Famous Guitarists On Randy Rhoads

Randy Rhoads. One of the greatest and most innovative guitar players of all-time. And while his career was very short, Randy made such a huge impact with songs like Mr. Crowley, Crazy Train and Diary of A Mad Man. Randy Truly Showcased His Legendary Guitar Skills & Cemented Himself As One of The Greatest Guitar Players of All-Time. While he was gone too soon, his music and his legacy will live on forever. In this video, we'll be honoring the immortal legacy of the iconic Randy Rhoads and several contemporaries and followers of Randy have come together to show the impact Randy had on the guitar community and the worldwide music scene. Enjoy! #rock #fyp #guitar #music #viral #trending #randyrhoads #ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath #patientnumber9 #80s #solo #guitarist
0:32 - Slash
1:17 - Jake E. Lee
6:25 - Kirk Hammett
7:17 - Brad Gillis
9:18 - Steve Vai
10:32 - Zack Wylde
12:05 - Dimebag Darrell
17:47 - Eddie Van Halen
19:58 - Gary Moore
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[@toddclarke1580]

Sorry , I’m not hearing Eddie Van Halen in Randy’s Playing , I hear tapping of Randy’s unique neo scales occasionally in solos, that’s It. No Randy’s Knowledge is not Eddie Van Halen . Eddie knew this. Randy was a million miles more than a pentatonic tapping shredder. He did not just choose comfortable shapes and chords so he could play in a comfort zone like most players. Randy learned many uncomfortable guitar scales. And made it look easy. You can hear it in his songs, so much tension , depth, and resolving going on , unlike other players.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

lots of Eddy playing in RR , BUT you are right Randy had more to draw on. 2 of the best in metal.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

the riffs of playing the bottom of the chords on the D an G strings is pure Eddy, but I will say Eddy was mistaken to say Randy was not doing anything Eddy had not done, there was more classical guitar, more complex solo melody's, we can all hear that. two of the best I say for that type of Rock.

[@toddclarke1580]

@@rogerdat7807 Randy plays staccato as far back as 1975 live with Quiet Riot at La Valley College. Ozzys band was not his start as you know.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

@@rogerdat7807 I think Blackmore got that from. John lord key boards,, he was the first I heard. ten yours after Alvin Lee could do that also, but he stuck to the blues scale for leads

[@jerkydog]

Why did Eddie have to attend every quiet riot show it’s not because he liked the band he like the guitar player install as much as he could from Randy Rhodes Randy Rhodes didn’t even care about Eddie Van Halen he only cares about himself and his own musical journey so shut the fuck up OK leave Randy alone he never bothered anybody and now everybody’s bothering him

[@douglassloan6831]

I was a guitar student of Randy's for 3 years right up until his last day of teaching before the Ozzy thing started. I saw him play countless times with Quiet Riot and then once with Ozzy at the Long Beach Arena in CA. It's interesting to hear what other players thought about him. To me, you can learn a lot about players by what their opinion is of another musician. Steve Vai, for example, has a reverence for Randy and his playing, as does Kirk Hammett and Zakk Wylde. All amazing musicians in their own right who understood the uniqueness of Randy's gift; his classical influences, his complex chord structures and scale usage. What is sad is the Eddie interview. Randy and Eddie were around at the same time in L.A. They played the same clubs, etc. They were both part of the scene back then. But the idea that Randy was quoted in an interview as saying he took everything he knew from EVH is just ridiculous. To Randy, that would have been a complete betrayal to himself and all the years he spent learning and developing his style. I remember seeing Eddie in the audience at a couple of Quiet Riot shows, but I know for a fact that Randy didn't go to any Van Halen gigs. He just wasn't interested in what other bands at the time were doing. He was focused on his group and getting them signed. And he sure wasn't out trying to cop other players licks. He didn't need to. He was Randy Freaking Rhoads. And if you grew up in LA during the time he was around and playing, that will mean something to you.

[@thenashvillemasterclass5639]

Eddie was drunk.

[@ratboy4169]

Randy wanted to play guitar more then anything else. He would go find country bars to go sit in & play guitar while on tour with Ozzy. He seemed very humble & down to earth.

[@mikeys7536]

@@thenashvillemasterclass5639Exactly

[@thenashvillemasterclass5639]

@@mikeys7536 but still- randy never did right handed hammer-ons until Eddie. Nobody did. To say randy didn’t take anything from Eddie is asinine, I don’t care what. But it’s not like randy couldn’t play until he heard Eddie. And talking about Eddie going to see randy- he took nothing randy did. Eddie was an innovator, randy was a classical guitarist. Eddie just shouldn’t have said anything like that. Completely unnecessary and mean spirited

[@vinceinhouston4338]

Eddie was a huge talent, but I remember the crap talking he did back in the day. It reminded me of high school BS that the kid that had a story about everything would come up with. The kid that sometimes had an iffy relationship with the truth. Some of the things he said after Roth, Haggar and Anthony quit or left the band had a... tenuous relationship with the truth. Just like the kid in school, he wanted people to like/accept him and was willing to stretch the truth a bit to take his side instead of the other guy. What I hear in this clip of Eddie is someone that is worried about his legacy (even though he recieved tons of accolades). I think he heard in Rhodes' playing something that he felt threatened by. Both had a lot of passion in their work that showed through and he didn't use tapping as much as Eddie did. It was said that Eddie used to turn his back on the audience during solos so they wouldn't seewhat he was doing. Flamenco guitar used hammering and pull offs frequently. I remember my guitar teacher made it a point to let us know it had been done long before VaHalen. Maybe Eddie, knowing where he got the technique, felt it was a trick and even saw a spark in Randy's playing he wished he had. Maybe even after all the years of praise, he didn't think he truly deserved the compliments he got - imposter syndrome. I don't say that to belittle Eddie. He will always be considered one of the guitar greats. I just wonder, (beyond his bravado or arrogance, if you want to put it that way) if he truly, deep down to his core, felt that he actually deserved it. That has nothing to do with his talent or his innovation, but his self image. Think about it, what was the first thing that he asked his interviewer, (someone that had just finished stroking his ego) He asked him, "What do you think?" He's testing the waters because he's on a phone interview and can't see the guy's facial expressions when he says it. What is the guy going to say if he disagrees with Eddie? His "Uh-huh" was pretty noncommital. Ed then immediately changes the subject to the crash and the guy comes back with, Randy being "the first guy after you to inspire that sort of worshipping." Eddie responds with "I don't really think he did anything that I haven't done." A little less confrontational than his original claim that he stole from me, since the guy's, "uh-huh" didn't agree or disagree with him - just in case. I wonder what the interviewer was thinking right then, about his next question or the answer he just heard. Another thing about Eddie's comments that struck me is that most people don't speak ill of the dead and yet he says Randy was really good, but only because he coppied Eddie and of course that is what made him sound good. This is a backhanded compliment for sure. It's hard to tell if he can't let himself say something nice after all those years without qualifying the context of how someone should perceive it or not. I have to say, I never heard Randy's playing and thought it sounded anything like Eddie's. Even when Randy played old Sabbath, he didn't sound like Tony Iommi, he had his own sound which didn't sound like Eddie playing Black Sabbath. It was Randy's own unique sound that came through. I don't question Eddie's talent or his influence. I remember something Sammy Haggar said after Eddie said he didn't listen to anyone else's music anymore. Sammy said something like, "Have you ever heard of this band? No? Well you just ripped them off!" Everything that is heard has the potential to influence someone, but that doesn't constitute the theft that Eddie suggests. Even if he really felt Randy stole his technique, I wish Eddie had at least said something like, Randy was great and left his mark on music. Some have told me they hear similarities in our sound, but maybe that is just because we both played rock music. I guess I just wish an extremely talented guy could have been... classier about it. Maybe he was just drunk and he couldn't help it. 😕

[@Bless-the-Name]

As a non-famous guitarist I can tell you Randy Rhoads was a genius - because he understood the importance of holding something back.

[@mikenuzzo3323]

What do you mean by holding back like saving some ideas for or some something he had for a later album

[@Rattlesnake7.5]

He also knew the importance of holding the guitar pick in the right manner.

[@kennopalus]

Randy came from a totally different way of thinking than most rock metal players , he believed the notes you played had to have meaning , not just be played for flash . That's the difference in his leads compared to others with technical ability. That is what makes his playing sound fresh whenever you hear it and , that's why his playing never gets old .

[@Zzus321]

So true. Randy was on another level

[@fastinbulvis2223]

RR may have copied EVH's technique. But I never heard an EVH solo that matches Flying High Again. Fact is, he surpassed EVH.

[@kennopalus]

He employed the same 3 note chord tapping Eddie did in eruption on parts of that solo , I wouldn't say Randy surpassed Eddie , I would say Randy's playing was more sophisticated. Eddie went the trick bag rout but, his picking hand was still world class and as good as anybody's in any style of music , his vocabulary was limited by choice .

[@fastinbulvis2223]

@@kennopalus Great response. But I have to say, it proves my point.

[@kennopalus]

@@Taylor.Dude. I always thought " Push Comes To Shove was his most melodic solo .

[@shakebabyhitler]

Well, I'm not famous, but I'll put in my 2 cents. I was around when VH's first album came out and there's no denying Eddie's influence on rock guitar and guitar playing in general. And Eddie's stuff is super fun to play. But I've always felt that Randy's playing, crazy as it is, always made sense. Maybe it's because I'm pretty familiar with music theory. But you can kind of tell that Eddie never had a guitar lesson, and that Randy was obviously very schooled in music. Monster player, likely the first "neo classical shredder", at least in North America. And although it's a shame that he was only able to leave behind such a relatively small body of work, the fact that he's still cited as such a huge influence on so many is a testament to the quality of his songwriting and his incredible technique.

[@m42037]

Ya in America, RR was awesome, now go to Paco De Lucía vids and watch his playing, even Steve Vai is a big fan. Paco was insane great!

[@backtoshallabal6662]

all we had was his demos, first 2 ozzy stuff and his quiet riot material to go off of.

[@mbass718]

@@m42037 Paco's probably the greatest flamenco player ever. Randy was completely different so there's no point in comparing.

[@uncleremus5046]

Rhoad’s solos are perfect not a note can be changed. It’s mind blowing too think what Randy would’ve achieved!

[@kennopalus]

@@m42037 Why would you bring up Paco ? Totally different style of music .

[@Wargasm54]

Eddie: “everything he did he learned from me “ 🤣. Love Eddie. I personally prefer Eddie over Randy. But Randy certainly didn’t sound like Eddie. Aside from from some tapping and maybe a few legato runs. Randy definitely had his own thing going. Brilliant player.

[@beatlecristian]

What’s your appraisal of Randy’s work compared to Eddie’s? I don’t really think it’s a fair comparison, given Randy died so suddenly.

[@johanndaart7326]

Eddie obviously exaggerated this statement. But it might be true that RR learned his chops copying on Eddie and building upon it. Like every guitarist copies his guitar heroes.

[@beatlecristian]

@@johanndaart7326 Nothing wrong with being influenced by your contemporaries.

[@johanndaart7326]

@@beatlecristian Agreed :)

[@daisyorpington784]

Eddie's said EVERYONE stole his licks..he said the same about Tom Scholtz ..from Biston

[@Lee-my4gp]

Randy's guitar playing was so much better than anyone in that time frame. He truly was a legend and his time was cut to short. R.I.P Randy, you truly were the best guitarist in my eyes.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he was an all time great

[@shawng149]

Randy was better than EVH.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@shawng149 no lies detected

[@JT-sl3ui]

@@shawng149easily. 👍🏻✌🏻

[@Nickk81]

@@shawng149easily

[@greenman7yyy]

The clip of Dimebag playing Randy's solos is indisputably worth the entire watch.

[@b30stm]

Amen!

[@jondeforest]

Fuckn A Yes!

[@kruzowarzone]

can u share the clip or link pls

[@greenman7yyy]

It is in the video, you can watch and make a clip yourself.

[@smoothpicker]

Facts!!

[@johndrake2729]

Man, Dimebag blew me away with the "Flying High Again" solo, shoot, all of them! I can tell he really loved Randy.

[@rosewood9839]

I’ve been listening to metal/rock for years. I have a thing for guitar players and Randy Rhodes is at the top of the list. Always Randy. No one can hold a candle to him. Miss him still. ❤

[@FortessofShred]

Diary of A Madman was absolutely brilliant!

[@cableguyxx]

And still is. It is an epic composition

[@timwhitten9918]

Yep, tops eruption in my book

[@FortessofShred]

@Tim Whitten I don't know. Almost feels like it's "apples and oranges".

[@FortessofShred]

@@cableguyxx It's timeless. Even the filler songs on that album are great.

[@timwhitten9918]

@@FortessofShred it is, but EVH along with Moore thinking they are king shit pisses me off. Randy has style and class much like Dime, down to earth God rest both of their souls

[@frankieedwards9825]

In the rock and metal community, RR is without a doubt, one of the most influential guitar players of all time. Listeners and fans have their opinions and favorites, but his impact is obvious to anyone paying attention. Love Gary Moore's take on Randy here. And Dime nails a very cool medley! EVH seems to think he was Randy's only influence. Stylistically, I prefer RR over EVH.

[@shakebabyhitler]

I agree. While I'll be quick to admit EVH has had a much bigger influence on guitar players in general, I've always liked Randy's playing more.

[@Mike-eq4ky]

Completely agree, although I often wonder if perhaps Gary Moore thinks a little too highly of himself relative to other great players. But all due respect aside, Eddie was undoubtedly the first to arrive at a new pinnacle after literally Erupting onto the scene in '78. While Randy certainly incorporated some EVH into his technique, his artistry was completely unique and compositionally far and away beyond everyone at the time. Randy's musical influences extended well beyond Eddie as Kirk so wonderfully noted. I loved that omage he paid to him, what a great piece of perspective. There's actually some insightful commentary from George Lynch on this... Eddie got there first as others were evolving. One of my biggest questions, knowing that Randy was so incredibly focused on continual Improvement, was what would have happened had he been exposed to the next generation of incredible players, everybody from eclectic players like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, shredders like Marty Friedman with his insane scales to Dimebag Darrell - how do you categorize him? - and all the Next Generation neoclassical players like Yngwie Malmsteen. If he had been alive to incorporate those lessons into his playing along with his compositional genius and his classical influence you never know what new music we could have been listening to right now... I just hope he's up there somewhere making that incredible music, playing with all the Masters passed and that I may someday be privileged to hear it...

[@Mike-eq4ky]

@@shakebabyhitler I completely agree, but I think that a large part of that was that he was the first to achieve that level of greatness and then had 40 years to continue to build and grow that legend, that's not something that Randy was able to enjoy hence his influence was definitely outshined by Eddie's but that does not diminish him in any way whatsoever

[@shakebabyhitler]

@@Mike-eq4ky For sure. We'd all be having a different conversation if Randy had continued putting out music for another 40 years. In fact, had Gene Simmons decided he liked The Boyz rather than Van Halen, George Lynch could have been the "game changer". Or what if Sony had decided to release Quiet Riot's albums in North America rather than only in Japan? It was all a race to see who would be brought to public attention first. Honestly, I don't think QR's early material was strong enough to put them on the map, but we would have all heard of Randy before we heard of Eddie.

[@rossgw6363]

EVH seems to have been swallowed up by his ego in this interview. I've listened to Randy Countless times since 1981 Not once has anything I've heard him play reminded me of EVH.

[@klmullins65]

I was blessed to witness Randy's last performance in Knoxville the night before he died...it had an incredible impact on my life, as I was just beginning to "play" the guitar in 1982. 40 yrs later, I've got my own unique self-taught style, though nothing like RR's style

[@jimifritz]

That’s great you saw his last performance.

[@jimifritz]

@@michaeldiamond76 what?

[@klmullins65]

@@michaeldiamond76 yeah right. Why go thru all the trouble of faking 3 deaths and disrupting a major tour when he couldve just said "I quit"??? Not to mention it's illegal to report 3 deaths without producing 3 corpses...they actually INVESTIGATE plane crashes and fatal accidents!! The authorities ARE NOT going to play along with some kind of "I'm faking my death to avoid fame" scheme! That's as ridiculous as the people that think Paul McCartney died in 1966. The "Randi Rhodes" political commentator you're referring to is NOT the same person who played guitar for Ozzy!

[@jamescon55]

VERY fortunate to seen that, indeed 🤘🔥🤘

[@mosesfigueroaful]

Saw him at the Los Angeles Sports Arena 12.31.81.

[@austenj4539]

Zak Wilde is spot on - every Randy solo stands out on its own.

[@tommywallbanger]

I heard that even as great Randy was, he took a guitar lesson in every town he was in while out on tour just to learn something new from a different guitar teacher. Could you imagine getting this random guy requesting a guitar lesson and it's Randy Rhoads showing up as your student. It's hard to say who the best is. It comes down to personal taste and preference but this guy was rock solid. There are so many good guitar players out there past and present but Randy was one of the best.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he was a sponge trying to learn everything he could and yes he would take lessons in each city during the tour. randy is certainly one of the best and that is based on two albums imagine if he had lived

[@kevinshepard7796]

Look at Dimebag at 12:58. He was a child in that video, and absolutely ripping that guitar up. He definitely had that same juice RR did. A true virtuoso at a young age. While Dimebag lived longer than Randy, it's still a damn shame we lost both of these tremendous guitarists. Can you imagine if RR lived longer we'd definitely have footage of them jamming? RIP to both of them. And may they live on through their indelible mark on music. Great video.

[@PaulC39]

He was killing it on that Axe for sure! Yeah it would have been quite the spectacle to see them shredding alongside each other. It's A thrill anyway to see Dave Murray and Adrian Smith still being the dualists on guitar in Iron Maiden. Oh Sharon doesn't like Bruce Dickinson much though. Had something to do with playing in Ozz Fest. Never saw Ozzy in concert.

[@stuartewoldt1513]

Dude was 16 yrs old there.

[@Billo1281]

Truly insane. Miss Dime so damn much. He was and is such and huge inspiration. Would have been awesome to hear them jam together. No doubt.

[@roblincoln8339]

And yet I don't think his renditions are nowhere near as good as Randy Rhoads - his style is very different, and more about playing the notes with a load of noise, and less about feeling I'm sure it's a genre thing

[@timwhitten9918]

@@PaulC39 Sharon is a greedy bitch

[@georgefigueroa7330]

Eddie and Randy 2 of the best ever! But I feel had Randy lived longer he would have surpassed Eddie and everyone else with his brilliance.

[@staysolid19]

Exactly well said randy was already bringing the heat on eddie

[@jamescon55]

Agreed...Eddie NEVER could get over the fact that Rhoads helped pioneer American HEAVY METAL....EVH wasn't content enough being known as a guitar "God" and havin his own Good Time "HARD Rock band ", evidently.......SMH

[@Bellabaddi]

No, he wouldn’t have. He would go down like most heavy metal guitarists, great but part of an entire genre.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

@@Bellabaddi - Randy was already looking for a way out of Ozzy's band before his passing. He wanted to play more classical music. No way would have he been typecast as solely a "metal" guitarist

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Randy will always be my favorite guitarist. One of the few that was completely unique. His music is timeless. Rest In Peace Randy.

[@rickrecco143]

@@markdonnelly6921 If Unique means he sounded like Eddie Van Halen then yeah he was unique.

[@tracymallon8485]

​@@rickrecco143 nah, Randy was his own man. He clearly didn't sound like Eddie. Two majorly different players by far

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

LMAO!

[@timwhitten9918]

@@rickrecco143 like I said, EVH couldn’t even read music so bullshit

[@fivestring65ify]

@@rickrecco143 He sounded like Randy.

[@kenedie4646]

Randy is my favorite. Since Blizzard of Ozz. 42 years. George Lynch and Jake are amazing players, two of my favorites. Randy is number one.

[@mikenuzzo3323]

I wish they interviewed Jimmy Page

[@Tsudkyk]

Randy was not only one of the best guitar players the world had seen, he was also a brilliant composer. Listen to diary of a madman if you don’t believe me- the song has some power.

[@Mike-eq4ky]

Listen to what Kirk Hammett said specifically about Diary when he was asked if there was one song he wished he'd composed...

[@matthazelby506]

@@Mike-eq4ky wishful thinking from him more like. Never in a month of Sunday's could he ever write as tasteful as Randy.

[@martin_lane]

The saying goes, "great artists steal": listen to Leo Brouwer's Study No. 6.

[@cableguyxx]

It was actually Ozzy who insisted on using the etudes as Randy was practicing those at the time. He may have used them as influence but he improved the small part that he used and the rest of the song is all his work and phenomenal

[@thedude4594]

Van Halen songs sound like they’re written by a 6th grader.

[@MenChooseSlavesObey]

Randy is one of the greatest Rock composers EVER!!!

[@russk1971]

The fact that Ozzie had commercial success in North America is what catapulted Randy's song writing abilities. Randy had amazing chops and technique but what set him apart was his love of classical melodies. When you remove the lyrics from; Mr. Crowley or revelation mother earth the composition can still stand, even without the vocal melody.

[@Mike-eq4ky]

Good thing, too, because the lyrics were written by Bob Daisley... even Randy laughed at his poor attempt at writing lyrics. But his music was masterful, along with its execution. Beautiful, moving, powerful, emotive beyond most others. A truly masterful composer.

[@Rjensen2]

It did nothing to help his abilities. He was going to leave Ozzy because it wasn't challenging for him.

[@ronaldsmith7464]

Diary of a Madman was a well thought out song also.

[@kellywilson8440]

Its amazing how good he really was at such a young age just like Hendrix , Huge loss of a wonderful human being and a guitar virtuoso .

[@GibsonMan7764]

Hendrix was way over rated he was not in the same league then Randy ! by the way i have been playing and teaching guitar for 40 years .

[@bobjohnson1633]

Randy might have more basic technically skill. Randy had not yet developed the musical ability that Jimi developed on the chitlin circuit. Randy was fucking headed there, though.

[@resistorstudios]

Omg hendrix is so fking overrated

[@shawnkrauss2639]

Let's resolve this issue once and for all. Ozzy Osbourne was Randy Rhoads best singer.

[@richardjohnson4373]

I would have to say lyricist also.

[@Red-mp3to]

@@richardjohnson4373 Actually, no. Bob Daisley was Randy's best lyricist. Ozzy barely wrote lyrics.

[@wirelessone2986]

@@Red-mp3to Some days Ozzy barely speaks English

[@Mewtwosmrmime]

@@wirelessone2986 Neither would you if you'd lived the life he has. Why do you feel the need to mock a frail old man?

[@bobjohnson1633]

Ozzy wasn't a frail old man in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. He was just too wacky the whole time

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

I started playing guitar 🎸 for real after hearing RR, 30 years later I still can't play like him. I still enjoy his songs.

[@genomitchalinni8106]

A Tribute to Randy Rhodes is one of the greatest albums ever.

[@imagirodimen3282]

Over The Mountain is one of my favorite solos.

[@neillalchin1595]

At the time of his tragic death, Randy was fast becoming a superstar. He was the quiet achiever and if he was still alive I don't doubt for one second that Randy would be one of the most complete guitarists on the planet today. It's unfair to compare him with any other guitarist, he was a true musician with his own vision and possessed a wealth of talent. Forever Randy Rhoads! NA1974🇬🇧.

[@danimal0974]

This was worth watching just to see Dime playing classic RR songs and solos! They were both so awesome and will be missed! RIP to two legends!

[@DreidMusicalX]

I remember I was about 13 years old and waiting for the concert of Ozzy with Randy coming to our town. The crash happened just a few months before the concert. I had my tickets, and I wish I still had those. They were stolen from me a few years later, dirty thieving bastard. It was a very sad time of the 80's to see a young guitar hero like Randy go so fast. Sometimes a bright light burns the quickest.

[@johnhagan582]

I feel your pain my friend . I had tickets to see Randy with Ozzy at the Florida World Music Festival there at the Tangerine bowl Stadium in Orlando and was on my way back from staying the night in Cocoa Beach when I heard on the radio about the crash just up the road from Orlando in Leesburg and can remember feeling so sad and disappointed . and I still went to the show even though Ozzy had to cancel . Pat Travers was living in Orlando at this time and Volunteered to replace Ozzy on the bill without any prior notice just hours before the time he had to go on stage . Which was a really stand up thing for Pat to do . He killed it that evening playing to like 70.000 fans and actually blew away the top headline act of the show Foreigner . but there was just a eery vibe from everyone and I was so bummed out it was like I lost a close family member. I had seen Randy on the Blizzard tour like 6 or 7 months prior to this show and was really really looking forward in seeing Randy live again . He had the strongest stage presence of any musician I have ever seen

[@josephcalsada7622]

Randy Is definitely another guy that gives me another burning desire to learn to master the guitar

[@guitarrocks7776]

Great Video. Randy Rhoads is one of my favorites. Just unfortunate he’s gone. I just love the style Randy plays, it’s always great to hear him play. I would like to believe he’s in a different world still playing guitar at his highest peak he could. R.I.P Randy Rhoads 🎸your memory will always go on and continue to influence me and countless of others .

[@markwhited1785]

The solo in Flying High Again was my favorite, not just how awesome Randy played it, but how perfectly it fits with the song.

[@randallrhoads3271]

exactly...you "get" it...most people dont understand that part...

[@BillyO8828]

Dimebag Darold was also good, but never got too famous.

[@markwhited1785]

@@randallrhoads3271 People also don't get the difference between creating it and copying it.

[@michaelgawne4363]

His sense of note placement, rhythm, melody, were perfect. He knew how to keep your attention. He loved guitar, he wanted to become a teacher again and just enjoy giving other people the gift he had. His tone was like a mad violin when he played lead, a bellowing cello when he played rhythm, bells and flutes when he played clean, all pumped full of lightning.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

great descriptions. it's all there and more. RR

[@kevindean1327]

I think he'd served Ozzie notice that he was quitting the band to work on his classical playing. He was like a Shaolin monk of the guitar!!!

[@jondeforest]

Man! Thanks for posting the Dime/Pantera performance! I hadn't seen it before. Awesome. Eddie sounds so full of himself

[@BigtimeJuicer]

I've always loved Randy's playing...After seeing this video, I have a new found and deep respect for Dimebag Darrel. Wow!!

[@carbajal8283]

Pantera’s bassist Rex Brown said that Blizzard Of Ozz was a huge inspiration on Dime. Apparently Dimebag practically locked himself in his room for an entire month with that album until he learned every riff, lick and solo. When he finally came back out, he was a totally different guitar player. Dimebag always said in interviews that Randy was one of his top 3 favorite guitar players.

[@ErWo75]

Randy’s solos in Ozzy’s band were a lot more structured than the average VH solo. Randy started to fuse classical elements in his work.

[@VLombardi01]

I agree. I'm supersized that Eddie couldn't see that side of Randy. All I could here from Eddie is he didn't do anything that I didn't do. Randy did a lot that Eddie didn't do.

[@davesaenz3732]

Definitely more structured and more coordinated and creative than EVH. Beats any EVH solos. Panama is my favorite EVH solo and its not even close to Randy's top 8.

[@ErWo75]

@@davesaenz3732 I give Eddie a lot credit for his tone. That set him apart more than the tapping. After the debut VH album, everyone was tapping.

[@BillyO8828]

Too bad Dimebag Darold didn't get more famous. He can play.

[@davidlewis2681]

JAKE E LEE...great story!!! underrated player...

[@deshondetoro1638]

the difference between EVH and RR is that Randy Rhoads stuff is actually still good and doesn't sound out dated. Randy had soul, Eddy didn't. Eddy just hit a bunch of notes

[@rocksteady6448]

And what type of dope you smoking to say Ed had no soul and is outdated , apparently you have no knowledge of guitar 🎸

[@darrendaj]

You obviously don't play guitar. It's actually quite the opposite. Eddie was pure soul and feeling and an infinitely better and more complicated rhythm player

[@deshondetoro1638]

@Darren Jones I play guitar. That has nothing to do with an opinion though. Givin Eddie was faster, and more technical player. What I'm saying is that EVH as a whole band sounds outdated now, while blizzard of Oz and diary of a madman you can still listen to today and it sounds good

[@Yngsatchvai]

You gotta put on the song Amsterdam and crank that MF to 10! Eddie's riffs and rhythm playing have always been his strong suits. His solos are nothing to turn your nose up at but his fire lies in other areas!

[@deshondetoro1638]

Randy's music was better. Period.

[@leehenderson8132]

Absolutely my all time favorite rock players.He WAS DIFFERENT,SPECIAL.humble,gentle,ferocious, go back and listen and watch him.RIP MR.RANDY RHOADS

[@standingvertical3048]

Randy and Ed had been 2 different kind of players. They both had been great, Dime as well. Comparing them is not good at all , they all have something that each other never had.

[@Mike-eq4ky]

That's for sure. All geniuses going in different directions. Can you imagine the G3 tour with these guys rotating in?! Heaven.

[@13druber]

Never heard nothing bad about Randy, everybody has something to say about Eddie, and not nice

[@emilyscandycakes4530]

For me..Randy can be like a floating butterfly in his playing and in a second become Hurricane...I love that

[@TheDKServices]

Saw his last show in Knoxville. Still one of the best performances I've ever seen.

[@raulnovoa6098]

Randy. Was. A hurricane. A. Tornado. All the. Above. Left. His. Mark. Like no other. For. The. Little. Time. He was. Here. Case. Closed💫

[@chrisk8185]

Agreed 100000%

[@stevenedwards4470]

That Dimebag footage was very cool. I disagree with Van Halen here. I mean his stuff was certainly more acrobatic and served the songs they were making but Randy's stuff was more beautifully melodic and cohesive to my ear. I preferred Randy's stuff at the time of his death. I remember that. They were both the top of the conversation.

[@trevorgordier3938]

Randy was his own guitar player not anyone else .. rock and roll / metal … and who can forget “ Dee” classical music for his Mom … GOD !! what we would’ve heard if he had lived … R.I.P. Randy ❤️‍🩹💐🙏🦋🇨🇦

[@waynejohnson3214]

No matter how you disect it, Randy's solos were just far more memorable than 99% of other players. Even when playing technically demanding stuff, he made it sing. Watching Dime playing Randy's stuff, he's hitting the notes, but the guitar isn't really singing. Same with others when they play Randy's stuff.

[@jamescon55]

Dime's earlier Tribute video STILL, has/had ta be one of the BEST sounding one I have heard though EVEN compared to Zack n others "own styles" blended IN (so ta speak). But YES, you are correct...Rhoads made the guitar SING!!! 🤘🔥🤘

[@13druber]

Randy is the best of all times. EVH was jealous of him

[@metalrainstorm5447]

Tears to my eyes . Dime bag . Kicking ass for Randy. Two legends. R.I.P

[@dpeab11370]

YES! Was not expecting to see Dime playing RR in this Vid. Sick. This made my Saturday morning. 🤘😤🤘

[@dphotographyj3829]

Randy was a very different player to Eddie. There is really no similarity and if you heard them on the radio you would know instantly who was who. Both unique to themselves

[@doubletake1238]

Agree and was really turned off by Eddie's need to pay himself on the back. The whole world was patting him on the back that's what happens when your iconic, no need to toot your own horn at that level of greatness

[@MikeUIibarri]

Total hard rock guitar fanatic. Then this dude showed up. EVH didn't move me like Rand did. RIP Guitar Gods!

[@geraldrice8137]

RANDY RHOADS RULES

[@rice.jpg2]

I always say randy rhoads is the Mozart of guitar

[@crashburn3292]

Eddie Van Halen: "Oh that poor guy." Also EVH: "He copied me."

[@atakdragonfly1675]

Sure there's the odd tapping lick here and there, but most of Randy's solos remind me of Jimmy Page more than EVH.

[@jc9923]

just goes to show was an egomanic Eddie was back then. I don't recall him ever having anything nice to say about any other player back in the day. He obviously mellowed some with age, but back then he all about himself.

[@AlexRodriguez-hl1vu]

Eddie was kind of a dick talking about Randy I think Eddie was jealous cause Randy would have been better had he lived

[@atakdragonfly1675]

@@AlexRodriguez-hl1vuwhat he did in basically 2 years... Is kind of like what Hendrix did. Was here for a moment, and influenced SO many. But hey... Eddie did that too when he first started. First year out and he influenced generations. Neither of them were slouches. I enjoy them both. I can only imagine where Randy would have gone today... How many places, how many genres? Where would he be at? Would he have gotten heavier...? Darker? Or became a classical guru? Would he have started his own band? Hmmmmmm

[@AlexRodriguez-hl1vu]

I don’t think he was coping evh randy was just a great guitar player period Eddie was probably worried about Randy and I love Eddie

[@_FuriousGeorge_]

As a guitarist I differentiate Randy and EVH Randy was a METAL guitarist and EVH is a ROCK guitarist. I personally love Randy more, but who cares they’re both gone now and we’ll never get guitar players like them. Sad, but they both impacted the industry in ways no others have. Every guitar player knows who they are, and THAT is what we call legacy, baby! Both are amazing and that’s that!

[@markwhited1785]

I wish we could have gotten as many studio albums from Randy as we got from Van Halen.

[@jamesprice1550]

One thing that you can only say about Randy that you can't say about all the other guitarists, Randy gave his life to save his friends. He fought with the suicidal pilot Andrew Aycock . Randy saved Ozzy, Sharon, Rudy and Tommy that morning. That's something to consider when discussing the late, great Randy Rhoads.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

that is one theory per Rudy for sure and no issue with that narrative

[@aboomalacani2732]

I've never heard this.

[@BensBlades]

Randy was so much better than Eddie ever was! Eddie was very full of his own ego. Eddie felt threatened by Randy’s genius! May they both RIP.

[@jeffkazee4342]

Amen

[@carryingfire286]

Egos aside Eddie is the greatest rock n roll guitarist ever. Randy is in the Mount Rushmore but Ed is king 👑.

[@BensBlades]

@@carryingfire286 Eddie was popular, Randy was better. Fact!

[@steadyflow3790]

@@BensBlades Better at what exactly? He was probably better at counting beats with 16th notes but I’m not sure he was good with rests. Good musician however!

[@BensBlades]

@@steadyflow3790 Typical answer from someone who doesn’t know a thing about music theory.

[@jesusian7]

How pompous does Eddie sound?? Gee wiz dude have a little grace and humility

[@Monsterdrumma]

He doesn’t sound anything like Eddie, Eddie just didn’t like having competition obviously which he hadn’t had until Randy starting getting attention.

[@barrymiller2272]

@Joe Lasky, he has always came across as pompous. With that said, i really don't believe he meant any ill intent. It's just how he comes across.

[@thorpenator9148]

Randy sounded nothing like Eddie.

[@barrymiller2272]

@@thorpenator9148 yes he did! Take away the Les Paul and signal path and the scales they ran were practically identical! Even the way the pick attack was applied. Randy was smoother, Eddie more aggressive. Both are great things.....

[@thorpenator9148]

@@barrymiller2272 Randy was playing harmonic minor scales...and studying classical guitar. Their styles were very different. Not sure why EVH said he copied him.

[@terryhanley8579]

My favorite RR tune was "DEE"....just beautiful. Favorite song was "Mr Crowley". We had tix to see them in S. Florida when the crash happened a few days before. Just floored that he was taken so soon!!!! Such a great talent. I "think" the Pat Travers Band filled in for them, but we never went....saw PTB tons back then.

[@danzemacabre8899]

Anyone who has done a deep dive on the first two Ozzy albums knows that the creation of that legendary music was more than just the genius of Randy and Ozzys ability to put good melodies on top of the music. Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake played huge parts in putting those albums together and their names seem to be forgotten here, especially Daisley who had a huge part in song structure and wrote most of the lyrics,those four were a great band and Ozzy never touched the greatness of those first two albums again

[@jeffnease7641]

Randy Rhoads was the best guitar player of all times just listen but Eddie had his own way. Not saying he was bad. He was good rest in peace, Randy Rhoads he was the best.

[@lorryriff6613]

That interview by EVH made me feel weird and uncomfortable at first. I think I know what he meant, the guy was probably sick and tired of hearing all those wanna-be guitar gods from the early 80s who sounded very much like him, who had learnt a lot from him, and copied much of his stuff. I think I understand how that must've felt. However, in this particular case, I do think that he is wrong when it comes to Randy's playing. Randy was no copy cat guitar slinger. On the contrary, the guy was one of a kind, with his own easily identifiable style. Gee, I love' em both, and sometimes I just can't believe I live in a world where they are both dead. A kindda depressing thought....

[@atakdragonfly1675]

With both of them... It's Jimmy Page licks I hear. Licks that were done in the late 60s. EVH was clearly influenced by Jimmy. And if you break down Randy's solos... It's mostly Jimmy Page. There's an odd tapping lick here or there, but those pentatonic runs are all "good times bad times", and "dazed and confused". Thank goodness we still have Page... For now. It's amazing he's outlived a LOT of great guitarists.

[@lorryriff6613]

@@atakdragonfly1675 If you're talking about minor pentatonic runs, it seems to me that Ed was more influenced by guys like Clapton, and Leslie West than by Page (even if Page influenced all the guitar players on this planet ! 🤪) As for RR, I hear a lot of major pentatonic licks, but also some weird shit with diminished arpeggios and scales, and even some chromatic things. To me what he is best at is playing something that goes perfectly well with the lyrics of the song. It's so obvious in Diary of a Madman, for instance. I don't believe the other fellows (as good as they were ) changed the way they played according to the theme of the song in such a successful manner... Once again, that's just my two cents' worth... And you're right about Page, he's gonna outlive them all (that's even more true for keith Richards, I simply can't believe the guy's still alive ! )👍

[@atakdragonfly1675]

@@lorryriff6613 he's just adding more notes in the scale, which is something Jimmy did too.

[@rcjr.7725]

This should be entitled famous guitar players on themselves they talked more about themselves than they did Randy that says a lot

[@pjo1964]

Yeah, Eddie kept turning the conversation back to himself. Not the first time. Him and Jimmy Paige had an incident also.

[@tankdarla637]

Randy Rhoads is why we have Jackson guitars...

[@karlshuler1011]

I was lucky to see him on the first tour. He's still one of my favorite guitar players

[@c4l1f0rn143000]

thanks dimebag, watching one of my most respected guitarists of all time, covering my favorite guitarist of all time the fact that u know not only the notes, but the feelings of the notes you too man, god speed thank you for carrying the torch

[@jcdova29]

I am jealous that I wasn’t born early enough to be in the LA scene during those awesome 70’s guitar battles between Randy, George and Eddie. Those kids that got to see these guitarist shred all over LA were spoiled to be a part of it.

[@jamiemcbride4226]

When randy was in quiet Riot he was a pretty good guitar player " but when he hooked up with ozzy " it's hard to explain " this thing " this magic enters his soul " I think the fact of him joining ozzy" the famous singer from black sabbath " and going over to England to record had a very profound effect on Randy's level of musicianship " he already had the knowledge and the skills " and ozzy this bigger than life rockstar was able to coax this magic out of Randy's soul " the stuff randy was laying down on the first two records!! Well were still talking about it to this day

[@pillsareyummy]

Ozzy didn't contribute much to the writing on those first two albums. They were written primarily by Lee Kerslake, Bob Daisley and Rhoads.

[@whamsie4022]

Chemistry is real.

[@HeavyJ713]

It was the fact that he was paired up with Daisley and Kerslake. Who were seasoned veterans. They helped Randy elevate his game

[@jamiemcbride4226]

@@HeavyJ713 absolutely that's a very good point " those guys were seasoned pros and randy's rythm section " and I'm sure they helped put him at ease" and musically they would open doors for randy to explore " like I said randy was a very good guitarist in "Quiet riot" but dam his playing level and creativity was like day and night on the ozzy records"" sorry to keep blabin" Brad Gillis a pretty good guitarist in his own right" when he stepped in for randy that was very amazing to pull that off" theres some footage of him doing his solo work on the ozzy tour" and that's something thats a must see" but I've never heard him ever sound that amazing again " kinda the same thing with Jake e lee ,"bark at the moon" ect

[@pillsareyummy]

@@HeavyJ713 I read Daisley's book, 'For Facts Sake', he couldn't say enough good things about Rhoads.

[@pkj77]

Love Randy Rhoads, watching Young Dimebag Darrel Ripping away is awesome as well

[@atakdragonfly1675]

Dime was such a sick monster then. Always was though

[@kevinshepard7796]

Yeah that was sick. Dimebag had that same juice randy did. A virtuoso at a young age.

[@thomasallen832]

I was fortunate enough to see Randy live! Only a couple guitarist sound perfect live! He was one of those players! Every music lover suffered a loss the day he died! No one the goat, but his face is on the mt Rushmore of guitarist!

[@tonysams7261]

Ozzy was fired not long after Van Halen opened for Sabbath. Oz took the blueprint of VH and went solo. As far as Randy being influenced by Eddie, how could ANY guitar player not be? 🍎's & 🍊's IMO. We were all so blessed to have both of them and their music

[@jasonroberts6666]

The greatest hard rock guitarist ever!

[@lawrencehardy6809]

Never got to see Randy gosh one of the greatest regrets but my favorite song is Diary of a Madman

[@Nickk81]

Thank god they got Randy

[@OriginalWhiteDevil]

Randy's solos take you on a journey, and just when you think you know where it's going, it goes in another direction. Randy could teach a master class on phrasing and stringing patterns together. Another thing that set Randy apart from his contemporaries was how clean his playing was. He was the complete package and was a huge influence on the neo classical metal genre, along with Yngwie.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

do not put Yngwie in a sentence with Randy, Randy was a better songwriter and did not recycle the same riff to play solos on Randy was the game changer, Yngwie really brought nothing new except blazing speed.

[@napesdrk1174]

I play and have recorded all of my randy favorites, but top of the list in my book are- over the mountian and Believer. Both are unique and I love all the little pre chorus and mini bridges, chord progressions, many fills and of course the solos. I have two guy's higher than Eddie, Randy and Vito Bratta.

[@Red-mp3to]

Love the Vito Bratta reference! He's still among my favorites. I love melodic guitar players and Vito and Randy are/were just that. But Randy is, by far, my all time favorite.

[@richcarroll7510]

Randy never said he learned everything from EVH ...He never even went to see EVH live ,But Dave and Eddie did go see Randy play live

[@MaRoach7]

I was fortunate enough to see Randy Rhodes with Ozzy 2x. RIP

[@jeffstevens1615]

Goodbye to romance. The greatest solo for me. It fit that song perfectly. Soo musical!!

[@julirichmond3]

Randy is his own Man. He was amazing. Hands down.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he sounds nothing like anyone else.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Dime was rippin! Love it. That’s how to scorch ears and roast brain cells. RIP Randy & Dime.

[@kevinshepard7796]

And he was barely fucking 18 in that clip.

[@jacelandadventures1523]

When I was a kid, 5th grade I liked VH about four years later I discovered Randy. I never listen to VH anymore, I still listen to Randy. 😊that’s been 40 years now

[@davidpayne5557]

I seen the Brad Gillis version it was like in 82 I think, and I couldn't get over how dead on he was on playing Randy's licks, he really kicked some ass!!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

smart to learn the songs as the master wrote them

[@ericsivilla4091]

Brad Gills did a great job, considering the short time he had to whip up a solution for the masters work. RANDY RHOADS

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@ericsivilla4091 absolutely did an A league job

[@scottmelton3092]

I am a guitarist and when I heard Van Halen for the first time I was changed forever musically. Just the dynamic expression of his playing and precision was , for that time , mind blowing. You knew you were listening to something special. Randy was also shockingly good and you knew this guy was special but there was a lot more guitar competition at the time and I didn’t become enamored with him as much. Both awesome…Eddie probably had more influence on the future of modern electric guitar. Randy may have been a better technician. Thank god for both of them.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Randy changed metal, which is more niche than rock, Ed had a wider net to catch ears with with covers and poppier shorter radio songs. I mean Crazy train was really it for the radio aspect which is tragic because there were so many great songs on those two albums, if someone cannot appreciate songs like Tonight or You Can't Kill Rock and Roll or Diary of a madman they hate music deep down

[@brantonmoore]

While I don't actively play guitar anymore at one time I was heavily influenced by both EVH and RR. That being said I'm not so sure why EVH was so determined to paint RR in a light that he "copied" everything he did. I'm guessing Eddie had a bit of a complex and his way of coping with RR getting some of the spotlight was to say what he did. EVH's riffs have always been more reminiscent of blues and arena rock while RR came across as more neo-classical to me. Both legends in guitar history and may they rest in peace.

[@richardmitchell8213]

What was really sad as well was Kevin DuBrow got to see Randy be successful with Ozzy, but Randy did not get to see DuBrow be successful with Quiet Riot. I Googled this earlier and Blizzard of Oz sold 6 million copies. Metal Health sold 10 million copies. So I figure this is what happened, Randy was a way better fit for what Ozzy wanted to do and Carlos Cavazo was a better fit for what Quiet Riot wanted to do. What is cool though is that both guys found their perfect spot however short it may have been.

[@davidnelson5474]

The thing about Randy is that he could transpose everything EVH was playing on guitar and figure out everything EVH did. EVH was incredible but Randy was a true musician who could read and write his parts down. 🎸🎶

[@QuadropheniacTed]

Eddie might sound like an ass in this interview, but he put so much effort into creating that sound and it was his baby and so many people were trying to kidnap it at the time.

[@sholland42]

That was cold what Ozzy did to George. Its tough being a musician.

[@supernothing77]

It's tough working in a factory

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Sharron did it because of of his hair cut, she wanted a rock star image and Jorge cut his hair for a day job. it was not his playing of course

[@brianallen8091]

@@DANTHETUBEMAN yeah, I heard or read it was the short hair too. Back then hair mattered, haha. I remember nobody paid any attention to short haired dudes in heavy bands, in fact, nobody even wanted to f*ck with any of em if there was a short haired dude in the band. I think Metal Church had that issue in the early 80s. They didn’t have that “look”. It’s fucked up, especially being they were brutal. Lynch is one of the best ever. F*ck his hair l3ngth, geesh

[@edwardippoliti626]

To me Randy was ,and is best all around guitar player of all time ,he could do it all ,power chords ,classical ,scales ,particularly the diminished scales he did is what set him apart ,and the fact that he could write ,and compose music too ,and he had a style all his own ,who's knows how much potential he had putting into consideration of how young he was ,when he died ,it was hard to believe he did everything he did at such a young age !

[@Remnant2u]

what can I say there are Millions of guitar player but Only One RANDY, music would not be where it is without him.

[@humid-rb7rt]

For such a short meteoric time. RR still cast a long shadow over the guitar world. Let that sink in. A master!!

[@dannykrinkle4726]

It was sweet of Eddie to find a way to memorialize himself when speaking about a dead guitar player.

[@idk9637]

for real. lost a lot of respect for him there. started off by blaming the deaths on them fckning around because hes clearly a pilot himself and was there.. and then spends the rest of the time stroking his ego.

[@anthonyw5261]

Eddie's comments were shocking

[@randallrhoads3271]

and absurd...

[@jdmoney1000]

When I was 22 years old, Ozzy Osborne was coming to the Sam Houston Coliseum on February 17th (1982). Since first hearing Ozzy’s “Blizzard of Oz” solo album, his new guitar player Randy Rhoads had become my guitar hero. I didn't know much about him, nor did I even know what he looked like, because Ozzy's album pictures really didn't distinguish who was who in the band photo. To this point, I had assumed that the dark-haired guy (Rudy) was the guitar player I had recently come to idolize. Anyway, my girlfriend Mindy and our housemate Chris quickly found a way to score some tickets for the show. I figured if we showed up at the arena early enough, we might get a chance to meet the band before the show. It was a warm afternoon in Houston when Chris, Mindy and I arrived at the concert hall. We made our way around to the loading dock side of the building to look for tour buses or any other sign of band life. The road crew had already arrived and was setting up the elaborate stage for the “Diary of A Madman” tour. Surprisingly, the atmosphere was very relaxed. We were able to simply walk in and observe at our leisure without anyone hassling us. This went on for the better part of the afternoon. As we loitered about the premises, I befriended Randy’s guitar tech. He informed me that the band would be showing up around 5pm to do a soundcheck. In the meantime, he invited me into a makeshift dressing room to have a look at Randy’s guitars. They were sitting on guitar stands right in front of me. Just feet away from my hands were Randy’s signature cream Les Paul with the snakeskin strap, along with three custom made “V” shaped guitars. His polka-dot V, white pinstripe V and a black one, the latter two sporting the name “Jackson” on the headstocks. At this point, I was not really familiar with his guitars. And this was also long before Jackson Guitars became a household name. Needless to say, I was quite intrigued by them. Luckily, I had the presence of mind to bring a disposable camera with me. I asked the guitar tech if I could take a few pictures of the guitars. He didn’t mind, so I began to snap away. Just as I was photographing the assortment of guitars, a rather large and in charge road manager walked in on me and freaked out. “What the f#$k are you doing in here??? Gimme that efffing camera, those are custom made guitars!” he barked. The guitar tech tried to quell the big fellows concerns, but he would have no part in negotiating any compromise. “Gimme the effing camera if you wanna see the show” he demanded. As a 22 year old punk kid, I was in no position to argue, so I reluctantly gave the Paul Bunion looking troll my stupid camera. The guitar tech apologized for the road managers over-reaction and allowed us all to stay and hang out. Like clockwork, the tour bus pulled into the loading dock at 5pm. Tommy Aldridge, Rudy Sarzo and Randy Rhoads soon stepped out. Randy was wearing blue jeans, a black pleather jacket with no shirt under it with a white towel draped around his neck. Absent from the group was Ozzy, who apparently didn’t do soundcheck with the rest of the group. I quickly made my way over to who I thought was Randy and asked for an autograph. Slightly unprepared, I only had a small piece of paper that I had found nearby for them to sign. Rudy signed one side of the paper and Randy Rhoads signed the other side. I managed to make some small talk, at first thinking that Rudy was actually Randy. Up to this point, (As I said, I wasn’t entirely sure what Randy actually looked like). “Man, you’re a great guitar player” I said. Rudy looked at me sort of puzzled and pointed me in the direction of the actual Randy Rhoads. Needless to say, I felt like a douche. Randy was very unassuming, soft-spoken and frankly humble. He happily complied with my autograph request. He had to lean the small piece of paper onto the side of the cinder block wall in order to write his signature. He simply wrote, "Randy Rhoads". After several minutes, the band disappeared inside the arena and we followed along like lemmings. During their soundcheck, I stood directly in front of Randy Rhoads as the band ran through the song “Mr. Crowley” in its entirety. Randy was playing his cream Les Paul and never sounded better. I was in awe that afternoon, watching this soon to be legend warming up for the impending show right before my eyes. Except for my girlfriend Mindy, Chris and myself, (and a few road-crew guys), there was nobody else in the arena. A few short weeks later, Randy, twenty-five years old, was killed in a plane crash in Leesburg, Florida. I was davestated. His autograph remains framed on my studio wall to this day. Also, a few weeks earlier on March 5th, John Belushi died of a cocaine overdose. You could feel a chill in the psyche of the masses around Houston who had just absorbed the news of both of their untimely deaths. Both tragedies were a stark reminder of my own mortality...I'm nearly 65 now.....Can you imagine what would have been captured on my disposable camera had i been allowed to keep it??? That tour manager did a great disservice to the world. I hope he's reading this! Jeff Dyer - Uncle Sally

[@jasonroberts6666]

Randy was and is still irreplaceable

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

all time A leaguer

[@lueysixty-six7300]

It's amazing hearing some of these greats referring to Randy..up in the sky, Rockin out with Bonham...Burton etc ...and now, so many of them are up there, joint of them! It's a crazy part of life, Living long enough to see a whole generation die off. Either you'll live to see it...or you'll die young yourself. FK knows how I never died young... I'm serious! If you knew half the shit I've done...it'd make slash & Nikki Sixx & Keef look like teetotalers..

[@Mike-eq4ky]

It's even crazier to think that Randy has dead nearly twice as long as he lived for. And we still remember him. That is some wonderful legacy to aspire to...

[@jimderrickson9896]

I appreciate Eddie's brutal honesty in his segment...tells it like it is. Randy Rhoads was an excellent player, for sure, but I've never been one of those guys who worshipped at the alter of Rhoads...I can think of a dozen players who are/were better.

[@TUSK1157]

I grew up in Brandon,Fla. My brother that is 9 years younger than me was the metalhead. I was the new waver. I was at a keg party somewhere between Brandon and Plant City with a group of kids several years younger than me, when the news of Randy being killed. The party turned into a wake. I may not be an authority on metal but I play guitar. Randy Rhodes was a guitarist with a gift of his own. His loss was among the way too many that the music died.