Rob Blasko has a long
history in heavy music. He played in bands like Cryptic Slaughter, Drown, Rob
Zombie but since 2003 we know him as the bass player in Ozzy Osbournes solo band.
He also is a manager and he is currently working on the launch of doomandgroom.com
that will provide everything needed for the ultimate heavy metal beardsman. And
he loves cats.
Speaking of the great
Oz Blasko now makes noise together with Zakk Wylde and Joey Castillo in Zakk
Sabbath which must be the ultimate Black Sabbath tribute band, right? We hooked
up with Blasko for a short, sharp shock style Ripple interview.
What have been your musical epiphany moments?
Every night I am on
stage with Ozzy. I still don’t believe it’s real!
Talk to us about the song-writing process for
you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into
place?
Wow, I haven’t written
songs in ages. But when I did, it always started with the riff.
Who has influenced you the most?
Black Sabbath. No
question.
Where do you look for continuing inspiration?
New ideas, new motivation?
Places like Into The Void Radio!
We're all a product of our environment. Tell us
about the band's hometown and how that reflects in the music?
Well my first band was
Cryptic Slaughter and we were based in Santa Monica California which was the
next city over from Venice where the Dog Town / Suicidal scene was brewing. So
bands like Suicidal, Excel, No Mercy etc were all influential, but we were in
LA county so we did also see the rise of bands like Slayer and Metallica. That
was a good place to be in the mid 80’s!
Where'd the band name come from?
I actually don’t recall the origin.
You have one chance, what movie are you going
to write the soundtrack for?
Texas Chainsaw Massacre because there was no
soundtrack.
You now write for a music publication (The
Ripple Effect?). You're going to write a
1,000 word essay on one song. Which would it be and why?
Motorhead’s Ace of Spades because it is the
most bad ass song ever.
Come on, share with us a couple of your great,
Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?
Ha. I always get asked this and I never have a
good answer. Maybe I should just start making something up?
Tell us about playing live and the live
experience for you and for your fans?
Playing live is addicting. Anyone that has
done it knows. I am very fortunate to play amazing songs from some of my most
favorite and influential artists of all time!
Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?
Still trying to write it!
Who today, writes great songs? Who just kicks
your ass? Why?
This year so far I am
really pumped on new albums from We Hunt Buffalo, Battalions, Bus, Beastmaker
and La Chinga, just to name a few. This year has been great so far!
Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of
choice?
For the sake of ease I have become a proponent
of Spotify Premium, although I am thinking of getting back into vinyl.
Whiskey or beer? And defend your choice.
Neither. Tequila.
We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly
looking for new music. What's your home town, and when we get there, what's the
best record store to lose ourselves in?
Amoeba in LA
What's next for Zakk Sabbath?
Zakk Sabbath will be on tour with the almighty
Clutch in the US from Sep 28 - Oct 31st.
Go start a band. Maybe
you can save rock n roll?!
-The Void
Zakk Wylde plays Black Sabbath at NAMM 2016
Party:
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