On this day March 19 1982 Randy Rhoads the legendary lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 25.
The accident occurred in Leesburg Florida when Rhoads and two others took an unauthorized flight in a small plane that crashed into a house after attempting a low pass over Osbourne’s tour bus. The crash took the life of Rhoads the pilot and a crew member cutting short the career of one of rock’s most innovative guitarists.
Rhoads was known for his virtuosic playing blending classical influences with heavy metal. His work on Ozzy Osbourne’s first two solo albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman helped define the sound of 80s metal and continues to inspire guitarists today.
80s insight: Despite his reputation as a guitar icon Rhoads was deeply dedicated to music education and had considered leaving touring to pursue a degree in classical guitar.
The accident occurred in Leesburg Florida when Rhoads and two others took an unauthorized flight in a small plane that crashed into a house after attempting a low pass over Osbourne’s tour bus. The crash took the life of Rhoads the pilot and a crew member cutting short the career of one of rock’s most innovative guitarists.
Rhoads was known for his virtuosic playing blending classical influences with heavy metal. His work on Ozzy Osbourne’s first two solo albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman helped define the sound of 80s metal and continues to inspire guitarists today.
80s insight: Despite his reputation as a guitar icon Rhoads was deeply dedicated to music education and had considered leaving touring to pursue a degree in classical guitar.
