BLACK LABEL SOCIETY SIGNS TO ROADRUNNER - 3.20.2006
Roadrunner Records is proud to announce the signing of legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde and his band, Black Label Society.
Having sold over 1.4 million albums worldwide BLS is currently working with producer Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers) on Shot To Hell, their first release for Roadrunner, which will be released this summer. "After spending a lifetime as Wylde Z. Coyote, I guess it was just a matter of time before I'd catch the Roadrunner," comments Wylde.
Shot To Hell is the follow up to Mafia, which debuted in March 2005 at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and at #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart. The top rock track "In This River" from Mafia will be on the upcoming MTV2 Headbangers Ball: The Revenge album, out April 11th.
BLS, who were just announced as the Ozzfest second stage headliner, will tour the world extensively in support of the new album, which is being finished now, even while Zakk also writes and records with Ozzy Osbourne for his new album.
"Signing Zakk and Black Label Society is an honor," stated Roadrunner Director of A&R Mike Gitter (Killswitch Engage, Cradle of Filth). "The guy is genuine, rock royalty whose talent is only matched by his vision. He is the real deal and his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time has already been cemented."
Guitar World Magazine's 3-time reigning MVP (who in their year end readers poll was named #1 most valuable player, #1 best metal guitarist and #1 best shredder) and the recipient of Metal Hammer Magazine's 2005 "Riff Lord" Golden God Award, Zakk is one of the world's most respected guitarists and a true living legend. On January 17th Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne inducted Zakk into Hollywood's Guitar Center Rock Walk. Recently Zakk re-upped with Gibson Guitars who fully endorses him with a line of custom made Les Paul's and this year Marshall Amplification will make a special limited edition "Zakk Stack." Zakk is the only artist aside from Jimi Hendrix to have a Marshall amplifier named after him.
In 1986, at the age of 19, Zakk was plucked from a gas station in NJ to be the new guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. He quickly asserted not only his guitar skills but also his songwriting prowess, having co-written some of Ozzy's best-selling albums including, No Rest For The Wicked, No More Tears and Ozzmosis. Additionally, he has released one album with the short-lived project Pride & Glory, one solo album and seven albums with Black Label Society. Lastly, BLS has released the DVD Boozed, Broozed & Broken-Boned - Live with the Detroit Chapter, which is certified Platinum. Zakk is a budding actor who has appeared in the 2001 movie Rock Star with Mark Walhberg and later this year, will star in the film "Red Line," directed by Billy Zane
