Meet Zakk DeBono | Touring Musician and Songwriter/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zakk DeBono and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zakk, what inspires you?
I am really inspired by the guitar and learning different types of music. My mom and dad got me an Epiphone SG guitar when I was like 5 and they always showed me different music and artists. They have always supported me being a musician and just loving music. I have always been a huge fan of just playing guitar and writing new songs all the time. I listened to alot of Ed Kowalczyk from the band ‘LIVE” with my mom when I was a kid and his music really inspired me to start writing music and playing guitar. She really got me into the rock scene as my dad and I were listening to The Beatles and all the oldies that I love to this day. It really crafted my love for music and always inspired, I wouldn’t be where I am today in the industry if it wasn’t for my mom and dad, they are the true Rock Stars!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a full time touring Rock/Blues artist. I think what sets me apart from others is my work ethic, my drive and my music. I am really excited just to be alive after having a major accident that nearly killed me. I am really excited to get up everyday and pickup a guitar. My guitar is literally my best friend. I go everywhere with one. I got where I am today by working hard for 25 years and not thinking of it as a job but as a passion and lifestyle. I think of it as this is who I am and what I am made to do. I don’t really think of it as being easy or hard as I just enjoyed the ride and got some really cool things that happened to me as I am very blessed, I never thought of music being a challenge but more the people that play the music with you as they do it for the wrong reasons. I just love playing music for me. Some lesson I have learned is that you can’t have enough music. If someone tells you that they really don’t love it as much as you. Half the time I get up during the night and play guitar and write music especially on tour in Hotel rooms. All I want people to know is that there are still guys like me around trying to bring you a good song and a great time at the shows. I want to inspire people to play guitar and love music as much as me. I can promise you that music will never let you down.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my fav places in Denver to go is PROST Brewing Company as I have a huge love for cold beer and I love visiting several different music venues such as Red Rocks and The Buffalo Rose. My fav music store is Flipside Music off of Broadway. The owner Ike has been a good friend of mine for years and his store just rocks. Dylan and all the guys really take care of me and the local music scene peeps. My fav places to eat are PHO Ok as I have known the owner for a decade and he uses just the best ingredients and trying all the pho places his is just the best, I would also recommend a restaurant/diner called Sam’s No 3. I absolutely love this place and the menu is just insane, I am a really big fan of family owned businesses. .

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I give my full credit of my success to my mom and dad as they made me who I am today. Thank you guys for all you do for me! Also huge shoutout my wife Amanda as she puts up with me daily and supporting my career, my best friend WWE Legend Marty Wright (AKA The Boogeyman) for showing me the definition of success and my sponsors and endorsements who believe in me and my music. You guys really are my family!

Some of them include Epiphone, Gibson, Fender, Blackstar Amplification, Ernie Ball Strings, Jim Dunlop USA, RAT Distortion, BOSS, WAYHUGE, InTuneGP, Reunion Blues, Walrus Audio, Flipside Music, LAVA Cables, 303 Magazine and many many others. And Big shout out to Elan for believing in me! Thanks dude!

I also want to stop and thank the good Lord for his blessing on me as I had a 2% chance of living after heart surgery from a 32 car pile up that ended up in multiple fatalities as I almost died. If I wasn’t granted a second chance of life I wouldn’t be doing what I love. Just glad to be here,

Thank you for all the love and support!

Website: https://zakkdebonoandthebrokencircle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakkdebonoofficial/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZakkDeBonoMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGb65R1KV6Qs6-oxPYXPeQ

Other: Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/zakkdebonoandthebrokencircle

Image Credits
Photos by Jim Drake