News

Zakk Wylde Goes To Prison

• 15th Jul 2010

Next Thursday, July 22, ZAKK WYLDE will be going to prison.

The BLACK LABEL SOCIETY frontman/guitarist has confirmed a one-off special event at HMP Stocken in Stretton, Leicestershire, as part of their anti-violence/anti-bullying campaign. Wylde will give a solo performance and hold a Q&A session with approximately 60 inmates.

Performing at the prison holds particular meaning for Wylde, as his debut with OZZY OSBOURNE – whom he went on to play with for more than two decades – also took place at a prison, back in 1987. Coming full circle, July 22 marks the 23-year anniversary of that event.

In Autumn 2009, Officer Kevin Oakes, a BLS fan employed as a prison guard, got in touch with Wylde and said how great it would be if Zakk was able to do something for the inmates at his prison here in the UK. HMP Stocken Governor Steve Turner concurred and extended an invitation. Excluding that visit with Ozzy, the legendary guitarist has only done this once before; in Singapore last December.

Black Label Society play the High Voltage festival in London on July 24. Their new album ‘Order Of The Black’ will be released on August 23, preceded by two digital singles – ‘Parade Of The Dead’ (out now) and ‘Crazy Horse’ (July 23). The band have also just announced a benefit concert for the St Jude Children’s Hospital on August 10 at the Roxy, West Hollywood, California. Black Label Society are donating 100% of the show’s proceeds to the hospital.