The Late Great Randy Rhoads to Receive “Musical Excellence Award”

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In a nod that’s long overdue, Randy Rhoads is set to be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Musical Excellence Award evolved from the “Sidemen” category of the hall, dedicated to recognizing underappreciated musicians who sometimes get unjustly forgotten in the rock legend conversation.

While the guitar player’s time with us was cut tragically short when he was just 25, his musical legacy endures to this day among rockers, fellow guitar players, and especially those who knew him personally.

Rhoads played for 80’s metal band Quiet Riot, but is best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, contributing guitar and songwriting on the albums Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman.

Osbourne has often credited his solo success in large part to Rhoads, who functioned as the frontman’s first guitarist once he left Black Sabbath to begin his own career. Osbourne was so impressed by Rhoads, he gave him the gig simply after hearing a few of his warmup exercises at an audition.

But it wasn’t just his ability to blend rock riffs with a lifetime of classical music studies, or shred solos that were unheard of at the time that made him a great musician – it was also his ability to collaborate and bring positive energy to the band.

Osbourne said: “One thing he gave to me was hope. He gave me a reason for carrying on. He had patience with me…and he was very good to work with. He’d pull the best out of you.”

It’s been suggested that while his playing and stage presence made him a fine fit for the rock scene, the mild-mannered Rhoads may have eventually ditched the superstar life to earn a degree in classical guitar.

Given the musicians behind solo acts are not eligible for induction in the traditional sense, it makes Rhoads a perfect fit for the Musical Excellence Award.

The ceremony will take place on October 30, airing on HBO and broadcasting on SiriusXM.