Interview: Rudy Sarzo Remembers Randy Rhoads 

There is no greater ambassador for keeping Randy’s legacy alive than Rudy!Total class act!

Randy taught my friend how to play the guitar. Can you imagine Randy being your guitar teacher? Back in the Starwood days 77-78 he came over to my house in the SFV a few times and hung out. Was sincerely polite to my mother who later asked me, "Who was that? He is the nicest guy!" He wore his vests and bow ties which were different but somehow cool on him. His big smile was infectious. Was always happy and really celebrated life while he had it (like we all should). Thanks Rudy.

As an ex Randy student, all of this was so nice, anything to keep his memory alive, sadly continuously missed to this day! Randy was the real deal, it was like sitting with a Mozart.

Met Rudy about 20 years ago at a rock shop. I couldn’t believe how down to earth he is. He answered all my questions about playing bass. He’s truly a great guy/ rock star.

Rudy is a great guy. Randy was lucky to have him as a friend. He is honorable and genuine. And a fantastic bass player.

Randy is the reason I picked up the guitar 35 years ago and I still haven't put it down.

My Dad worked with Ozzy from the very 1st Solo album - even the recording of these albums as he worked for Don Arden at Jet Records and then Sharon. He toured with them right up to just before the tragedy (in fact he would have been on the bus had it not been for an incident that he had to fly back to London 3 days before). He tells me story's of Randy and Rudy. In Short, Randy was really nice and sweet and practiced his guitar constantly, all day, every day. He says Rudy is the most genuine, honest, funny guy he ever met. This guy had women falling at his feet and he never cheated on his girl. What a great person.

Its simple...I love the way Rudy's bass playing sounds, and he's a genuinely nice human being.

Rudy is a humble guy to have done this for Randy. Double thumbs up to him. RIP RR.

randy should never be forgotten. he was so much a good person. treated everyone so good. and nice to people. and very few people can match how great he was on guitar.

The man who knows Randy the best ....just happened to be a very nice guy also, Rudy Sarzo.

R. Sarzo is such a forgotten virtuoso. I hope Sarzo makes it into the The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rudy's book "Off the Rails" is a great diary of his life with Randy. Highly recommended. Rudy is a class act. Would love to meet him one day.

Love Rudy. A class act. Living legend.

Im 55 and that song Diary of a Madman still gives me chills.

39 years gone today and never to be forgotten. Rest in Peace Randy.

I saw Ozzy on March 18, 1982, in Knoxville, TN, with UFO opening...me and my friends were blown away by Randy...next day in school, everybody was talking about how great the concert was, and how awesome Randy Rhoads played... then when I get home from school, my grandmother, of all people, mentioned that the radio said some guy in a big group that played here the night before died in a plane... I figured she'd heard it wrong, but she remembered the name Ozzy, because of the old tv show "Ozzy and Harriet"...so I go to turn the radio on, they're playing an Ozzy song...bad sign...then the dj said Randy had gotten killed that morning...HUNDREDS of miles away from Knoxville, in Florida...they must've went straight to the bus after the gig, and drove all night...there was a sense of "did all this really just happen??" for a while after that...went straight from "Wow, what a great guitarist!" to "Wow, that great guitarist I saw last night is dead!!" in less than 24 hrs!

If anyone still thinks that metal heads don’t have brains or have no souls, then they should watch this interview. Simply brilliant. Two living heroes remembering a hero.

Nothing but mad respect for Rudy! He’s obviously a truly genuine and humble man, especially because 95% of his interviews are the interviewers wanting to talk through him about Randy. Although Rudy’s contribution to the bass and all the music he’s been involved in is undeniable, he has to be awfully centered and humble to be at peace with that dynamic.

Rudy is a cool cat. I met him once at a Tower Records event in LA on Sunset back in the late 80's. Jeff Beck happened to be in there shopping (I think it was right around the time he was working with Jon Bon Jovi in town somewhere for the Young Guns II soundtrack. So he would come in once in awhile looking for unusual music). Rudy turned to me, and asked, "Holy shit, is that Jeff Beck? Do you see famous people come in here to shop all the time? That is crazy!". And I replied, "Yes, just like how I am talking to you right now, dude. I love your work!". We both had a pretty good laugh. Though I should have told him at the time that the last time Jeff was there, BB King just happened to be there that night too, and Jeff asked the same thing about BB. All three of them were such cool peeps. lol

Randy Rhoads was a learner. That's why he was as good as he was. Him asking a fan about their rig instead of talking about his, shows the best example of what is needed to be great. Be humble and learn from everyone wherever you go.

Rudy Sarzo is one incredibly sweet, down-to- earth guy. he is just so humble and friendly. Randy was so lucky to have a true friend like this gentleman. Awesome interview.

Rudy is such a class act... it can not be overstated. A gentle soul, much like Randy, so it's rather unsurprising that they were such great friends. Rudy is the epitome of 'true friend.'

Rudy seems like one of the nicest and most humble people in the business. Could listen to him talk forever :)

Rudy Sarzo is a such a great artist. One of the finest bassists ever. I am so pleased that Rudy will share his memories that can be put on the record for history.

rudy himself is a legend what a cool dude

Rudy is such a sweet man. I had the pleasure of meeting him in the late 80s. What a great guy. God bless him

Randy Rhoads is a fantastic example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. As a guitar player, a person, a teacher, a student, a songwriter, a fan of music, and a pure talent he is truly unique. Thank you for your time in this world, Randy💕

You can see by reading through posts here, the admiration for Rudy. One of our favorite bass players of all time.

I had a chance to chat with Rudy once while I was working in a studio. He is one of those few guys that has every right to think of himself as a legend yet, somehow, is the most down-to-earth person out there. Truly a class act and so generous with his time. We talked for, probably, fifteen or twenty minutes and he never acted like he wanted to bail. I finally realized I was being a fan boy and excused myself but he was a real gentleman.

Still can’t get over Randy’s loss to this day!! Legend. Must be kept alive. They say you’re not dead until the last time your name is spoken 🙏

What a class act of a guy. Nothing but respect for Rudy Sarzo. What an articulate and down to earth man.

Rudy before I die I want to tell you how much of an influence you have been on my playing. Randy made me pick up the guitar but you and Billy Sheehan made me pick up the bass. 30 years later and my daughter and I play the bass. Love you Rudy 😍

It just doesn't get better than Rudy- consummate professional and one of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever hope to meet. Total class act!

What made Randy so incredible was that he was always a student.... If he were alive today and the preeminent name attached to guitar...he'd still be taking lessons and asking other players about their rigs. It's a lesson we can all learn...never stop asking questions, you're never too great to learn something new.

Love seeing a legend like Rudy talk about an all time great musician in Randy, generational player.

Rudy is a fricking ledgend. Warrior, wasp, quiet riot, ozzy, king kobra, my god this hellish metal list could go on and on, Rudy i love ya bro. Part of the metal family forever

Rudy has such an open and friendly face. I can tell without ever meeting him he's a pretty good fella.

Randy was so beyond gifted he made magic when he touched a guitar he was absolutely amazing without all that technology.

I started playing guitar in 1983 because I heard Randy. I warm up almost every day riffing through parts of Mr. Crowley and when I need some inspiration I play the solo to Goodbye to Romance and the rest of the time I'm just usually in shock listening to his brilliance. My heart hurt very heavy when he passed, he was my Idol.

Rudy is a treasure. He's the epitome of the Professional Bass player.

Great interview. Nick Bowcott doesn't get enough credit. I love the first two Grim Reaper albums. Rudy Sarzo is a genius Bassist and criminally underrated. R.I.P Randy Rhoads.

Sarzo is just frickin awesome. Don't forget about HIS contributions to music as well.

Thank you Sweetwater, truly a great podcast. RIP Randy Rhoades Thanks Rudy Sarzo much Love to you.

Rudy is a really good guy. He does a lot for humanity- very conscious individual. I love how much respect he shows Randy & how much love he holds for him. 💜 We love you Randy.

Wow. Rudy is a class act. The man is pure. I think he is a speaker for the dead, when it comes to Randy Rhodes. And I love Rudy's point about life.

Rudy you are a living legend! if I was to pick a famous person to meet you be #1 sir!!

Love Randy his solos are soooo melodic and catchy

Your students have great taste in guitarists. Randy will always be my favorite Guitarist. Randy was a master technician with the heart of a shredder. RIP Randy. Thanks Rudy for keeping the flame alive.

Life long fan of Rudy's, like all of us, and become more impressed with every interview of his I see. Quality Human w/Legend Talent.

Rudy Sarzo is so right. Social media allows us to truly appreciate the artists as people, now , not later. Great job, thank you Rudy Sarzo!

He is an underrated bass player. People seem to notice flashy players but a great player ... a truly GREAT player puts his ego aside and serves the song. Rudy did that.

And RANDY allways will be the GREATEST.GODBLESS HIS SOUL.

Rudy's a good dude! Down to earth and immensely talented! It was privilege to joke around with him. He's a legend to me!

Met Rudy Sarzo on his Birthday, 🎵🎉and got to give him a hug! Super Guy! Quite a dream, come true! Was too cool! It was in a meet and greet room, when he was playing with The Guess Who. Love this interview, two of my favorite players. Long Live Randy Rhoads 🙌🎸🎶

Randy is an icon but Rudy is a superb talented guitarist in his own right and a class act!

I was blessed to see Randy with Ozzy June 23, 1981 in Phoenix, AZ with Motorhead opening. I was 15, and it changed my life. Randy was gone just 9 months later. I've never gotten over it.

I met Randy several times back in the Quiet Riot “Starwood” days ...There was clearly a buzz going on about his amazing talent... As a guitar player myself, I would pay a lot of attention to his unique style and passionate playing...The last time I ever spoke with him was at an after party from when he came back to play with Riot for a couple nights at the Starwood...I remember getting his attention as he was leaving the party and telling him that I was doing at gig at the Wood in a couple weeks and he probably wouldn’t be able to make it because he was going back to tour with Ozzy...He turned and said “ well... maybe I can make it, you never know”... I was like “thanks for being so cool at least”... Sadly enough...he had passed away the following year...I remember he was such a genuine person, every time we met... It’s such a shame that someone so gifted and kind had left us at such an early age...

That was a fantastic interview. Both of those guys were absolutely glowing...

I had been playing electric guitar for 3 years, as a young kid in the late 80’s. I was into metal but once I came across Ozzy and particularly RR, I became fascinated in classical guitar. I have been studying classical guitar ever since then. One of my friend’s kids was listening to old school metal when I stopped by the house the other day. I asked if he was jamming to old Ozzy yet. He wasn’t, so I showed him the RR era and not only was he hooked , I have been listening to it all over again, after many years of not really listening to it. And here I am. RR is one of my favorites of all time. And also SRV

Rudy has always been such a huge influence on me as a bass player... throw that guy into any band and he fits! Great interview!

I got to see Rudy live in Birmingham Alabama with Queensryche. He rocked man and they sounded awesome!

Rudy is s total gentleman, and an amazing musician, would be great to meet him someday.

Rudy is a truly awesome person, humble enough to mention Lee Kerslake, and Bob Daisley. I can't think of a better person to fill Bob Daisley's position, I am more of a fan of Ozzy's band line up than of Ozzy himself.

Class act there. I messaged him after I read his book. He messaged me back. Who else does that? Not many. I had my ticket to see them when Randy was killed. They played great. Whatever else was going on they played a great show. I can't imagine their loss. I hated it & was just a kid in highschool going to a concert. Thanks Rudy. Nice job Nick Bowcott.

Over 7000 views and not one dislike. I think that speaks volumes, right there. How influential is Randy? I'm a drummer and Randy was a huge influence on me. Just the impact of the music he gave and left us just transcends. I've had a poster of Randy on my wall since '84 (Still hanging on my wall right now, too). Always grateful for the music he left us. Thank you Randy.

Holy crap. Not only is the man really cool and really bright, he's got a great, great memory. He's like a historian.

Rudy is an inspiration. Long story, but I'm in my late 60s, just bought my first bass. Played drums way back when.... (Late 60s early 70s...). Went off to the military, engineering school, later to law school and practice. I think I buried my head away, because it hurt so much giving it up. So, like Rip Van Winkle, I wake up. Randy who, Quiet what, Eddy was that the talking horse? This guy is 1st class. Like welcome back to music. Thanks Rudy

Rudy has daddy long legs for fingers! No wonder he's such an awesome bass player.

Rudy God bless you very down-to-earth and very rare musician not the ego and everything that comes out from other ones to talk about your experience with Randy and what you've done love your playing

Thank you Rudy Sarzo for the background. You are part of the great ones ! Just got back from outside West Leesburg, FL. Passed by the Flying Baron Ranch. Always remember you guys from Hollywood Days .... Luv ya........

So nice to hear Rudy (very likable guy) share some more insight into Randy Rhoads, the guitar-playing legend. 🎸🎶💖 Still sorely missed...RIP Randy

Great interview Nick. Rudy is obviously a class act. It’s great hearing about the early years with Rudy sharing so much insight.

RIP Randy, your music lives forever

Happy birthday for tomorrow Rudy. You, sir, are an absolute Gentleman. Been a fan for decades. Excellent interview.

You are not truly gone until no one speaks you name . Randy Will be eternal!!!!!

Rudy you are awesome. You've always been a classy intelligent talented person. And you're one of the greatest rock bassists who has ever lived. Nick you are also cool. I used to read your column all the time. :)

Had tickets to see Randy in Orlando, but it never came to be. I remember being at work on Friday and my buds and I were so excited to be seeing the band the next day. Then we heard the news on the radio and it turned the rest of the day and weekend to shit.

This video made me feel like I was actually getting to hang out ... like I was one of the guys. God knows my heart is there.

Phenomenal (& all too short) interview with the excellent Rudy Sarzo; of course, Randy's influential style, warm personality, & superlative playing are the primary reasons (why) his legend endures. I had the privilege of seeing 'Blizzard of Oz', back in 1981 - Port Vale football ground (UK) - a concert I shall remember, always, & of course, six months later, this diminutive, yet affable genius musician would be dead. For those who have never listened to Mr Rhoads' music - be it from Quiet Riot's or Blizzard of Oz's catalogue - check them out - irrespective of the style or genre of music that you favour, in terms of listening, you will find consummate skill, impassioned playing, & absolute dedication in his art. Thank you, Rudy, for bringing your own take on your close friend, Randy - you are also one of the reasons I picked up the bass, so many years ago !! Thank you too, Sweetwater, for giving us this presentation :D

Rudy is the Best ! He has played with some of the best also. Nice guy that I have been lucky to meet a couple times. I treasure his book " Off The Rails" that he signed for me years ago. If you don't have a copy , GET ONE !

I personally think Randy Rhodes was greatest guitar player of all time

By the time I was introduced to Randy's and Ozzy's music in 1982, Randy had died in the plane crash. I did not know this at the time but when I found out it made me ill. Glad we have the music, amazing.

Great interview. Rudy is also a legend!

Rudy looks really good and healthy!! Glad he’s taking care of himself, thank God he didn’t die from the many pitfalls that surrounds his profession.

Rudy is such a wonderful man. So thoughtful in his generous nature to discuss all things Randy Rhoads.

Rudy is a wonderful man himself as well. I couldn't agree more that he is doing an excellent job at keeping Randy's spirit from fading.

I saw ozzy December 29 1981 at the cow palace san Francisco. My first concert. What a show. Randy was incredible and so was Rudy and tommy Aldridge.

Crazy train is the reason I learned guitar I owe my guitar skills to the memory of Randy my first guitar was an entry level rhoads

I saw the Blizzard of Oz tour here in Seattle with Motorhead opening at the Paramount Theater on Ninth Ave. and Pike St. in '81. I was absolutely spellbound and floored standing 15 feet in front of Randy Rhoades for two hours. Unforgettable.

Rudy is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I met him and Randy back in '81 . I never met someone so dedicated to their "craft" than Randy was. He truly was an "Inspiration for all" and still is. GOAT...

Rudy's also a king. Great player and person. Rudy's in my top 3 of all time

That was amazing! Thank you! I was of the generation that saw Randy live as well on the first Ozzie tour. I am forever grateful for having that opportunity. I still think of him and the impact he had on me.

Classical music was in Randy Rhoads and classical music really yes England so he was living the English culture classical music and he had the approval from Ozzy Osbourne whatever to be classical with Hard Rock and that's why I've been playing for 50 years and that's why I love Randy Rhoads over Van Halen and so on and so on and so on love this video thank you Rudy great job

I saw Rudy live with quiet riot in 2022 at Rocklahoma, and I’ll tell you nobody wanted to put on a better show than him!!! Completely changed my life and direction

Always been a huge Randy Rhoads fan. When I finally started putting together the guitar room I've always wanted, I had a canvas made of the black and white photo of Ozzy lifting Randy up mid guitar solo on stage. No caption, no nothing just that black and white photo says it all.

RUDY SARZO IS SO CLASSY. RILLY A SMART NICE PERSON!!!👍🤘

I have a very vivid memory of seeing him live in Winnipeg Canada. He was simply mind blowing. I'd never seen anything like it. Rudy is so right about his impact, he left his music and his memory with many hundreds of thousands of people live.

The very last riff in Crazy Train guitar solo. If you can play that exactly, you are badass. I never even heard Randy on any recordings duplicate it live the same way he did it in the studio. That riff studio version is extremely difficult to nail down properly.

Bob Daisley was the real Bass Player composer of Blizzard of Oz, and Diary of a Mad Man.