzy’s hiatus from touring to join Pantera, has contributed to six of the Prince of Darkness’ studio albums. This includes the 1995 release Ozzmosis, which featured writing contributions from Steve Vai, and the 2022 album Patient Number 9, which showcased guest appearances from the legendary Jeff Beck.
Throughout his career, Wylde has left the band multiple times, allowing other guitarists like Alex Skolnick to step in, albeit briefly.
In response to critics of his picking technique, wylde has pointed to two iconic guitarists who broke the mold with their unconventional methods, emphasizing the importance of individuality in music.
