Gibson gives away Zakk Wylde Bullseye guitar

And I didn't win!!! See here.

Getting ringtones on the iPhone with iToner

One great way to personalize your phone is to use a custom ringtone. Personally, I use Ozzy's Crazy Train, but there is a problem with trying to do that with Apple's iPhone. Apple does allow you to use that song.

Here's the deal. In order to use iTunes to get a ringtone on the iPhone, you have to buy the song from Apple. That would be great if it were that easy, but it's not. Apple only has the rights to certain songs -- about half a million right now. And, no Ozzy is not on that list.

So, to get around this, I've been using iToner from Ambrosia Software. It's quick, easy and works with most file formats. And I can get Ozzy and Zakk Wylde on my iPhone.

Ozzy heading back on the road

After coming off the summer Ozzfest tour, Ozzy said he will continue his Black Rain tour in the U.S. Ozzy has dates lined up that will keep the band on the road from October to January.

Rob Zombie will be joining Ozzy as the opening act on the tour. Of course, Zakk will be on tour playing with Ozzy.

Zakk Wylde Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Here is my latest piece of gear, a Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, Zakk Wylde Signature model. That's a mouthful.

My friend Bill Lonero recommended I get a real Wah pedal instead of using the pedal that comes with some of the digital stompboxes. He said I'd notice a big difference -- he was right.

Of course, I chose the Zakk Wylde model because ... well, it's Zakk and he is the new master of the Wah, not to mention the best guitar player out there.

Been using it for a little bit and I'm really liking it.

Funny Zakk Wylde guitar lesson

Never doubt the humor of Zakk Wylde. This YouTube clip is hilarious!

A good time at Ozzfest

I went to Ozzfest in Massachusetts yesterday and had a blast. I went with a few of my buddies -- Peter, Paul Z and Paul B -- and everyone had a great time.

There were plenty of bands for this year's free Ozzfest but the big draw for me was definitely Ozzy himself. Peter and the two Pauls had a good time during Hatebreed's set on the second stage -- they were in the pit and got totally thrashed. Personally, I had a good laugh over that.

Why wasn't I in the pit? Well, I was in the sound booth on the main stage with engineer Greg Price. He took me on a tour of the sound setup for Ozzy, showing me Pro Tools and the Macs he had on hand.

Then, he invited me back to watch Ozzy from his vantage point. I have to say, there is nothing like standing behind the sound board during a show.

I only wish Black Label Society had played the show. Zakk did play with Ozzy, of course, but seeing BLS would have made it that much better.