Crashed onto a highway and ended up in a pawnshop, ripped guitar 'The Grail' owned by Zakk Wylde and used by Ozzy Osbourne, was ultimately recovered by its owner - 3 years following its unexpected fall from a moving vehicle.
In the world of heavy metal, few guitars hold as much historical significance as Zakk Wylde's famous Gibson Les Paul, affectionately known as "The Grail." This 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom, distinguished by its black and white bullseye finish, has been a constant companion to Wylde throughout his illustrious career, particularly during his tenure as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist.
The story of "The Grail" began with Wylde's friend, Scott Quinn, who originally owned the guitar. In a serendipitous turn of events, Wylde traded his double-neck guitar from Gibson to Quinn, securing the iconic instrument after he landed his endorsement and the coveted role as Osbourne's guitarist[1][2].
The bullseye finish, initially intended to be a design inspired by the Vertigo movie poster, was a happy accident. A refinishing shop returned the guitar with the bullseye design, which would later become a defining visual signature for Wylde's career[3].
Tragically, in 2000, "The Grail" fell off the back of a truck, and Wylde feared it was lost forever. However, against all odds, the guitar was eventually recovered, allowing it to remain central to his work with Osbourne and his own projects[2].
"The Grail" is known for its EMG active humbucker pickups, which Wylde credits for enhancing the guitar's sound and playability[1][2]. These pickups, requiring batteries for operation, have contributed to the guitar's distinctive tone that Wylde used to write and record some of Osbourne's biggest tracks[1].
One such track is "Miracle Man," a song Wylde wrote on "The Grail" Les Paul[1]. The guitar carries both instrumental and sentimental significance in Wylde’s career, symbolizing his breakthrough and lasting legacy as Osbourne’s guitarist[1][2][3].
For a deeper dive into Wylde's career and the story of "The Grail," pick up a magazine from Magazines Direct. In the past, Wylde has discussed Osbourne's specific gear rules and other intriguing anecdotes from their partnership, one of heavy metal's most heartwarming pairings[4].
In an interesting twist, the person who bought "The Grail" from a pawn shop contacted Wylde to sell it back, allowing the guitar to return to its rightful owner[5]. Despite its tumultuous past, "The Grail" continues to stand as a testament to Wylde's enduring passion for music and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
[1] https://www.guitarworld.com/features/zakk-wylde-the-grail-gibson-les-paul-custom-guitar-interview [2] https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/zakk-wylde-the-grail-gibson-les-paul-custom-guitar-the-story-behind-the-legendary-instrument-1008891 [3] https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-zakk-wyldes-grail-gibson-les-paul [4] https://www.guitarworld.com/news/zakk-wylde-talks-about-ozzy-osbournes-specific-gear-rules [5] https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/zakk-wylde-reunites-with-his-lost-grail-gibson-les-paul-custom-guitar-1008891
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Devastated Loved Ones Recall Oasis Fan Following Fatal Mishap at Wembley Show
