"Zakk Wylde discusses the humorous origins of the riff that led to his winning Ozzy Osbourne's first-ever Grammy"
In the world of heavy metal, the hiring of Zakk Wylde as Ozzy Osbourne's six-string lieutenant in 1987 marked a significant turning point. This decision revitalised Osbourne's sound with a fresh, powerful guitar style, helping sustain his legacy as a leading figure in the genre.
Before Wylde joined the fold, Ozzy struggled to find a guitarist who could match the influence and originality of Randy Rhoads, who had tragically passed away in a plane crash in Florida in 1982, aged just 25. Initially, Wylde seemed like a Randy Rhoads clone, but he quickly proved to possess a unique style and considerable versatility.
Wylde's talent, deep knowledge of Osbourne's catalog, and distinctive playing brought new energy to Osbourne's solo work. He played Osbourne's previous hits flawlessly but also added his own classical and acoustic touches, allowing Ozzy to reconnect with fans and evolve his sound without losing his core identity.
More than a technical contributor, Wylde became a trusted collaborator and friend to Osbourne, embodying a mentor-mentee relationship that enhanced both their careers. This bond was instrumental during Ozzy’s later career stages, culminating in celebrated tours and Osbourne’s final concerts, where Wylde’s presence was essential both musically and personally.
One of Wylde's most famous contributions to Osbourne's discography is the song "I Don't Want To Change The World" from the No More Tears album. The riff was initially a joke and a goof-off during band rehearsals, but when Ozzy Osbourne walked into the room and heard it, he knew he had a hit on his hands. The Live & Loud version of this song, recorded at a 1992 Orlando, Florida Ozzy show, won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance, not the studio recording.
Wylde's hydrocarbon tone, achieved through a Les Paul guitar with an active EMG81/85 humbucker pairing, a JCM800 amplifier, and a Boss SD-1 overdrive pedal, became synonymous with his style. His approach to playing during the No More Tears album involved limiting himself to four types of scales (three note per-string diatonic scales and pentatonic scales) to force creativity.
Ozzy Osbourne had a knack for discovering guitar talent. After Rhoads' death, Bernie Tormé, who had just left Gillan, and Brad Gillis of Night Ranger filled in. Jake E Lee replaced Randy Rhoads on a studio album. However, it was Wylde who made the most lasting impact, becoming Ozzy's longest-serving six-string lieutenant as of 1987.
In summary, Wylde's hiring ensured Ozzy Osbourne remained a vital, influential figure in heavy metal by blending reverence for past work with creative evolution, resulting in powerful new music and live performances that reinforced Ozzy’s legendary status. Their collaboration also exemplified the deep personal connection underlying Osbourne's enduring impact on rock and metal culture.
Celebrities often find it challenging to replace a deceased collaborator who holds immense influence, but Ozzy Osbourne's hire of Zakk Wylde in 1987 brought fresh pop-culture success to his music. Wylde's innovative guitar style and unique playing transformed Osbourne's sound, merging respect for pop-culture history with creative evolution in the entertainment industry, thereby maintaining Osbourne's relevance as a leading figure in heavy metal and pop-culture.
