Randy Rhoads: A 1982 Interview With His Brother Kelle Rhoads

Months After the Fatal Plane Crash, Randy's Brother Remembers...

Randy Rhoads, 1981. Photo by Jon Sievert.

Randy and Kelle Rhoads grew up in the same house, attended the same schools, started a band together, and worked in their mom’s music store. After Randy joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1980, he returned home during breaks from recording and touring. In fact, he spent his final days off – a ten-day break the 1982 Diary of a Madman tour – at the family home in Burbank, California. Less than a week later, Randy perished in a plane crash. Soon thereafter, I suggested to my fellow editors at Guitar Player magazine that I write a cover story the celebrate Randy’s life and achievements. This was quickly approved, and I reached out to those who knew him best. When I interviewed his mother, Delores Rhoads, she suggested that I speak with Kelle for more details about Randy’s formative years. Here is a complete transcription of my conversation with Kelle, which took place on August 15, 1982.

* * *

Your mom suggested that I speak with you about Randy.

Sure you can! Who else have you talked to?

I’ve talked to his producer Max Norman, Ozzy Osbourne, Grover Jackson, Rudy Sarzo, and a few others. I also got a quote from Eddie Van Halen.

That’s interesting, because Randy and Eddie were not real close. They were rivals.

Eddie had something nice to say about him.

Great – that’s really good. It wasn’t that they didn’t get along – it’s that everybody knew that they were the two best.