by Zakk Wylde recently opened up about his perspective on retirement from music. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Rock Feed.
The Black Label Society frontman and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist drew comparisons to legendary musicians and athletes when discussing what it would take for him to step away from performing.
“I mean, look at The Stones. They do it. They’re not doing it [for the money]… No, you do it just because you love it,” Wylde said. “Like Keith Richards always said [when asked], ‘When are you going to retire?’ And he goes, ‘To retire from what? If I like reading a book and having a cup of coffee, why would I retire from that?’ And I get it. I understand.”
Wylde then contrasted music with professional sports. He explained the key difference between physical and creative pursuits.
“Like, if you can’t physically [do it], [like] with sports, it’s a different thing. Like, you know, if you can’t pitch anymore, [if] you can’t perform at the level [you’re used to]… You know, where Tom Brady’s like, ‘I’ll give it one more shot, one more year, and then I’m done.’ Or Joe Montana, where they’re like, ‘I’m done. I did what I had to do, and I’m out of here,’” he continued. “But I mean, then you move into the next phase, whether you’re a coach, team owner, whatever it is, but you’re still around the game.”
The guitarist’s comments suggest he plans to continue performing as long as he physically can. He follows the example of rock legends like the Rolling Stones.
Wylde’s philosophy on retirement stems from his deep-rooted passion for music and his extensive career spanning multiple decades and projects.
Guitar World reported that Wylde’s connection with Ozzy Osbourne went far beyond a typical guitarist-vocalist relationship. The two developed a bond that Wylde described as almost brotherly. This partnership helped define some of Osbourne’s most successful albums, including the critically acclaimed No Rest for the Wicked and No More Tears. These albums showcased Wylde’s distinctive heavy guitar style that became synonymous with Ozzy’s sound during the late 1980s and 1990s.
The guitarist’s commitment to music extends beyond his own career ambitions. Guitar Player noted that Wylde has demonstrated his dedication to preserving musical legacies by touring with Pantera to honor the memory of late guitarist Dimebag Darrell. This involvement shows his belief that music transcends individual fame and represents a larger cultural responsibility to keep influential sounds alive for new generations.
Wylde’s approach to his craft reflects the same work ethic that has kept veteran musicians like the Rolling Stones active well into their later years. His comparison to Keith Richards particularly resonates given that both guitarists share a similar philosophy about music being an integral part of their identity rather than just a profession.
The Black Label Society leader’s comments also highlight the unique nature of musical careers compared to athletic ones. Physical limitations often dictate retirement timing in sports. For musicians like Wylde, the creative and emotional aspects of performance can sustain a career as long as the passion remains intact. This makes retirement a choice rather than a necessity.
