Randy Rhoads: The 1982 Ozzy Osbourne Interview

“The Most Dedicated Musician I Ever Met”

In August 1982, a few months after the plane crash that took Randy Rhoads’s life, I was gathering interviews for a Randy Rhoads cover story for Guitar Player magazine. After speaking to Randy’s mother, brother, and bassist Rudy Sarzo, I received a phone call from Sharon Arden, publicist for Jet Records. The future Mrs. Osbourne asked if Ozzy could say a few brief words to me about Randy. A few moments later, a familiar and slightly confused-sounding voice said, “Ah, um, this is Ozzy.”

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I am happy to hear from you! Tell me about Randy Rhoads.

I’m sad by the fact that the guy’s died. The guy was so unique. I don’t think people have ever fully realized what a talent that guy was – not only in rock and roll, but in every other field, you know. He was not only a great rock and roll player, but in the classics he was phenomenal, and in every other field he was phenomenal.

Among all of the guitarists you auditioned, what made you choose Randy?

I loved him in an instant. I fell in love with him as a player, and I fell in love with him as a person.

Did he learn quickly?

I didn’t have to teach him anything. I mean, all he was lacking was guidance.

Was he easy to work with?

The best guy in the world! Compare him to [Black Sabbath’s] Tony Iommi, and there’s no comparison. And I can only compare the two because that’s the only two people I ever worked with as a guitar player.

What attracted you to Randy in the first place?

His angelic attitude to the whole business.

Could you describe how you put together the music with him?

I’d give him a melody, and he’d work a riff around the melody.