“The album is mindblowing, [that's] how good it is. I’m so over the moon about the way the album turned out. We wrote 16 songs … and I put it on my CD player, expecting me to be unhappy with the end result, but this big grin came on my face and my hair on the back on my neck [stood up] … It’s better than my wildest dreams; it’s so good.”
He continued: “People have been quoting me that this album was quite possibly the most important album of my career. What I meant by that is I didn’t want it to sound like a follow-up to ‘Never Say Die!’, ’cause that was when we were dying out within the band.”
RANDY RHOADS & FAMILY BETRAYED WITH UN-AUTHORIZED USE OF MATERIALS
RANDY RHOADS Biography
In late 2012 Randy Rhoads mother, Delores Rhoads, siblings Kathryn Rhoads D’Argenzio and Kelle Rhoads, learned that a coffee table book titled “Randy Rhoads” had been released, co-authored by Andrew Klein and rock writer Steven Rosen with the assistance of Peter Margolis and Denny Anderson. The family obtained a copy of the book. They were both astonished and horrified to see that Klein and Margolis are holding themselves out as “experts” on the life of Randy Rhoads, implying that they had the approval and cooperation of the Rhoads family, which they did not.
On April 1, 2007, Margolis entered into an agreement with the Rhoads family to produce a single documentary film on the life of Randy Rhoads. Margolis assured the family that the film would be completed within three years. From that point on, however, Margolis himself did not own any of the ideas and materials obtained or created in the production of the documentary, or any of the photos, videos or sound recordings collected for use in it, having assigned all of that to Dakota Films, the company financing and producing the documentary. Over the next several years, Margolis, Klein and others, working for Dakota Films, went forward with the project. Although Margolis reportedly claimed, as of early 2012, that the documentary was completed – “in the can”—it has never been released. Individuals who saw portions of it during production have reported that it was “edited poorly and unprofessionally,” and that the quality of the film was “abysmal.” The Rhoads family was frustrated by what they considered the mediocre quality of Margolis’s film, and by the fact that the “official documentary” they had so long hoped for had never come to fruition. This has been especially painful for Randy’s mother, Delores Rhoads, who is now in her nineties, and has spent the last three decades carefully preserving and advancing the legacy of her son.
The family contends that Margolis and Klein have stolen the materials; they have no rights or ownership of, from the failed documentary. They used them in the book, in order to try to exploit Randy and the family for their own profit, while trying to establish themselves as “authorities” on Randy Rhoads. They have falsely implied that they have the Rhoads family’s support and cooperation for the unauthorized book. The family emphasizes that in no way did they authorize or participate in publication of the book, nor have they had anything more to do with either Margolis or Kleinsince the production of the unreleased documentary ended.
Moreover, according to the family’s complaint, the book contained more than fifty instances in which Klein and Margolis had used without permission photos, excerpts from interviews and other personal information that had been provided to them by the Rhoads family solely and exclusively for use in the authorized documentary film and for no other purpose.
The Randy Rhoads Estate and family have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the filmmakers and now authors Peter Margolis and Andrew Klein, the publishing company Velocity Publishing Group, Inc., and co-author Steven Rosen. The suit arises out of a failed documentary film project on the life of Randy Rhoads, and the defendants’ recent publication of a book arising out of their involvement in that film project. The defendants are alleged tohaving made extensive and, unauthorized use of personal information and photos from that documentary project, and are accused of fraud, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and misappropriation of rights of publicity.
Randy Rhoads had a relatively short career as a rock guitarist and songwriter, but like James Dean had in the movies, Rhoads blazed like a comet across the music world, particularly in his short time as lead guitarist, first with Quiet Riot and then, most famously, with Ozzy Osbourne in the early Eighties. Rhoads’s guitar work and songwriting are featured on such legendary songs as “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” While he was alive Rhoads was voted Best New Talent” and “Best Heavy Metal Guitarist” by various music magazines. In March 1982, Rhoads tragically died in a plane crash, at the age of 25, while on tour with Osbourne. Noted for the influence of his classical musical training on his high-speed, heavy metal guitar style, Rhoads reputation and influence has grown exponentially in the years since his death. Rolling Stone and Guitar World list Rhoads high on their lists of Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of all time. “Crazy Train,” which he co-wrote, place Number 51 on Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Songs of All Time. Ozzy Osbourne has been quoted as having said ““He was a saint. . . .He was an angel, and too good for this world. His death’s always on my mind. Every year at the anniversary of his birth and death, fans from all over the world gather at his grave site to honor his passing. We will never forget him. His musical legacy lives on in the minds and music of his many fans.”
HOLLYWOOD, CA (December 4, 2012) – Come celebrate the Late, Great Randy Rhoads birthday with his family this week at Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio and her husband Richard D’Argenzio’s wine tasting room in Burbank.
The Randy Rhoads Birthday Tribute weekend starts Thursday, December 6th and ends Saturday, December 8th – open from 3pm to 9pm daily. This will be a weekend to remember for all fans and friends alike. You will get to meet the whole Rhoads family, taste the Randy Rhoads wine, and see personal memorabilia that has not been shown for public viewing.
The D’Argenzio winery, has for several years, produced a special wine in the name of Randy Rhoads with all proceeds of this wine going to fund the Randy Rhoads Foundation to assist kids in learning music.
A special note from the Rhoads family:
The Rhoads family wishes to thank you all for all the heartfelt support and love for Randy. We also thank you for keeping his memory alive.
Happy Birthday to my loving son and our dear brother~
Delores Rhoads, Kelle Rhoads and Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio~
Randy Rhoads is best known for his tour of duty with Ozzy Osbourne and his band, then known as The Blizzard of Ozz. Once Rhoads had officially joined, the band headed into the studio to record their debut album, titled Blizzard of Ozz. Propelled by Rhoads’ neo-classical guitar work, the album was an instant hit with rock fans, particularly in the USA. They released two singles from the album: “Mr Crowley” and the hit “Crazy Train“. Rhoads left us March 19th, 1982 in a tragic plane crash leaving us a huge void in music. His legacy of brilliant music will live forever in the hearts of the people – He was a true hero and legend.
Please join us December 6th through December 8th and pay respects to Randy Rhoads and his family for his birthday at the:
Ex-OZZY OSBOURNE/BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee is back after over a decade in seclusion. In great shape mentally, physically and spiritually, Jake is ready to return and bring his brand of unique playing and music to the world.
In the process of recording his new album at Las Vegas’ The Hideout Studios — owned and operated by Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, IN THIS MOMENT) — Lee’s first new release will feature a combination of legendary rock artists and some of the biggest names of new metal. Already recorded are guest appearances by Robin Zander (CHEAP TRICK), Paul Di’Anno (IRON MAIDEN), Maria Brink (IN THIS MOMENT), with many other big names attached to the project.
Jake has launched search for a new vocalist, who will sing at least one track on the new album and will tour the world starting in late spring 2013.
Criteria: Must be capable of singing a couple of OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS songs, plus tracks from Lee’s new album while still having a strong enough identity to be able carry the band into the future, as Jake will head straight back into the studio after the touring to begin a new album with the new band.
What to do: Send an email to Ronnie@HideoutLV.com containing an MP3, or a link to an MP3 of yourself singing a OZZY OSBOURNE or BADLANDS songs. Then submit one other song or video of your choosing that you feel best represents who you are as an artist. Listen to BADLANDS’ “High Wire” to see the range required for this gig. Only those vocalists that really fit what Lee is looking for will be contacted with further instructions.
Lee’s new solo album is being recorded with the help of guitarist Ronnie Mancuso of BEGGARS & THIEVES, whose 2011 video, “We Come Undone”, featured an appearance by Jake.
According to the All Music Guide, Lee helped Ozzy Osbourne score two of the most commercially successful releases of the singer’s long and illustrious career — 1983′s “Bark at the Moon” and 1986′s “The Ultimate Sin”. Lee eventually joined up with another former BLACK SABBATH singer (albeit briefly), Ray Gillen, and formed the LED ZEPPELIN/classic rock-esque outfit BADLANDS. Subsequently, Lee played briefly with a band called WICKED ALLIANCE before setting off on his own, issuing his solo debut, “A Fine Pink Mist”, in August of 1996.
Jake E. Lee’s “covers” album, “Retraced”, was released in the U.S. in April 2005 via Shrapnel Records. All the songs were recorded in a “power trio” format ala BADLANDS and the tracks for the project were cover songs along that style (bluesy power rock).
Well, we’ve made some great headway in the first half of this campaign. And all the early supporters should have received their link to download the advance preview of Chapter 13 from Kelly Garni: Angels With Dirty Faces. We want to send a HUGE thank you to the folks that have given us the great feedback on the chapter and have expressed how they’re even more excited for the rest of the book. As we are currently formatting the text and photo layouts to standard book form, we are currently looking at nearly 400 or more pages of insight only Kelly Garni could provide to the world of Randy Rhoads, Kevin DuBrow and the formation of Quiet Riot…and that is before adding the pics!
We only have 12 days left and a little ways to go to hit our target of $8000 to help expand the number of books printed within the first pressing.
To help make that push we’ve restructured an overlooked reward level and made it our “Best Value” overall and it is a limited run of 100.
A $65 pledge will get you ALL of the following:
A Signed Advance copy of Kelly Garni: Angels With Dirty Faces (This is a guarantee you will receive a book out of the first pressing and nearly a month before it is available to the rest of the public in October)
PLUS an exclusive 11X17 museum quality print of a custom painted portrait by renowned artist Peter Mera. Inspired by one of Kelly’s favorite pictures showing Randy & Kelly as kids, this portrait has been beautifully painted and inked by an amazingly artistic hand. These exclusive prints will be handcrafted and made one at a time using the highest quality archival inks and printed on a heavyweight “fine art” archival paper stock. Each print will be hand signed and numbered by the artist. They will also be custom stamped using typeset letter press. These prints will ONLY be available through this Kickstarter project. You can see an “in progress” photo and see the actual painting within our intro video on this project’s Kickstarter home page.
PLUS you will receive a digital/ebook version of Kelly Garni: Angels With Dirty Faces (which will be released and delivered in Dec)
AND your name (or someone of your choosing) will be included on a special “Dedication” page at the front of the book. Yep, you will actually have your name IN THE BOOK!
This is the most bang for your buck package we can put together! There are only 98 of these left at this time and once they’re gone they’re gone.
All the other packages will still be available throughout the campaign. We know that times are tough all over and wanted to remind everyone that even a pledge of $1 – $49 gets your name in a special “thank you” section within the book and a $50 or more pledge gets your name in the special “Dedication” section at the front of the book.
Thanks again to everyone that has backed this project so far. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. This book IS coming out. This book IS everything you’d want it to be and more. Let’s make this final 12 days count and help expand this book to the worldwide audience it deserves
BLACK SABBATH headlined this year’s Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago, IL this Friday (August 3rd), marking their only North American gig of 2012. Following is an excerpt from Ultimate Classic Rock’s review of the show:
“During the hot and humid Midwest evening, singer Ozzy Osbourne’s voice may not have hit every note, but our reporter on the scene told us that he more than made up for it with the showmanship, enthusiasm and boundless energy during the show. One of Ozzy’s most human moments ironically came during the band’s performance of ‘Iron Man,’ in which he ran over to kiss the woman who was offering a sign language translation for the deaf audience members and managed to keep up with the band throughout.”
FIREWIND guitarist Gus G. (also OZZY OSBOURNE) has confirmed a string of guitar clinic dates in the US for August:
August
7 – Sam Ash Music – Carle Place, NY
8 – Washington Music – Washington DC
9 – Sam Ash Music – King of Prussia, PA
10 – ALTO Music – Middletown, NY
Firewind’s new album Few Against Many, has achieved the following chart positions around the world:
UK: #11 (Rock Album Charts)
Sweden: #12 (Rock Album Charts)
USA: #28 (Billboard “Heatseekers” Top New Artist Charts)
Germany: #90 (Official Album Sales Charts)
Firewind – Few Against Many
Produced by Gus G., Few Against Many, was recorded with long time band mates vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, Bob Katsionis (keyboards/guitar) and bassist Petros Christo at Valve Studio in Greece as well as The Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expand on their signature melodic sound with some of their most aggressive songs to date. Mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Orlando, Florida. Few Against Many also marks the recording debut of new Firewind drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
Firewind recently released their new video, which was shot during the band’s latest shows in their homeland Greece by Colin Marshall. Check out ‘Wall Of Sound’ below:
ADDITIONAL HELP BY SAMI RUOKANGAS AND PATRICK CLEMENT
Night Ranger is an American hard rock band hailing from San Francisco. The band gained its popularity during the early 1980s with such a classic albums as SEVEN WISHES, MIDNIGHT MADNESS and the debut DAWN PATROL. The bands biggest hit single to date is “Sister Christian” from the 1984. The first five Night Ranger albums sold altogether more than 10 million copies worldwide. After Night Ranger’s success slowly waned in the late 1980s, the band split up in 1989 and its members pursued other musical careers including Damn Yankees and solo efforts. The original band members Jack Blades, Grad Gillis, Kelly Keagy, Alan Fitzgerald and Jeff Watson re-united in 1997 to release two new albums in the latter half of the decade. Later on the original members Fitzgerald and Watson left the band and were replaced by Joel Hoeksta and Eric Levy. The current line up released its latest effort SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA in 2011 and the band has continued to tour and remains very popular in USA, Canada and especially in Japan. The band now finally arrived in Scandinavia for the first time in their 30 year career and performed in front of an demanding Swedenrock audience in early June. After the show we had the pleasure to sit down and discuss with founding members Blades and Gillis about the bands future, past and present. Read On!
Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Speak Of The Devil on DVD by Ozzy Osbourne in North America. [Pre-book Order Date June 22, MSRP $14.98]
This show was filmed at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in California on June 12, 1982 as part of the delayed continuation of the “Diary Of A Madman” tour following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads a few months earlier. The audio has been digitally restored and remastered and is now available in DTS and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time. Speak Of The Devil includes the classics “Mr Crowley” “Over The Mountain” “Crazy Train” “Flying High Again” “Iron Man” “Paranoid” “Goodbye To Romance” and many more
The concert is a perfect snapshot of Ozzy Osbourne’s live performances in the eighties with dramatic staging and masses of energy with a setlist based around his first two solo albums and a few Black Sabbath classics. The line-up for this show features Ozzy Osbourne (vocals); Don Airey (keyboards); Tommy Aldridge (drums); Brad Gillis (guitar) and Rudy Sarzo (bass).
Ozzy has always been one of heavy metal’s great frontmen and, despite the difficult circumstances, the show presented on Speak of the Devil captures him at his absolute best.
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world. Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.
Track Listing:
1) Over The Mountain
2) Mr Crowley
3) Crazy Train
4) Revelation (Mother Earth)
5) Steal Away (The Night)
6) Suicide Solution
7) Guitar / Drum Solo
8) Goodbye To Romance
9) I Don’t Know
10) Believer
11) Flying High Again
12) Iron Man
13) Children Of The Grave
14) Paranoid
Before his tragic death at the age of 25, Randy Rhoads was on a fast track to being hailed by critics and public alike as the greatest rock guitar player of all time. Over a short two-year period, Randy recorded two seminal multi-platinum albums with OZZY OSBOURNE, which are heralded today as among the most noteworthy recordings in hard rock music history. Through his jaw-dropping six-string work on songs such as ‘Crazy Train’, ‘Mr. Crowley’ and ‘Flying High Again’, Randy Rhoads achieved legendary status as a guitar icon and his artistic legacy continues to grow with each passing year.
A brilliant guitar virtuoso, Randy’s masterful ability of bridging rock and classical techniques helped him forge a groundbreaking style of guitar playing. In 1981, Guitar Player magazine honored Randy by selecting him as best new talent of the year. Humble and self-effacing, Randy refused to rest on his laurels. Instead, being bestowed with this prestigious award motivated him to strive for greater creative heights. Tragically, Randy’s life ended much too soon when on the morning of March 19, 1982 he was killed in a small private plane that careened into the garage of a plantation home in Leesburg, Florida.
Randy Rhoads’ ascendancy to super-stardom was inevitable. Tirelessly honing his craft, he was a devoted student of his instrument, endlessly practicing and perfecting his skills. His days were spent as a guitar teacher and by night he solidified his rising reputation as the “next big thing” on the Hollywood club scene. His big break arrived when he assumed the lead guitar slot in Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band. Soon the entire music world would be dazzled by his spectacular flights of fiery fretboard sizzle, swiftly recognizing the merits of this burgeoning guitar genius.
With his dynamic six-string wizardry, Randy Rhoads invented an exciting and technically advanced style of explosive hard rock guitar playing that dominated the ’80s music scene. Decades later, his massive influence continues to shape, educate and inspire first, second and third generation players and music fans that marvel at his extraordinary musicality and stunning instrumental prowess. Today, Randy’s legendary status as a guitar hero is assured, joining the pantheon of rock’s Mt. Olympus where he stands proudly alongside such revered guitar heroes as JIMI HENDRIX, ERIC CLAPTON, JIMMY PAGE, JEFF BECK and RITCHIE BLACKMORE.
No one trick pony, Randy was well versed in a multitude of musical genres seamlessly cross-navigating rock, blues and classical. In fact, his immense love of classical music continued to be a driving force in his life. Until his untimely death, he continued to take classical guitar lessons in an effort to break new ground as a player.
Today, mythologized and immortalized, Randy Rhoads has become a veritable pop culture institution. Paying homage to his pioneering ability, Marshall Amplifiers created a custom amplifier that bears Randy’s name and signature sound. Action figures and sculptures with Randy’s likeness have become highly sought after collector’s items, while Jackson Guitars have sold millions of Randy Rhoads model guitars, pleasing the late guitarist’s loyal legion of dedicated followers. His image graces innumerable music magazine covers annually.
Finally, after years of anticipation, comes the release of Randy Rhoads, a biography written by Steven Rosen and Andrew Klein, which vividly documents Randy’s life and career. Teeming with hundreds of rare photographs and memorabilia, the book chronicles an oral history of Randy’s remarkable life through those who knew him best. Packed with countless emotional and poignant stories about the guitar icon, the book weaves a powerful tapestry of colorful memories about his life, which help provide deeper insight into Randy, the man, the myth, the legend. His life is a lasting testament to his supernatural talent and quiet humility.
Randy Rhoads is being published by the Velocity Publishing Group, with exclusive distribution through Guitar World.
TMD has obtained enhanced audio of late great OZZY OSBOURNE lead guitarist Randy Rhoads performing the classic song “Over The Mountain” on February 23, 1982 at County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas during what would turn out to be his last recorded show before being tragically killed in a plane crash just a few weeks later on March 19th, 1982 in Leesburg, Florida.
Nearly thirty years have passed but the magic of the music never goes away.
Versailles Records recently announced plans for the spring 2012 release of No More Tears: A Millennium Tribute To OZZY OSBOURNE.
The label has now announced the guests that will appear on the album, which is set to cover highlights from Ozzy’s entire BLACK SABBATH and subsequent 30-year solo career.
Rockers include: Vince Neil (MÖTLEY CRÜE), George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB), Keri Kelli (ALICE COOPER, RATT, L.A. GUNS), Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER), Chris Poland (MEGADETH), Stu Hamm (JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI), Eric Singer (KISS, BLACK SABBATH, BADLANDS, THE CULT), and Derrick LeFevre (LILLIAN AXE) among others.
Along with the aforementioned name players, the record will feature a global collection of many of the hottest rock and metal bands on the rise around the world, from Europe to Japan, South America to the former Soviet block, reflecting The Prince of Darkness’s world-wide fan base.
Featured Millennium bands will include:
TAKARA, LEAVING EDEN, THE MADELINE HAZE, DIRTY ROSE, FIERCE ATMOSPHERES, KINGSHIFTER, CRYPTIC CHAOS, STONE DIRT, W.A.N.T.E.D., MATVEY, SHANE DOSS, TITAN’S EVE, SNAKESKYN WHISKEY, BUGSY PARKER, ATTICA RAGE, SAGE4, METAL HORSE, CRITICAL SOLUTION, SKYSCREAMERS, STALWART, HIGH VOLTAGE, SLANT, CRITICAL SOLUTION, DAWN OF THE FINAL DAY, NASTY REPUTATION,KINOATH, RAVAGE, REACT METAL, TATTOO FRANK & JERIES, IN HIS BLOOD, ALFREIH, QUARTERMOC, BLACK IRIS, CORNIVUS, ENDLESS VENDETTA, A NEW DECREE, ANNIHILATION, DRAWZZNIKK, ALL BUT IMPOSSIBLE, AL SOLO FEATURING MANURI, MARTIAN HONEY, DEVIL, JUST ONE FIX, MANTASUKA, DOOM DOGS, ERLING SOLEM, MR. THUMB, PERRY MASON, DENNIS DEEN, MR. MURRAY.
The album will be released on May 8th, 2012 to retail nationally.
The Metal Den reports:With his 55th birthday fast approaching on December 6th, the memory of late great OZZY OSBOURNE lead guitarist Randy Rhoads is being celebrated by fans all over the world. Recently some You Tube users
loaded up more “Isolated” tracks that feature the legendary axeman by himself. One of the loaders gives thanks
to ‘dinomite at ultimaterhoads.com‘ for these gems. Any big fan of Randy is going to love hearing their hero on
these tracks.
TMD has obtained enhanced audio of OZZY OSBOURNE performing the classic cut “Suicide Solution” during an October 31st concert in 1980 at Dome Theatre in Brighton, England. The listener is also treated to a truly epic guitar solo from the late great Randy Rhoads that is sure to make the hairs on your arms stand up. This coming December 6 will mark the 55th birthday of the fallen axeman.
This amazing piece of rock history is making its debut on You Tube.
~ Documentary features exclusive interviews and performances ~
Cineplex Entertainment, via their Front Row Centre Events, Omniverse Vision and Eagle Rock Entertainment today announced God Bless Ozzy Osbourne will be presented at participating movie theatres across Canada for one night only. This acclaimed documentary tells the life story of Ozzy Osbourne, as seen through the eyes of his son Jack. This special presentation can be enjoyed on Wednesday, October 26th at 7:00 p.m. local time.
“Ozzy Osbourne continues to be one of the biggest names in rock music today after many years as the lead singer of Black Sabbath before embarking on a hugely successful solo career,” said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. “Fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to see this career-spanning documentary that features rare footage and live performances from around the world.”
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne examines many vital moments of the famed performer’s life beginning with his troubled youth, through his career with Black Sabbath, his battles with fame and addiction, and his life as a family man with Sharon. The documentary will also provide unprecedented behind the scenes clips of Ozzy on and off stage as well as interviews with Tommy Lee and members of Black Sabbath.
Tickets for God Bless Ozzy Osbourne can be purchased at participating theatre box offices, through the Cineplex Mobile Apps and online at www.cineplex.com/events or via mobile site m.cineplex.com.
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne will play at the following theatres:
