Podcast Summary: Zakk Wylde | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Introduction

In this episode of The Magnificent Others, host Billy Corgan engages in a candid and insightful conversation with legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde. Released on May 28, 2025, the episode delves deep into Zakk's musical journey, his influences, memorable experiences, and ongoing projects. The dialogue is rich with anecdotes, technical discussions about guitar playing, and heartfelt tributes to iconic figures in the music industry.

Early Musical Influences and Beginnings

Zakk Wylde reminisces about his early days in music, highlighting his high school band, Stonehenge. He connects with Father Bill over their respective bands, Stonehenge and Hexen, revealing a shared passion from their formative years.

Zakk Wylde [00:14]: "And that's why we're meeting today, because we're gonna put those bands back together."

Zakk discusses his diverse range of musical influences, emphasizing the impact of classic rock and metal icons on his playing style. He credits his guitar teacher, Leroy Wright, for introducing him to artists like Frank Marino and Robin Trower, which broadened his musical horizons beyond his initial admiration for Black Sabbath.

Zakk Wylde [02:48]: "But for me, it was Tony Iommi, obviously, and then being Jimmy Page, you know."

Career Highlights

Zakk shares pivotal moments in his career, including his audition and subsequent joining of Ozzy Osbourne’s band. He narrates the humorous yet memorable encounter with Ozzy during his early days with the band.

Zakk Wylde [43:48]: "He goes, Zach, just play with your heart and change your pants. Something smells in here."

His tenure with Ozzy not only honed his skills but also deepened his appreciation for Black Sabbath's legacy. Zakk discusses how his experiences with Ozzy led to the formation of Black Label Society, emphasizing the seamless transition from being a band member to leading his own group.

Musical Style and Techniques

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Zakk's distinctive guitar playing. He explains his deliberate choice to avoid mimicking his influences, opting instead to develop a unique sound rooted in pentatonic scales.

Zakk Wylde [08:21]: "Because if you do Harmonic Minor or this and that, it doesn't matter how fast you play it... I'm just doing pentatonic scales, but I'll pick them, you know, as opposed to just doing hammer ons and pull offs."

Billy Corgan expresses admiration for Zakk's ability to maintain technical proficiency while infusing his playing with emotional depth, ensuring his solos are both aggressive and clean.

Father Bill [84:32]: "I've never seen anyone with your level of attack. It blows my mind. I've never seen anyone play so aggressively and so clean."

Pantera Tribute and Impact

Zakk passionately discusses his involvement in honoring the late Pantera members, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. He reflects on Pantera's monumental influence on extreme metal and draws parallels between their legacy and that of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.

Zakk Wylde [37:12]: "For extreme, they're all measured by what Pantera set."

Father Bill shares personal anecdotes about Pantera, highlighting the band's strong community and enduring legacy. The conversation underscores the importance of paying homage to influential artists and the role Zakk plays in keeping their memory alive through performances and tributes.

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

The dialogue is peppered with humorous and heartfelt stories that showcase the camaraderie between Zakk, Ozzy, and other musicians. One standout moment is the recurring joke about Zakk being tasked with making ham sandwiches for Ozzy, symbolizing his integral yet lighthearted role within the band dynamic.

Zakk Wylde [46:47]: "He goes, Zach, go make me a ham sandwich. But go light on the mustard."

Father Bill adds his own stories, blending the worlds of music and sports, illustrating the interconnectedness of iconic figures across different industries. These personal tales add depth to the conversation, portraying Zakk not just as a musician but as a relatable and down-to-earth individual.

Current Projects and Future Plans

Zakk provides insights into his current endeavors, including his work with Black Label Society and other collaborative projects. He touches upon the challenges and rewards of modern music production, emphasizing a shift from traditional album releases to a more dynamic approach involving singles and digital engagement.

Zakk Wylde [28:38]: "But, like, in between that and then we just did the Berserkers fest and everything like that."

Additionally, he muses about potential future collaborations, expressing enthusiasm for blending different musical styles and exploring new creative territories.

Zakk Wylde [86:03]: "With all know, like you said, Traveling Wilbury's a doom. Or yourself get yourself in this."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual expressions of respect and admiration between Billy Corgan and Zakk Wylde. They reflect on the resilience and dedication required to sustain a successful career in music, highlighting Zakk's unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to honor past legends while forging his own path.

Father Bill [82:00]: "You chewed right back at it and built this thing with your own hands."

Notable Quotes:

• Zakk Wylde [00:14]: "And that's why we're meeting today, because we're gonna put those bands back together."
• Zakk Wylde [02:48]: "But for me, it was Tony Iommi, obviously, and then being Jimmy Page, you know."
• Zakk Wylde [08:21]: "Because if you do Harmonic Minor or this and that, it doesn't matter how fast you play it... I'm just doing pentatonic scales, but I'll pick them, you know, as opposed to just doing hammer ons and pull offs."
• Zakk Wylde [37:12]: "For extreme, they're all measured by what Pantera set."
• Zakk Wylde [43:48]: "He goes, Zach, just play with your heart and change your pants. Something smells in here."
• Zakk Wylde [46:47]: "He goes, Zach, go make me a ham sandwich. But go light on the mustard."
• Father Bill [84:32]: "I've never seen anyone with your level of attack. It blows my mind. I've never seen anyone play so aggressively and so clean."
• Father Bill [82:00]: "You chewed right back at it and built this thing with your own hands."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Zakk Wylde's life, blending technical discussions with personal narratives. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Zakk's artistry, his influences, and his enduring legacy in the rock and metal genres. The conversation serves both die-hard fans and newcomers, providing valuable insights into the making of a rock icon.