Zakk Wylde Says This Is ‘the First Metal Riff of…’ — And It’s Not Black Sabbath. Read more
Zakk Wylde, a revered guitarist known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, has shared his thoughts on what he considers to be the first true metal riff in music history. Surprisingly, Wylde didn’t point to Black Sabbath, the band widely credited with pioneering heavy metal, but instead named Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” as the origin of the metal riff. Wylde discussed this in an interview with Metal Injection, explaining that Cream, along with Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, represent the core inspirations for heavy metal guitar work.
Wylde credits Cream’s riff, which originated from bassist Jack Bruce and was inspired by a Jimi Hendrix concert, as the first metal riff ever. While many metalheads consider Sabbath’s Tony Iommi as the godfather of metal guitar, Wylde’s choice of “Sunshine of Your Love” shows how deep metal’s roots are in the blues. According to Wylde, heavy metal’s DNA is fundamentally blues-based, and bands like Cream, Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Purple are the pillars from which heavy metal riffs have evolved. He humorously refers to these bands as “Mount Riffmore,” emphasizing their enduring influence on modern metal music.
Wylde has built a career on heavy riffs, particularly through his iconic tenure with Ozzy Osbourne and his leadership in Black Label Society. Recently, he has taken on new challenges, joining Pantera to help fill in for the late Dimebag Darrell, which has involved delving even deeper into legendary riffs. As someone who has spent decades studying, playing, and creating memorable riffs, Wylde is an authoritative voice in the realm of guitar music, especially when it comes to heavy metal.
In his interview, Wylde shared some insight into his creative process, revealing that he often looks back to the “Mount Riffmore” bands to spark ideas. He emphasized that guitarists who feel creatively stuck should revisit the works of Cream, Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Purple. Their riffs, steeped in blues traditions but heavier and darker, have inspired generations of musicians and continue to be an endless well of creativity for guitarists of all levels.
Beyond just riff-making, Wylde offered advice to aspiring musicians. He stressed the importance of playing music you genuinely love, rather than chasing trends or trying to replicate what’s popular. Wylde recalled his own experiences in his early band Zyris, where they played music that was popular at the time, such as Bon Jovi-style songs. However, he noted that Bon Jovi’s success came from playing what they truly loved, not because they were trying to fit into a particular mold. Similarly, bands like Soundgarden or Guns N’ Roses found their success by sticking to their artistic guns rather than bending to industry expectations.
Wylde’s message to young musicians is clear: authenticity is key. He emphasized that the greatest bands in history didn’t follow trends—they created their own. His advice is to “stick to your guns” and remain true to your musical passions, trusting that an audience will eventually resonate with the sincerity of your work. This philosophy is part of what has made Wylde’s own career so enduring and influential in the world of metal.
