Miracle Men

Zakk Wylde reflects on his one-of-a-kind relationship with Ozzy

- ANDREW DALY

BELOW, ZAKK WYLDE - who shared innumerable on- and offstage experiences with Ozzy (and almost as many Guitar World covers) - looks back on his Wylde ride with the Prince of Darkness.

More than any other guitarist - except maybe Tony Iommi - your Ozzy relationship seemed familial as well as musical.

That's how I've always looked at it. Ozzy is the godfather of our oldest son. Whether I was playing with him or not, regardless of where we were musically, if Sharon called me and my wife and said, “Can you watch the house while we're on a business trip?” I'd do it. It’s like, “If you need me to bring milk and eggs over, I'll do it.”

Was your chemistry immediate?

Yes. It's like with all your friends - lions attract lions. And the hyenas you hang out with, that sorts itself out later. [Laughs] Everybody you get along with is someone you're into the same things with. Then again, Ozzy was the easiest-going, warmest guy. He was so easy to get along with.

Is it fair to say he didn't just show you the ropes musically, but in some ways, taught you about life as a working musician?

Without a doubt. You're always gonna learn along the way. You trust somebody, and then you get screwed on a business deal or whatever. When anything would happen, Oz would be like, “Zakk, I remember with Sabbath this or that...” Stories about thinking someone was a good guy, and they end up screwing you over. But obviously, all of us live and learn on our own, too. But Oz would always be there for advice. He'd poke me in the eye, and I'd be like, “What was that for?” He'd say, “Life’s tough. That's why.” [Laughs] I'd go, “Yeah, but I really didn’t need that.” He'd go [in a British accent], “Oh, go make me a sandwich, light on the Colman’s [Mustard]. I don’t want it to overpower the flavor of the sandwich.” [Laughs]