Bassist Rudy Sarzo played music with Randy Rhoads across two different rock bands during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The pair worked together first with Quiet Riot and later joined Ozzy Osbourne's group. Sarzo recognized Rhoads as a star from their very first performance together. The guitarist carried special qualities that set him apart from other musicians. Audiences could sense his talent immediately during live shows.
Rhoads came from a musical family filled with professors and educators who ran their music school. His formal training gave him advantages over other rock musicians who learned songs from records. The guitarist understood music theory and could read musical notation fluently. Most rock players picked up skills through informal jam sessions with friends. Sarzo called Rhoads the first musician he knew who combined academic knowledge with mystical performing abilities.
The guitarist died at age 25 during a plane crash on March 19, 1982 during an Ozzy tour. Rhoads had completed two studio albums with Osbourne before his death. He helped write famous songs like Crazy Train and Diary of a Madman. Sarzo believes Rhoads never reached his creative peak despite popular opinion. The bassist insists his friend was just beginning to explore his musical potential when tragedy struck.
Rhoads came from a musical family filled with professors and educators who ran their music school. His formal training gave him advantages over other rock musicians who learned songs from records. The guitarist understood music theory and could read musical notation fluently. Most rock players picked up skills through informal jam sessions with friends. Sarzo called Rhoads the first musician he knew who combined academic knowledge with mystical performing abilities.
The guitarist died at age 25 during a plane crash on March 19, 1982 during an Ozzy tour. Rhoads had completed two studio albums with Osbourne before his death. He helped write famous songs like Crazy Train and Diary of a Madman. Sarzo believes Rhoads never reached his creative peak despite popular opinion. The bassist insists his friend was just beginning to explore his musical potential when tragedy struck.
