Zakk Wylde Embarks On Far East Journey...

Zakk Wylde, Gibson and Epiphone Guitar Embark On Far East Journey To Bring Rock To The Masses

Wylde Visits Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing and Sydney in Global Trek Across Far East

Zakk Wylde's fame as a guitar icon has known no boundary since his appearance on the rock scene two decades ago as Ozzy Osbourne's newly recruited guitarist. Having performed all over the world, and in landmark venues most can only dream of, he has seasoned the guitar virtuoso in ways he could never have imagined as he practiced tirelessly while growing up in his home state of New Jersey. The creation of his own band Black Label Society (BLS) nearly a decade ago took him back to his roots, before exploding internationally as one of the heaviest outfits in rock music today. Wylde's legend has also grown with appearances on film (Rockstar, with Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston) and in video games (Guitar Hero 4 & 5). But it is Zakk's contribution to Gibson and Epiphone guitars as one of the most influential endorsees the company has ever seen that has given Wylde satisfaction beyond boyhood dreams. With his name on one of the most identifiable signature guitars ever produced, the Gibson Custom or Epiphone Zakk Wylde Les Paul Bullseye, Zakk entered a new plateau. The "fiddle" as Wylde affectionately calls it, has become the most discriminating guitarist's first weapon of choice. Boyhood dreams realized, rock star status achieved, and a stable of signature guitars bearing his name filling in the blanks - mission accomplished, so he thought.

Up until this year, Wylde thought he had seen and done it all - that is until a health issue forced him to reevaluate just where he was headed. And, with his usual tenacity and ferocious commitment, Wylde conquered even that setback within a couple of months. "While I was recuperating, I realized there was plenty more for me to do - not only with creating music, but performing as well," says Wylde, who is readying a new studio next to his Castaic, California area home. But it wasn't until Gibson approached him about taking his signature model guitars and his heroic chops over to the Far East for a series of promotional appearances that begin this coming week that Wylde realized maybe he HADN'T actually seen it all. "I jumped at the chance," says Wylde. "After tackling NYC with the Hellfire Bash on Halloween in Times Square, to the other night in Nashville for Les, I cannot wait to conquer terrain in which I haven't been."

Wylde's enthusiasm for all things Gibson these days continues, "When Gibson Guitar CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz outlined his plan to introduce my signature product line in China and the company's commitment, I made it mine too. It's going to be a blast to meet new fans. The world is a much larger place than just the US," says Wylde. "I have no doubt that this trip and meeting these fans will be inspiration for the next BLS CD."

The Far East jaunt makes stops in Tokyo, Japan, Beijing, China, Singapore and Sydney, Australia. While in Singapore he plans to appear at a rehabilitation prison for inmates. "My first gig with Ozzy was in a prison," says Wylde reflecting. "Apparently, they did a survey and BLS is really popular with the inmates. God Bless them, I hope that maybe they'll be inspired to do the right thing and straighten their lives out."

"How many people get to go from Tokyo to The Great Wall, Singapore to Sydney... I'm truly blessed and I want to thank Gibson and Epiphone for this opportunity to further secure BLS World Domination!" It's all a matter of connecting the dots as they continue to build on the successful Rocktober Program with this roll out of new products and exciting artist introductions. It's safe to say the Chinese have never experienced firsthand the energy, entertainment and virtuosity that is Zakk Wylde. Well, that's all about to change.

About Black Label Society:

In the two decades since Ozzy Osbourne hired him away from his job at a New Jersey gas station to become his new guitarist, Zakk Wylde has established himself as a guitar icon known and revered the world over. He spawned his now legendary Black Label Society in 1994, and in the fifteen years since has turned the outfit into a heavy metal institution true to his vision of uncompromising, unfiltered and unrestrained rock and roll. Inspired by guitarists including Frank Marino, Robin Trower and Al DiMeola, as well as the vocal styling of Elton John, Gregg Allman and late Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie VanZant, Wylde has won every guitar award imaginable and is a major influence to the new wave of heavy metal guitarists. Wherever Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society travels, one thing is for certain: brutality is sure to follow. For more information, please visit: www.blacklabelsociety.com