Nick Catanese

Nick Catanese is Black Label Society's second guitarist at live shows. He supports 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 Wylde, Nick joined with him 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 2005.

Nick Catanese is also an actor, having appeared in the movie Rock Star, 2001. Catanese played guitarist Xander Cummins, of the fictional band Blood Pollution. The film also featured performances by musicians such as Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, Myles Kennedy, Brian Vander Ark, Blas Elias and Jeff Pilson. He also has credits on Black Label Society's concert DVDs, Boozed, Broozed and Broken-Boned and The European Invasion - Doom Troopin.

Nick plays Paul Reed Smith electric guitars, and plays Gibson acoustic guitars live with Black Label Society. Nick's contract with Washburn Guitars expired on January 7, 2009 and he did not renew his contract and subsequently moved to Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars, who are going to make a new signature model for him. He posted the following on his website on February 18, 2009.

Catanese formed the band Speed X with Mike Stone from Queensrÿche (guitar and vocals), Josh Sattler (bass) and drummer Mike Froedge, both from DoubleDrive.