In 197,9 frontman Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the successful band Black Sabbath and set out to find members for his new solo project.
Due to the poor success of Quiet Riot, Randy was advised by bassist Dana Strum to audition for Ozzy Osbourne. But at first Randy Rhoads would be reluctant due to Black Sabbath’s dark image, lacking the motivation to audition. But eventually, his mother would convince him to attend the tests, although it would be something he did rather reluctantly.
Ozzy for his part was preparing to return to England tired of trying unsuccessful guitarists but decides to wait, persuaded by Dana Strum to listen to Randy.
When Randy finally arrived, he was surprised as he thought he was going to play with a band, but he only found Ozzy Osbourne sitting on the sofa in one room.
Ozzy simply asked him to play something, and Randy, not quite sure what to do, plugged his white Les Paul into his little amp and started warming up.
Ozzy Osbourne told him that the position was his just by watching him warm up, Randy returned home somewhat confused, since he could not understand how a star like Ozzy Osbourne could give him a position, just by watching him warm-up for two minutes.
After two weeks he receives the call from Ozzy, and in late 1979 Randy Rhoads leaves the band Quiet Riot to travel to England and meet with Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Bob Daisley. Releasing with drummer Lee Kerslake the group’s first album in 1980, Blizzard Of Ozz.
Considered as a classic in the history of Heavy Metal, being praised by critics and the public, relaunching again the uncertain career of Ozzy Osbourne. Including this album one of the most famous songs of his solo career, Crazy Train. Also incorporating this song a spectacular guitar solo cataloged by many as one of the best in history.
Highlighting Randy Rhoads with his virtuous way of playing, and with sounds that by the time of 1980, were considered as from another planet. Randy became the main attraction of the group live, displaying his full potential.
At the end of 1981, the second album of the group, Diary Of A Madman would be released, becoming another classic of Heavy Metal. Randy Rhoads being considered by Guitar Player magazine that same year, as the best new talent.
In March 1982, the band went on their bus to a festival in Orlando (Florida). When evening came Randy had one last conversation with Ozzy, advising him that if he continued down the path of alcoholism, he would end his life. Ironically, Randy would lose his life within hours of giving this advice to Ozzy Osbourne.
Statement from Ozzy Osbourne: “Randy was so unique that I don’t think people will ever fully realize what a talent that guy was—not only in rock and roll, but in every other field,” Osbourne told Guitar Player, “…he was the most dedicated musician I ever met in my life. He was a master of his art.”
Watch the best duo of Heavy Metal performing Mr. Crowley below: