Randy Rhoads
December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982
Perhaps not the most influential rock guitarist of the ’80s, Randy Rhoads was no doubt one of the most original. Instead of trying to be the “next Eddie Van Halen,” Rhoads was the first metal guitarist to incorporate classical styles into his playing. Learning to play as a young child, Rhoads kicked around in a few high-school bands before helping to form Quiet Riot with Kevin Dubrow. That led to an audition to play in Ozzy Osbourne‘s post-Black Sabbath solo band. Rhoads easily landed the gig and with his incendiary shredding, Ozzy’s first solo album Blizzard of Oz, became one of the greatest rock albums of the era. Within just a couple of years, Rhoads’ career was kicking into high gear. But then on March 19, 1982 while the band was en route to a festival in Orlando, they decided to stop and visit Jerry Calhoun, the owner of their bus company. It was while at the house, the band’s driver, Andrew Aycock persuaded Rhoads and a hairdresser to take a spin in Calhoun’s small plane. While in the air, it was reported that Aycock tried to “buzz” the band’s tour bus in order to startle them awake. On the third attempt, they clipped the side of plane which caused it to crash into Calhoun’s mansion, killing all three, including Rhoads at just 25 years of age.
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He was a huge influence to so many guitarists!