Well, sort of. Black Label Society are about to start recording their new album – and mainman Zakk Wylde has exclusively revealed to Classic Rock his clever ploy to get big sales.

“We’re gonna call this one Elton John’s Greatest Hits: Volume 3. That’ll ensure that we sell lots of copies in the first week. Then I’ll have to warn the record label (Roadrunner) to expect every one of them to be returned the next week, when people realise all they’ve got is the new fucking Black Label album!

“There again, perhaps we’ll call it The Beatles: The Lost Recordings. Sure, there will be a major outcry and lawsuits will fly, but I’ve got a way round that. We’ll sell 22 million copies in one week, file for bankruptcy, take the money… and run!”

On a more serious note – well, we assume guitarist/vocalist Wylde is joking about the album title! – the band begin work in the studio on March 1.

“The aim is to spend March and April recording, then mix the songs in June. Then we fire up the Black Label Berserkus and go out on the road. We’re looking forward to playing the High Voltage Festival (July 24/25 in Victoria Park, London) and going around the world.

“These days a world tour means just that – we’re ever going to China. That’s become a great place to play. They’ve only just discovered the electric guitar, and people are just so excited about rock’n'roll. It doesn’t matter if you never sell another record anywhere else in the world, because the potential’s there to sell 60 million-gazillion in China!”

The new record will mark the Black Label debut of Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, who’s just taken over from the departed Craig Nunenmacher.

“Craig’s left on good terms,” says Wylde. “He wants to try some other music ideas, but I’ve told him that he’s welcome back any time. That’s the thing with this band. People come in, drink as much as they can, throw up, make some cash and then move on – but everyone’s told they can return when they want.

“I know a load of drummers, but it was Jerry Cantrell who recommended Will. The plan is for him to do the album and then tour with us. He’s already said that he has commitments coming up with Evanescence – but I’ve told him that’s no problem, as long as he finds us someone else!”

Finally, Wylde is keen to point out that, while he’s no longer working with the man, his relationship with Ozzy remains strong and positive.

“I met up with The Boss (as he calls the Prince Of Darkness) when we were both in New York recently. The two of us, and mum (Sharon Osbourne) and Barbara-Ann (Wylde’s wife/manager) went out for dinner. That was such a blast!”

For more on Black Label Society, go to www.zakkwylde.com