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!

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.

Yes, that’s right. If you’re Canadian you may have seen the clip on the CTV news—it was about going to the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in Hollywood, Calif. and playing with The Who’s Roger Daltrey at the House of Blues.

It’s self explanatory, so take it away clip:

Zakk Wylde signed his band Black Label Society to a new record deal with Roadrunner Records to do the follow-up to their hit album “Mafia.” Zakk is currently working on the album, which will be called “Shot to Hell.”

The best guitarist in the world is busy these days. In addition to working on his new album, Zakk has been named as the headliner on the second stage of Ozzfest 2006 and he is writing and recording with Ozzy for his new album. Ozzy has said in recent interviews that he will release a new studio album in 2006.

According to Roadrunner, “Shot to Hell” will be released this summer, although no specific date was released. Zakk is working with producer Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers) on the new album.

The band’s last album Mafia debuted in March 2005 at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and at #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart.

Last week was incredibly busy. It started off with my birthday and ended with a fun weekend with Michael and my father attending the Windsor exhibition. The exhibition had two things that I had never seen before: a truck pull and a demolition derby.

On September 19th I turned 38. I don’t feel that old—I still listen to heavy metal, I’m playing guitar more than ever, work is going well; in short, I feel younger than ever. Maybe I’m just kidding myself—to be sure I think I need to buy a Porsche.

Monique bought me a new Zakk Wylde Overdrive pedal for my guitar, which has made a big difference in the gain level playing my Les Paul. My parents got me a new strap for the guitar and there were other assorted items, as well.

Last weekend Michael, my father and I headed off to a truck pull. I’ve never been to a truck pull before, but it was a lot better than I expected. The amount of money spent of these rigs must be incredible. Many of them were running alcohol and when they powered up it almost blew your eardrums.

Better than the truck pull was the demolition derby. These guys are just insane. They pile in their cars and just go, smashing into anything in their way. Some of the drivers actually had a strategy, but most of them just crashed.

A busy week, but it was a lot of fun.