BLACK LABEL SOCIETY is currently touring Europe, as the support act for OZZY OSBOURNE. The group's latest release, Shot To Hell (on Roadrunner Records), is one of the band's most innovative albums to date.

Shot To Hell sees the band returning to their hard rock roots, featuring their hit single 'Concrete Jungle'. The band also illustrates their softer side with the song, 'Blood Is Thicker Than Water'. A song that Zakk dedicates to the children of St. Jude.

BLS guitarist Nick Catanese spoke to Boston writer Deb Rao about the highlights of touring Russia, his signature guitar line, Nascar, and why Ozzy is metal's most legendary performer.

Q: Nick, Thanks for checking in with us. Black Label Society is currently on tour in Europe. The band kicked off their European tour in Moscow, Russia. Describe the crowds in Russia. How is the metal scene over there?

A: "The crowds are great everywhere but there are some crazy bastards in Russia!!!"

Q: This is the first time that Black Label Society has performed in Russia. What have some of the highlights of Moscow and St. Petersburg been so far?

A: "Both killed, we are now in Estonia, and this is my first arena tour in 11 years, so I'm pumped up!"

Q: Black Label Society is also performing at the Fields of Rock Festival in Holland and the Monsters of Rock in June. What do you enjoy most about the metal festivals in Europe?

A: "Just seeing how long they last getting smashed from 8 am till midnight."

Q: Are you looking to sharing the stage with such rock icons as Heaven And Hell and Iron Maiden on the Fields of Rock Festivals on June 17th in Holland?

A: 'Totally who wouldn’t be, you are in the midst of legends, ya know?"

Q: How are the news songs from Shot To Hell being received in Europe?

A: "Yeah, they are 'New Religion' still is my favorite to play live, sounds cheesy but it reminds me of my fiancé."

Q: Will the band be doing an in-store signing over in Europe?

A: "Not that I know of."

Q: One of my favorite parts of the recent"Shot To Hell tour is the song, 'Blood Is Thicker Than Water'. Tell me about that song. Zakk said it will forever remain in the BLS set list. Also tell me about the St. Jude work that BLS is doing.

A: "That's a great song, it stays in the set when it’s a Black Label show. With the Ozzy show we got work in a time limit, and yes we are always working for St. Judes. Got to help the kids."

Q: Will Black Label Society be filming any of the footage for another possible DVD?

A: "Nah, but I got my Nick Cam, just like the Dime Cam. I got some great footage of traveling and some shows."

Q: What is it like touring with Ozzy? He is definitely one of metals greatest performers.

A: "It's a mind blower, every show he walks in our dressing room telling jokes and just having a great time. He is the greatest man I know, and so fucking witty and smart. I get so pissed when people say 'Is he as stupid as he is on the show?' I'm like you stupid fuck that’s a show and they edit what they want. Ozzy is a smart, genuine, talented man, end of story."

Q: Did you get to catch the VH1 Honors with Ozzy and Zakk?

A: "I did, they slammed as usual."

Q: Zakk is doing double duty on tour in Europe, performing both with Black Label Society and Ozzy. As a guitar player, how has Zakk Wylde influenced you as a performer?

A: "In every way, as a player, performer, gave me so much more confidence and as a person, after 11 years he is my big brother."

Q: What are your thoughts on Black Rain?

A: "I think it's a great CD. I love it."

Q: Do you have any new Signature Guitar ET Idols in the works? www.boogiestreet.com

A: "Well, I am finally thinking of doing a LIMITED run of either the Shot to Hell or the Camo. For the Shot to Hell, they will video me burning it and shooting it, so each one is different. But I'm not sure when yet, maybe Christmas."

Q: What guitar and special effects are you currently using on this tour?

A: No special effects, same setup, just got a brand new Washburn. It's a Red and Silver metal flak, me and Moby (guitar tech) call it the 57 Chevy. It sounds mean as fuck."

Q: During an arena show, such as the upcoming Fields Of Rock, is it harder to obtain the quality of sound versus the indoor acoustical settings? How do you balance the different guitar challenges onstage versus arena to indoor theatre setting?

A: "Nah, Moby is a genius with that, every night sounds the same, and my guitar sounds like Godzilla’s Balls are in my amp."

Q: I know Nascar is one of your favorite passions. In your spare time, do you get to watch Nascar? Do you think we will be seeing you race any time soon?

A: "Fuck, you had to bring that up, no the whole time I'm here, no Nascar. But since I have the summer off, I have 2 plans. First me and Tiffany are going on vacation for weeks or whenever we want to come back and I am doing more recording and I am going to more races."

Q: Do you think Nascar and Metal are quite similar in the adrenalin rush onstage? Why do you think a lot of musicians take up racing as a hobby?

A: "It does, but when those Nascar guys strap in that car, they lay their lives down every lap. It's way more intense. I give them so much credit. I hear all these macho guys going 'Yeah I go 135 in my car'. I'm like yeah, but do you make a left going that fast and hope it doesn’t spin out? Plus you don't have 800 horsepower and doing 300 laps with 42 other cars dipshit, wearing a fire suit , gloves, helmet , no air-conditioning, and people say they aren't athletes. I drove the Petty experience I did 10 laps and almost couldn't walk. My legs were jelly."

Q: Thank you Nick for taking time out to do this European Black Label Society tour interview. Have fun in Europe.

A: "Thank you and again, I hope everyone who read this dug it, for all the glam metal bashers, suck a dick!!!"