Jim Dalrymple.com

I just love watching Zakk play. This solo is one of his best.

I am amazed whenever I listen to Jimi Hendrix play guitar. He is so incredible and he makes it look so easy.

The fact that Jimi loved his instrument is obvious—nobody can play like that and not love what they do. It makes you wonder though—what would Hendrix have done if he lived past 1970?

He was so innovative in his playing, I’m sure he would have continued to change the way we look at the guitar.

For somebody outside of the Black Label Society family getting a vest may not seem like a big deal. However, for those of us that follow Zakk and BLS, we know what an honor it is to receive the vest from Zakk.

There are places that you can buy the back patches, but there is only one place to get the real vest with the real front and back patches—from Zakk himself.

So, Zakk, thanks very much—I don’t know what else to say. I’ve had the vest for about 2 weeks now and I haven’t taken it off yet.

Bleed Black Label!

I’ve been very lucky this year and got to meet and hang out with quite a few cool people. Here are a few pics of some of them. Click on the photos for a larger image and the names.

After his manager responded to the 357 Customs deal gone bad, Black Label Society front man Zakk Wylde has personally responded on his Web site. I can only imagine that if Zakk is as angry as he sounds, the problems should be resolved.

Beserkers, nobody is more upset by 357’s unscrupulous activities than I am, and I assure you that I did not know about or approve any of these activities. That is why I have directed my attorneys to take all steps necessary to address this situation. I realize it has been frustrating for you waiting for information, and as soon as the attorneys report to me next week, I will update you with a more complete statement.

Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever.

Zakk Wylde

I had no doubt Zakk would be pissed about this and step up when the time came.

First there was all kinds of good news—Zakk Wylde said his new CD would be released in July and a new live DVD from Europe would also be released in July. Then came the bad news—first the DVD was pushed back and now the new CD is being pushed back until September.

Black Label Society’s new record label, Roadrunner confirmed the news to Blabbermouth yesterday. No reason was given for the delay.

I was really looking forward to a hard rocking summer of All Zakk, all the time. The one good thing—the CD is scheduled to be released on my birthday, September 19.

Zakk Wylde’s manager has responded to the 357 Customs debacle that has affected a good many Black Label Society fans. Bob Ringe, Zakk’s manager, said Zakk had nothing to do with the offer himself and that his lawyers have contacted 357 Customs.

357 Customs offered users quite an incredible deal. With the purchase of one of the three new Zakk Wylde diecast/gift certificate packs, customers would receive a free Epiphone Zakk Wylde signature model Les Paul guitar. You could chose from the Zakk Wylde Bullseye, Zakk Wylde Sawblade, or Zakk Wylde Camo.

However, orders quickly became backed up and while some users did get their guitars, many more did not.

Ringe said that 357 has promised to fulfill all of the orders made during the promotion, so everyone will eventually get their guitars. While no timeframe was given for the delivery, Ringe said Zakk’s lawyers will be monitoring the situation until it’s resolved.