Schecter Guitar Research Announces World-Wide Distribution Deal With ZAKK WYLDE And Wylde Audio

Schecter Guitar Research and Wylde Audio announce signing a world-wide distribution deal. Schecter will distribute Wylde Guitars, the creation of legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), via their distributor network covering over 70 countries, which also includes handling fulfillment of the guitars in the US.

“We are extremely proud to be working with Zakk and Wylde Audio on this endeavor,” states Schecter Guitar Research Executive Vice-president Marc LaCorte. “Zakk has been incredible in recognizing what he wanted in his own brand and bringing the best possible product to the market.”

The first offering from Wylde Audio, including the Odin, War Hammer and Viking models, are set to debut at the 2016 Winter NAMM.

Zakk has already been putting the prototypes through their paces at recent Black Label Society shows. “I’m very excited for the launch of Wylde Audio in 2016,” Wylde states. “For me, it’s the next logical step. You start as a player, manager, VP of Team Operations, then Team Owner. I’ve surrounded myself with super talented people to make this vision become a reality and having Schecter on board as our distributor is going to allow me to bring Wylde Audio’s boutique quality of craftsmanship to the next level.”

Visit the Schecter Guitar Research booth 210D during the 2016 Winter NAMM show to see these in person. Zakk Wylde will also be conducting a private press conference inside the Schecter / NAMM booth 210D at 5 PM on Friday, January 22nd.

For additional information visit wyldeaudio.com.

Pictured above L to R: Blasko (Mercenary Mgmt.), John Gaudesi (Schecter Custom Shop), Zakk, Michael Ciravolo (Schecter President), Marc LaCorte (Schecter EVP). Photo – Schecter Guitar Research

Zakk Wylde, as well as other guitar legends Steve Vai  and John 5, along with drum powerhouse Mike Portnoy, bass icon Billy Sheehan and keyboard phenomenon Derek Sherinian are joining forces to play a benefit concert for guitar and keyboard virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.

The Benefit for Tony MacAlpine will take place at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on December 12th, at 7 PM, featuring performances from John 5 & The Creatures, Zakk Wylde with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian; Steve Vai and band, and culminating in an all-star jam with house band Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian, and featuring special guests. Eddie Trunk will serve as master of ceremonies for the night.

In addition to this extraordinary musical event, Steve Vai, John 5, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, and Joe Satriani have all graciously donated personal guitars to be auctioned during the event. In addition, Rudy Sarzo has offered private lessons as an auction item, and Simon Phillips has donated a signature snare. Tony’s gear manufacturers Ibanez, Hughes & Kettner, EMG, Ernie Ball, Source Audio and Voodoo Lab have also generously donated equipment to be raffled.

Tony’s cancer diagnosis comes on the heels of his wife’s diagnosis with breast cancer in June, making the situation even more trying for Tony and his family.

“Tony is a dear friend, an absolutely sweet human being and one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever worked with,” says Mike Portnoy, “We are coming together to help raise money and awareness to help him fight his battle and come out on top!”  

Adds Steve Vai, “It’s a great privilege to take to the stage with my friends Zakk, John, Mike and Billy in support of our dear friend Tony. Tony has always been blessed with an exceptional talent and more so, he’s an exceptionally cool guy. It’s a great cause and will be a magical evening of guitar extravaganza.”

“Tony has been such an inspiration to me,” says John 5. “He is an incredible musician and an unbelievable talent. Please let’s all come together and beat this!”

“Tony is our brother. We look forward to making a historical night, and raising a lot of money to help our friend in need.” said Derek Sherinian.

Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. Edge of Insanity, his classic debut album, was recently ranked by Guitar World magazine as one of the Top Ten Shred Guitar Albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including Planet X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati; PSMS (Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian); as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai‘s touring band The Breed.

Tony’s most recent album Concrete Gardens was released in May. Tony toured the US in June to promote the album, but was forced to cancel tours of Asia, Australia and Europe when his health deteriorated.

Tickets are on sale through LiveNation.com, with all proceeds going to help Tony and his family. A GoFundMe campaign will be set up for fans who can’t make the show, but still want to contribute.

Doors will be at 7 PM with the show set to begin at 8 PM. For tickets, visit livenation.com.