In anticipation of the exciting Back to the Beginning event, renowned guitarist Zakk Wylde made a guest appearance on Loudwire Nights on Monday, June 30. During this engaging interview, he passionately expressed his admiration for Ozzy Osbourne and the legendary band Black Sabbath.

Be sure to listen to the complete conversation in the player located near the end of this article for a deeper insight.

“It’s essentially like an Ozzfest on steroids,” Wylde enthusiastically described Back to the Beginning while chatting with host Chuck Armstrong.

“What made the Ozzfest so remarkable was that each year featured the finest talents in hard rock and metal performing together. You had iconic acts like Metallica, Alice In Chains, and Guns N’ Roses on the lineup. This event feels like an Ozzfest amplified, akin to the Dorian Yates of metal festivals, showcasing explosive growth and excitement.”

While Wylde is set to perform throughout the event, he is particularly thrilled about his main performance with Pantera. The anticipation is palpable as he shares, “It’s going to be incredible to share the stage with Phil, Rex, and Charlie.”

“During the Pantera celebration, I’ll be jamming some classic Sabbath songs. It’s going to be an absolute blast,” he added, highlighting his enthusiasm for the performance.

For Wylde, playing Sabbath tracks is not merely a pastime; it’s a dedicated project he has developed with his band Zakk Sabbath. When Chuck inquired about his favorite songs, particularly those he might perform in Birmingham on July 5, Wylde found it challenging to limit his selection.

“Especially the less mainstream tracks, the ones you don’t hear on the radio all the time,” he explained with excitement.

“There are certain classics that you know will be covered by others, but I appreciate the deep cuts too. It’s important to ensure that everyone has a chance to play their favorite tunes. There’s a vast selection on the menu at the Black Sabbath steakhouse,” he remarked, alluding to the rich history of the band’s music.

As Wylde reflected on the upcoming event, he acknowledged that the uncertainty surrounding it isn’t just felt by fans.

“The truth is, no one really knows what to expect,” he stated.

“It reminds me of my early days with Ozzy. Nothing has changed; we’ll figure everything out when we arrive. Are we sure about this? Absolutely, but don’t worry,” he chuckled, sharing a light-hearted moment.

Zakk Wylde Reveals the Origin of His and Ozzy’s Iconic Nickname ‘The Gruesome Twosome’

Whenever Zakk Wylde participates in an interview, it’s a given that he will have an entertaining Ozzy story or two to share. His recent conversation on Loudwire Nights was no exception.

“When I first joined the band, during the recording of our debut album, I fondly remember Bobby Thompson—God rest his soul,” Wylde reminisced about Ozzy’s longtime tour manager who sadly passed away in 2003.

“Bobby had been with Ozzy since the very beginning. Over the years, you encounter various crew members, and it’s like a big family. Just like in the Pantera celebration, there are people I’ve known since my initial days with Ozzy, and they have become part of the crew and family,” he shared, highlighting the bonds formed in the music industry.

As Wylde delved into memories of Thompson, he recounted a humorous incident from their early days while rooming together in London.

“We were working on No Rest For the Wicked and indulging in some drinks one evening,” Wylde recalled.

“He advised me, ‘You’ve got to stay out of the web. Stay out of the web. He’s pulling you into the web.’ The ‘web’ was essentially going out drinking every night. No one wanted to party with Ozzy except me because I found him to be the coolest guy out there. I was happy to drink with Ozzy while Bobby cautioned, ‘Zakky, you have to stay out of the web,’” he shared with a laugh.

As Wylde elaborated on the situation, it became evident that Thompson’s concerns extended beyond just drinking with Ozzy; it was about the potential consequences that followed.

“What I didn’t realize was that Ozzy was the last person you’d want to be with if you were planning something mischievous because he would name everyone involved and spill all the details,” he said, chuckling.

“Sharon would ask, ‘Who were you out with last night?’ and he would rattle off names: ‘I was with Bobby, Zack, Randy, and Mikey.’ He would disclose everything. It made me realize why people were hesitant to join us for drinks—they wanted to keep their jobs. Hence the advice: stay out of the web, man,” he concluded, where the nickname The Gruesome Twosome came to be.

READ MORE: ‘We Grew Up as Youngers’ – K.K. Downing Reflects on His Early Days with Judas Priest and Black Sabbath

“Mom would say, ‘Oh, the Gruesome Twosome were out drinking again last night,” Wylde laughed heartily.

“While my friends were off attending community college or prestigious universities like Stanford, Harvard, or Notre Dame, I was enrolled in Ozzy Osbourne University. My major? Stouts, beers, pale ales, and all sorts of brews. I graduated with triple straight A’s, and my liver can certainly vouch for that,” he added humorously, reflecting on his wild experiences.

Key Highlights from Zakk Wylde’s Interview on Loudwire Nights

• His exciting plans for Back to the Beginning: “I’ll be responsible for doing dishes, laundry, and making everyone the Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend. It’s going to be fantastic!”
• Why he believes Black Sabbath deserves credit for more than just launching heavy metal: “Thanks to these four individuals, we all have jobs and can provide for our families. They essentially created an entire industry.”
• His unforgettable experience auditioning for Ozzy in the ’80s: “I thought my friends were playing a prank on me with their mom’s voice on the phone, but it was actually Sharon. They flew me out to L.A., and when I met Ozzy, I was completely overwhelmed. Ozzy jokingly remarked about the smell and said, ‘Just play from your heart, change your trousers afterward, and make me a ham sandwich, but go easy on the Colman’s mustard. It shouldn’t overpower the sandwich’s flavor.’ Since then, I’ve been making him ham sandwiches with just the right amount of mustard,” he recounted with a smile.

Catch the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Zakk Wylde appeared on Loudwire Nights on Monday, June 30. The show is available online for replay here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Check if the show airs on your local radio station and enjoy on-demand access to past interviews.