ZAKK WYLDE IS not only one of the finest metal guitarists to ever grace this planet; he’s always been an open book when it comes to expressing his deep love, plus his profound reverence and respect for his dear friend, the late Dimebag Darrell. Yes sir, Zakk literally wears his heart on his sleeve. Which is why every Black Label Society show since 2005 has featured “In This River” — the emotion-laden ballad Zakk wrote for Dime — complete with large, backline-covering images of his beloved friend. And, ever since Darrell’s brother, Vinnie Paul, sadly passed away in 2018, his picture also graces the BLS set during said song. “Those are our buddies, man,” Zakk says in an unusually soft but searingly sincere tone. “That song and their images will never, ever leave the Black Label set.”
The heartfelt words Wylde wrote in his popular Guitar World column, “Brewtality,” in early 2005 sum up his feelings for Darrell as a player and a person. “In my mind Dime was, without question, the best metal guitarist in the world — you’ve got Jimi Hendrix, you’ve got Eddie Van Halen, you’ve got Jimmy Page, you’ve got Randy Rhoads, you’ve got Tony Iommi, and you’ve got Dimebag Darrell. He belongs in those hallowed ranks without any shadow of a doubt.
“On top of his talent, though, Dime was also a beautiful guy. He was totally devoid of ego, as genuine as the day is long, and also the kindest person I’ve ever met. Every time he walked into a room; he’d light it up like the ray of sunshine he was. Dime was an angel that the good Lord sent down to brighten our lives and make us happy, but now he needs him, so he’s taken him back. I never had a
