In a recent tweet, Rudy Sarzo clarified that the tribute album for Randy Rhoads was recorded live.
Following a video of Rhoads performing ‘Crazy Train,’ a user asked Sarzo whether it was the same audio track used for the late guitarist’s tribute album. One comment said it sounded alike and the same user said it was probably recorded in the studio like KISS did before. Still, the bassist revealed it wasn’t, writing:
“No it’s not, we only recorded 4 songs for the ‘After Hours’ TV show, one take per song. The Tribute album was originally recorded for a radio broadcast of the complete ‘Blizzard’ live show. What you hear is completely live.”
The Relationship Between Sarzo And Rhoads
Rhoads was an important figure for Sarzo in his career journey. In a March interview with Bass Player, the rocker talked about being friends with Rhoads before he died in 1982. Sarzo said Rhoads took a risk for him, which helped his career. Sarzo explained:
“He trusted me. He put his reputation with Sharon and Ozzy on the line to bring me in. That’s how I got in, because I had no track record. And then, in addition, I am a thousand percent convinced that Randy saved everybody in Ozzy’s tour bus, keeping the plane from crashing into us. It clipped the bus, but it did not crash directly into the bus, and if that had happened, we would all have perished along with Randy and the others in the plane.”
Sarzo worked at Rhoads’ mother’s music school in Los Angeles after Rhoads invited him to join the band. This opportunity was important for Sarzo and strengthened their bond. Rhoads spent much of his time teaching at the school before focusing on the band. He said:
“I learned so much more than just learning how to teach the bass because that’s where I got the opportunity to really spend more time with Randy. Once I started teaching, I would be spending more time with Randy and going, ‘Okay, so this is what’s really going on here.’”
Rhoads died in a plane crash in 1982 while touring. Ozzy Osbourne’s tribute album for the guitarist dropped in 1987. Sarzo also contributed to the bass parts.
You can see his tweet below.
No it’s not, we only recorded 4 songs for the After Hours TV show, one take per song. The Tribute album was originally recorded for a radio broadcast of the complete Blizzard live show. What you hear is completely live.
— Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) July 7, 2024