Black Label Society
Formed: 1998
From:
Los Angeles,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Background
"Black Label Society" is a heavy metal/Southern Metal band formed by Zakk Wylde, with 8 albums released to date. The first, Sonic Brew, was released in 1999. The band's latest studio album "Shot To Hell" was released on the 11th (UK) and 12th (US) of September 2006, the first release under Roadrunner Records, and was produced by Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers).
In 1992, Ozzy retired after the No More Tears tour, which left Zakk to form his own solo band Pride & Glory, blending potent bluesy southern rock with heavy metal. In 1994 Ozzy decided to come out of retirement, and the numerous recording sessions for Ozzmosis took place. Around this time, Zakk was also offered the open guitar slot in Guns N' Roses and had a hard time deciding whether to tour with Ozzy or join Guns N' Roses. Neither project panned out. This gave Wylde the opportunity to record his own acoustic solo album, "Book of Shadows." After limited commercial success with Book Of Shadows, in 1998, Zakk and drummer Phil Ondich formed Black Label Society and recorded their debut album "Sonic Brew." Nick Catanese has been Zakk's rhythm guitarist since the Book Of Shadows tour. Craig Nunenmacher has been drumming since 1919 Eternal (2001) following Phil's departure.
Black Label Society headlined the second stage at this year's Ozzfest (US). Tickets for fall dates in the US have gone on sale, and the band will tour Australia, New Zealand and the UK in late 2006 and early 2007.
The song "Fire It Up", from the 2005 album Mafia, featured as a bonus song in the PlayStation 2 game ''Guitar Hero''.
On June 29, 2006, "Concrete Jungle", the first single from "Shot to Hell" was released online via Blabbermouth.net, which is owned by the band's new record label Roadrunner Records. The single's , directed by
http://whatisaggressive.com/... was released in early September 2006.
Latest Black Label Society News
Below is our complete Black Label Society news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 41 - 60 of 216 1 2 3 4 5 ... 10 11 Last
Black Label Society Reveals New Drummer
Black Label Society, the band led by former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, has announced that they have recruited Evanescence drummer Will Hunt. Hunt will tour with the band as well as record the next studio album with them, although he will remain a member of Evanescence, who began recording their new studio album yesterday. Stay tuned for further information.
Venom And UFO Added To High Voltage Festival
The organisers of Britain's High Voltage festival has announced some more bands for the festival's debut edition. Among the new confirmations are extreme metal daddys Venom, rock legends UFO, The Quireboys, Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa and The Union, which features former members of Thunder. The event will take place in Victoria Park in London on July 24th and the 25th.
The lineup is now as follows: More...
Black Label Society Drummer Quits The Band
Black Label Society has announced that they have parted ways with their drummer Craig Nunenmacher. Although no official reason has been given for the split, a brief message from the band reads as follows:
"Craig Nunenmacher has quit the band... we will have a new drummer very soon."
The band are scheduled to release a new studio album later this year through E1 Music.
Black Label Society Signs To E1 Music
Barbara Wylde, the wife of Black Label Society frontman Zakk Wylde and co-manager of the band, has announced that Black Label Society has signed a new record deal with E1 Music to release their next studio album in North America. The band recently began recording the album and hope to have it released by June. Stay tuned for further details.
First Bands Confirmed For High Voltage Festival
A brand new festival will be launched in London, England next year on July 24th and 25th. The event is scheduled to be held at Victoria Park. The festival mainly focuses on classic rock music and younger bands who play a similar style.
The current lineup is as follows:
Argent
Asia
Black Label Society
Clutch
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Focus
Foreigner
Steve Hackett
Heaven & Hell
Marillion
Pendragon
The Reasoning
Touchstone
Uriah Heep
Wishbone Ash
ZZ Top
Evile Covers Pantera, Last Recording w/ Bassist
British thrashers EVILE recently recorded a PANTERA track for the upcoming Dimebag Darrell tribute album, which will be released on the cover of the 200th issue of the UK's Metal Hammer magazine.
The special CD and magazine are being released to coincide with the five-year anniversary of Dimebag's passing, and will be available in shops on December 16th.
Alongside various other well-known bands such as MACHINE HEAD, EVILE were asked to record a song as a tribute to the late guitarist. EVILE recorded a cover of the track "Cemetary Gates," and this tragically turned out to be the band's last recording before the untimely death of their own bassist, Mike Alexander, who passed away on October 5th while on tour in Sweden.
A behind-the-scenes video - the last video filmed with Mike - of EVILE recording the track at Parlour Studios with producer Russ Russell can be viewed below.
EVILE lead guitarist Ol Drake comments:
"The day we got the call from our manager, Julie Weir, saying Metal Hammer have asked us to pay tribute to Dimebag Darrell by covering a Pantera song, we couldn't have been more excited and honoured. I mean, how many more bands are there more worthy of paying tribute to the man? With us all being fans of Pantera, we swiftly said yes. Mike though was the biggest Pantera fan. He'd seen them years ago and absolutely worshipped Dimebag.
"After Dime got killed, Mike couldn't listen to 'Cemetary Gates' anymore. He'd always ask us to skip the track in the car/van/bus because it was too much for him. So when we chose to do the track it was tough for Mike, but I'm glad he did it. It turned out to be the last song he recorded, which to me is a strangely 'appropriate' tribute to him and Dimebag. I remember him nearing the verge of tears whilst I was doing the tremolo bends at the end of the track.
"We hope Pantera/Dimebag fans find this a fitting tribute from us, as we're simply fans ourselves who've been given this rare honour."
Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas comments:
"I was genuinely over the moon when Evile volunteered to produce a track for our upcoming Dimebag tribute, a stunningly rendered cover of Pantera's classic 'Cemetary Gates'. So when the truly tragic news of Mike Alexander's all-too-premature departure from this world hit the office, the tragic irony wasn't lost on me or anyone here that Mike Alexander's tribute to the immortal legacy of Dimebag would also be a final testament to his own impeccable musicianship and commitment to the music we love.
"To understate the case slightly, it's a very special track indeed, and we're honoured that it's a part of our upcoming tribute collection. Rest in peace Dimebag, and rest in peace Mike Alexander."
The Dimebag Darrell tribute album contains the following tracks:
01. ZAKK WYLDE - "Suicide Note Pt. 1"
02. MACHINE HEAD - "Fucking Hostile"
03. MALEFICE - "I'm Broken"
04. AVENGED SEVENFOLD - "Walk"
05. EVILE - "Cemetery Gates"
06. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH - "A New Level"
07. BIOHAZARD - "Mouth For War"
08. SYLOSIS - "Strength Beyond Strength"
09. CHIMAIRA - "Slaughtered"
10. UNEARTH - "Sandblasted Skin"
11. THROWDOWN - "Becoming"
12. KIUAS - "This Love"
13. THIS IS HELL - "Rise"
Zakk Wylde To Appear In New Movie "Bones"
It had been previously reported that Zakk Wylde would be making an appearance in the television show "Bones." New information has now been made available that Wylde will actually be performing in a movie titled "Bones" with no connection to the television series. The movie is set for release in 2010 and the teaser trailer can be viewed below.
The IMDB page for the movie can also be found here.
BLS To Release New Album In March
Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society has announced in an update through the social networking site Twitter that he plans to have the new Black Label Society album available by March of next year. His full message reads as follows:
"Going to do the new BLS CD in my studio Jan/Feb and get it out to you Berserkers March 2010. Tons of shit to do today, screening of Bones film, blog and video diary from the Black Label studio mid-construction and design meeting for the RD artist reissue."
Black Label Society Drops Off Tour
Black Label Society has announced that they will not be performing on any more Pedal To The Metal tour dates due to lead vocalist/guitarist Zakk Wylde being taken to hospital when it was discovered he is suffering from blood clots. The tour will continue with the rest of the scheduled bands performing.
Zakk Wylde himself has issued the following message: "To all our Black Label Family Worldwide, thanks for all the Get Wells. Every 48 hours in the ER to check my blood, had a CT scan today and have blood clots in each of my lungs as well as my leg. Can't sing because pushing can cause an embollism."
Zakk Wylde Suffering From Blood Clots
Black Label Society's ZAKK WYLDE has issued the following update via his Twitter page:
"Just hung out with the Spokane Chapter had a blast as always. Headed back to the hospital today see what's going on with these blood clots"
Zakk Wylde Furious With Ozzy Osbourne
Black Label Society mainman Zakk Wylde was recently interviewed by Eugene, Oregon's, KFLY Radio, during which he came clean about how certain his place in Ozzy Osbourne's band. He proceeded to rant for three minutes, stating:
"I’ve gotta be honest with you. The boss hasn’t even given me a phone call, so I mean… I’m just like… I don’t know what’s going on over there. Are we doing this thing or are we not doing it? When I keep getting asked these questions, I go, ‘Call the boss. When he tells you, then he can call me back.’ I mean, it’s just like… I love you, man. Whatever you want, that’s cool.
"But if we’re doing this, let’s do it, and let’s whoop some ass. But if you don’t wanna do it, then just give me a heads-up. Call me, man. Tell me what the hell’s going on. I don’t know what the hell’s going on over there. We’re working on the new record, we’ll be back in September, we’ll work on finishing the record. And then we’re supposed to do the tour.
"I mean, it’s like, dude, you don’t wanna play with me anymore? Fine. Play with whoever the hell you wanna play with. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. Like I’m gonna get all jealous or whatever."
Static-X Announces Headlining Tour Dates
Static-X announces additional headlining tour dates along with the Pedal To The Metal tour coming your way this summer 2009.
Static-X front-man Wayne Static says of the tour: “I’m very picky about who we tour with. I think Static-X slaughter most bands live, and I pride myself in our show – I refuse to open for a band that I don’t think is worthy, so that says a lot about Mudvayne, Zakk Wylde, and this entire package.” More...
Headline News
Ozzy Osbourne Dismisses Guitarist Zakk Wylde
In a recent interview with Classic Rock magazine, metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has revealed that he has parted ways with long-time guitarist Zakk Wylde.
“Well, I’m getting a new guitar player as we speak,” said Ozzy, “and everyone has been saying to me for a long time, ‘Get Johnny 5!’ And I tried him at one time and I didn’t really give him a chance. We’ll see, I don’t know. I haven’t fallen out with Zakk, but Zakk’s got his own band, and I felt like my stuff was beginning to sound like BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. I just felt like I wanted a change, y’know?
“I’ve got a guy from Greece coming in – not the musical, the country of Greece – but I’m not going to say too much about it, cos I don’t know myself at this point. I’ve got a new album, I’m working on it as we speak. I’ve got a studio at my house and I’ve got a guy called Kevin Churko, the guy that did the last album – he’s great to work with.
"And it’s great to have your own studio. On one hand it’s great and on the other it’s not, cos when you’re at the studio you can go, ‘Sorry darling, I can’t get home for dinner, I’m stuck at the studio…’ But she can fucking come down stairs now! But I’m just enjoying my life now…" More...
Zakk Wylde To Appear On TV Show, "Bones"
Black Label Society frontman and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde has reportedly just finished filming a role in the television series, "Bones." Although no further details are available, the episode will be part of the fifth season which will begin airing later this year.
Black Label Society, Mudvayne Reveal Tour Dates
The tour dates for the previously announced, "Pedal To The Metal" tour have now been revealed. The trek features Black Label Society, Mudvayne, Dope, Suicide Silence and Bury Your Dead.
The tour dates are as follows:
July 24 - Portland, ME @ Cumberland County Civic Center
July 25 - Lowell, MA @ Tsongas Arena
July 28 - Reading, PA @ Sovereign Center
July 29 - Youngstown, OH @ Chevrolet Center
July 31 - Big Flatts, NY @ Tags Summer Stage
August 1 - Albany, NY @ Altamont Fairgrounds
August 4 - Fort Wayne, IN @ War Memorial Coliseum
August 5 - Battle Creek, MI @ Kellogg Arena
August 7 - Moline, IL @ I Wireless Center
August 8 - Rockford, IL @ Rockford Metro Center
August 9 - Madison, WI @ Willow Island
August 11 - Topeka, KS @ Landon Arena
August 12 - Mankato, MN @ Alltel Arena
August 14 - Omaha, NE @ Westfair Amphitheater
August 15 - Little Rock, AR @ NS River Water Park
August 16 - Wichita, KS @ KS Coliseum Lot
August 18 - Boise, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheater
August 19 - Missoula, MT @ Ryan Creek Amphitheater
August 21 - Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena
August 22 - Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater
August 23 - Portland, OR @ Washington County Fairgrounds
August 25 - Eugene, OR @ Cubhert Amphitheater
August 26 - Reno, NV @ Events Center
August 28 - San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic Auditorium
August 29 - Bakersfield, CA @ Rabo Bank Arena
September 1 - San Diego, CA @ San Diego Sports Arena
September 2 - Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Amphitheater
September 4 - Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater
September 5 - San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Gardens
September 6 - Lubbock, TX @ Lonestar Amphitheater
September 8 - Dallas, TX @ TBA
September 9 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheater
More Bands Added To Black Label Society Tour
Black Label Society leader Zakk Wylde has revealed that Five Finger Death Punch and Seventh Void (featuring members of Type O Negative) will be touring with the band along with Mudvayne and Static-X later this year.
"It's a small world, so everybody knows everybody. I've known the guys since the OZZFest. So we're going to have a fucking blast. (It will be) Static-X, Mudvayne, a couple guys from TYPE O NEGATIVE started their own band (SEVENTH VOID) so they got that thing going on. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. There's six bands on the fucking bill so we're going to have a good fucking time."
BLS To Tour With Mudvayne And Static-X
Hard rock group Black Label Society will be teaming up for a tour with Mudvayne and Static-X later this year. A message from the band reads as follows:
"Big thanks to all of you dedicated crazy SDMF'rs that came out to a show on our Black Label Bash Tour! Much thanks to those of you who purchased meet and greet packages, your generosity is making a difference in the lives of children at St. Jude's. God bless all of you for making this tour a successful one! We are at home now and are going to spend some time with our families and then we will see you again this summer! We have another US tour lined up with MUDVAYNE and STATIC X! As well as some overseas festival dates! Stay tuned for more details!"
Black Label Society To Release Greatest Hits
American heavy metal act Black Label Society has announced that they will be releasing a greatest hits CD/DVD package on April 21st. The collection is entitled "Skullage" and will feature some unreleased material on both the CD and the DVD. More details will be revealed nearer the release date.
Anthrax Band Members To Appear At NAMM 2009
New York metal band Anthrax has announced that their members will be appearing at the 2009 NAMM convention in Anaheim, CA. The dates and times are as follows:
Friday, January 16th:
Signing: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Frank Bello:
Signing with: Herman Li and Sam Totman (Dragonforce), Matt Bachand and Brian Fair (Shadows Fall), John 5 (Rob Zombie) and JD DeServio (Black Label Society)
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Charlie Benante
H2 drummers signing with John Tempesta (The Cult), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Barry Kerch (Shinedown), Carmine Appice, Peter Erskine
Saturday, January 17th:
Signing: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello and Rob Caggiano
Signing with: George Lynch (Lynch Mob / ex-Dokken), John 5 (Rob Zombie) and Michael Amotto (Arch Enemy) More...
Black Label Society Announces More Shows
Black Label Society has announced more tour dates on their North American tour. Support on the trek will come from Sevendust and Dope.
The tour schedule is now as follows:
March 6 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
March 7 - Sparks, NV @ The New Oasis
March 9 - Chico, CA @ The Senator Theatre
March 11 - Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
March 13 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
March 14 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
March 15 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
March 17 - Calgary, AB @ Calgary Corral
March 18 - Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Centre
March 20 - Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon Events Center
March 21 - Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
March 22 - St. Paul, MN @ The Myth
March 24 - Waterloo, IA @ McElroy Auditorium
March 25 - Kansas City, MO @ Harrah’s
March 27 - Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
March 28 - Chicago, IL @ Congress Theatre
March 29 - Covington, KY @ Madison Theatre
March 31 - Mt. Clemens, MI @ Emerald Theatre
April 1 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo
April 3 - Rochester, NY @ Main St. Armory
April 4 - Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
April 6 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
April 7 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
April 9 - Manchester, NH @ Verizon Wireless Arena
April 10 - New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
April 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory
April 14 - Boston, MA @ House Of Blues
April 15 - Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
April 17 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues
April 18 - Duluth, GA @ Wild Bill’s
April 21 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
April 24 - Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek
April 25 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
April 26 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
April 28 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
April 29 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
May 1 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
May 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
