Is the guitar and rock music lifeless? It’s an accusation that’s been levelled fairly a bit up to now decade or so. However former Ozzy Osbourne sidekick and Black Label Society frontman Zakk Wylde reckons there’s nothing to fret about.

In a brand new interview within the newest situation of Guitar World journal, the guitarist waxes lyrical on the present technology of gamers, saying the instrument could be very a lot alive and nicely.

He wastes no time in firing off a listing of his favorite guitarists proper now. “I’m buddies with Richie Faulkner, who I feel is the total bundle,” he says. “We’ve toured with Judas Priest a bit and he’s an outstanding participant. He additionally has his personal band, Elegant Weapons. He’s bought vibrato, method, tone the whole lot. I really feel that approach about Dario from Black Label Society.”

Naming some extra modern gamers, he continues: “Jared James Nichols is superior. I like listening to youthful guys like him and Tyler Bryant taking part in the blues. They clearly like it and have such a tremendous grasp of it. Tosin Abasi has been doing it for some time now, however he’s phenomenal. I feel Tim Henson is insane. My son Hendrix is a big fan of Polyphia and Tim’s taking part in.”

As for many who query the vitality of guitar as an instrument in 2026, Zakk makes his opinion clear: “Every time I hear folks saying, ‘Guitar is lifeless,’ I feel, ‘What are you speaking about? What rock do you reside beneath?’

“Guitar is doing simply nice. There are such a lot of younger gamers who love the instrument, and so they’re actually going for it.”

These phrases are coming from one of the vital achieved and well-travelled musicians in rock music, so you’ve it on good authority…

In a hilarious anecdote earlier this yr, Zakk Wylde recounted the time Ozzy Osbourne was mistaken for singer Meat Loaf by an air stewardess.

“He’s sitting there, bummed out, and the stewardess is like: ‘Oh, my God, I can’t imagine it’s you!’ She’s giving him drinks, getting him meals, and he’s simply floored by it. He’s going: ‘Perhaps issues aren’t so unhealthy.’

“Because the airplane lands, she says: ‘Can I get an image?’ So she takes the picture, after which she goes: ‘Oh, wow, thanks Meat Loaf!’ Ozzy’s like: ‘I actually fucking want to chop again on the energy…’”

Sam is the Affiliate Information Editor for Guitar.com and MusicTech. Completely immersed in music tradition for almost all of his life, Sam has performed guitar for 20 years, studied music expertise and manufacturing at college, and in addition written for the likes of Guitar World, Complete Guitar, Metallic Hammer and MusicRadar.