Ozzy Osbourne has issued a statement on Randy Rhoads being honored with the Musical Excellence Award as part of the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction class.
Osbourne told 95.5 WSB’s Atlanta’s News & Talk, “I’m so happy that Randy’s genius, which we all saw from the beginning, is finally being recognized and that he is getting his due. I only wish he was here in person to get this award and that we could all celebrate together. It’s really great that Randy’s family, friends and fans get to see him honored this way.”
Rhoads tragically died in a plane crash on March 19, 1982 at the age of 25.
Rhoads’ classical music influences helped add artistry to metal in a way that few guitarists did at the time or have since, and it was something Osbourne recognized and cherished from day one.
“When he played my brain went, ‘Either this is the greatest gear ever or this guy really is the best guitarist in the world!’” said Osbourne in a 2011 interview with The Guardian. “It took me a very long time to get over his death…Randy gave me a purpose, he gave me hope. I was fed up fighting people. I just had the greatest respect for him.”
