Mike Inez showcased the main bassline for Ozzy Osbourne's hit song "No More Tears," spawning immediate approval from the band and setting the foundation for the track, despite ultimately failing to lend his recording to the final version.
In the world of heavy metal, the guitar solo in "No More Tears" stands out as a defining moment. Zakk Wylde, the 19-year-old guitarist hired by Ozzy Osbourne in 1988, approached the track with a unique blend of advanced techniques and influences, setting the stage for a distinctive sound that would resonate through the '80s.
Wylde's playing was heavily influenced by The Allman Brothers Band, specifically Dickey Betts, and The Allmans' modulation between major and minor can be heard in his work on "Mama I'm Coming Home." However, it was Gary Rossington's style that seemed to lean more toward in "No More Tears."
To create his signature sound, Wylde focused on pentatonic scales and aimed to rip them like no one had before. His approach was meticulously planned, with a conscious effort to avoid certain techniques to stand out from his contemporaries. This strategy paid off, as his playing on "No More Tears" showcases a fusion of raw metal power with bluesy expressiveness.
One of the most notable aspects of Wylde's playing is his slide technique. He alternates between slide and non-slide playing on the verse riff, sometimes placing the slide on his lap or the floor to achieve a particular sound effect. This unconventional approach, combined with his unique tone and phrasing, gives his leads a signature emotional weight and aggression.
The solo section uses fast pentatonic scales combined with a huge vibrato, creating a sound that is both technically impressive and musically memorable. Wylde's employment of drop tuning and creative power chord voicings, including chords that blend open strings with fretted notes, adds a fuller sound to the riffs and solos.
The band was on a roll during the recording of "No More Tears," with Randy Castillo on drums, John Sinclair on keyboards, Mike Inez on bass guitar, and Wylde on guitar. The bass line for "No More Tears" was instigated by Mike Inez in rehearsals, while the keyboard part was contributed by John Sinclair.
Interestingly, Bob Daisley handled the bass on the No More Tears record, with Mike Inez joining the band later. The band still didn't have a title for the record during pre-production. "I Don't Want To Change The World" came together as a joke during the band's messing about and goofing off.
Lemmy of Motörhead helped Ozzy with the lyrics for No More Tears. The verse riff of "No More Tears" is shaped and formed by Tony Iommi. Zakk Wylde credits Mike Inez for writing the main riff of "No More Tears."
In one take, Wylde recorded the solo in "No More Tears," a testament to his mastery of the guitar and his ability to deliver a standout performance under pressure. This solo, along with the rest of his work on No More Tears, solidified Wylde's position as a distinctive voice in the heavy metal genre.
Wylde's slide technique, combining slide and non-slide playing, and his unique tone and phrasing, contribute to a signature emotional weight and aggression in his leads. During the recording of "No More Tears," Wylde's solo in the title track, a fusion of pentatonic scales, vibrato, and drop tuning, showcases his mastery of the guitar, setting him apart as a distinctive voice in the world of heavy metal entertainment, particularly in the context of music.
