Get ready for an emotional journey as we dive into the world of ZAKK WYLDE and his beloved BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. In a recent Q&A session, Zakk opened up about the band's upcoming album, "Engines Of Demolition," set to drop on March 27. But here's where it gets intriguing: the album features a very special tribute to none other than Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk's longtime bandmate and iconic BLACK SABBATH singer.
Zakk revealed that the song, titled "Ozzy's Song," was written with great care and emotion. He explained, "I had the music first, and the lyrics came later. I wanted to capture the essence of our friendship and the impact Ozzy had on my life."
The process of creating this tribute took Zakk back to some memorable moments. He recalled, "After we laid Ozzy to rest, I found myself thinking about him constantly. Especially during that first PANTERA show after his funeral, it was all I could think about."
But why has it taken five years for BLACK LABEL SOCIETY to release this follow-up to "Doom Crew Inc."? Zakk shared, "It's crazy how time flies. We've been busy with the PANTERA celebration and tours, but I wanted to ensure the album got the attention it deserves. No sense in rushing it if I can't give it the love and care it needs."
The songwriting process for "Engines Of Demolition" took place at Zakk's home studio, the Black Vatican. He explained, "When I'm playing an electric guitar, it inspires me to write heavy riffs. It's like I'm performing at Madison Square Garden, and that energy fuels my creativity."
Zakk has been a part of Ozzy's journey since 1987, when he sent the singer a demo tape. He's played on almost all of Ozzy's solo albums, including classics like "No More Tears" and "Ozzmosis."
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Zakk reflected on Ozzy's passing and his thoughts leading up to the "Back To The Beginning" concert. He shared, "I always believed in Ozzy's resilience. Even during that show, I never thought it would be our last. I was focused on making sure he was okay and enjoying the moment."
Zakk's relationship with Ozzy was like having an older brother. He told Guitar World, "We had our fun times, but when I needed advice, I could always turn to him."
Ozzy's death on July 22, 2025, came as a shock to many. His private funeral was attended by close friends and family, including his SABBATH bandmates and other music legends.
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY continues to carry the torch, with Zakk Wylde leading the charge on vocals, guitar, and piano, alongside John "JD" DeServio on bass, Jeff Fabb on drums, and Dario Lorina on guitar.
Get ready to dive deeper into the world of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and their inspiring journey. What do you think about their upcoming album and the tribute to Ozzy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
