Hailing from the Pittsburgh Chapter of The Black Label Society, Nick Catanese is Black Label Society's second guitarist at live shows, supporting lead player Zakk Wylde, who has commented that "If I'm Keith Richards, he's Mick Taylor". Nicknamed "The Evil Twin" for his capability to keep up with Zakk, Nick joined with Zakk Wylde when he noticed Wylde's email address in a magazine, and on a whim told Zakk that if he ever needed a guitar player to let him know. Zakk had been discussing with his wife about getting a second guitarist that very day, then got back to Nick, the two met up and jammed and Nick joined Zakk on the Book Of Shadows tour (Wylde's solo album). When Zakk was looking to form a band in 1998, Nick recommended drummer Phil Ondich to Zakk, Sonic Brew was recorded, and in 1999, John DeServio was added to the lineup on bass - Black Label Society was officially formed. Phil was eventually replaced by Craig Nunenmacher, and several bassists (Steve Gibb, Mike Inez, Robert Trujillo, and James Lomenzo) replaced JD until he ultimately returned to the band in October of 2005. Nick Catanese's film credits include Rock Star (As "Xander Cummins", guitarist of the fictitious band Blood Pollution) and Black Label Society's concert DVDs, Boozed, Broozed and Broken-Boned and The European Invasion - Doom Troopin'.
Nick plays Washburn Guitars almost exclusivley, having his own signature series of the Idol guitars. Nick plays Gibson acoustics live, with Black Label Society, but has said that Washburn is sending him an acoustic, and will see how it sounds/plays. Nick also commented, on the Zakk Wylde forums, saying that Washburn are currently making him a guitar with a Floyd Rose tremelo system on it. Nick's guitars are custom made at Boogie Street Worldwide based out of Pittsburgh, PA.
Nick frequently posts on the official Zakk Wylde website, responding to questions from fans.
Nick is currently forming a band with Mike Stone from Queensrÿche (bass and vocals) and drummer Mike Froedge of Doubledrive. Their debut album will be released sometime in late 2007 or early 2008 under the band name Speed X.
