Monday, August 23, 2010

Gibson to reproduce classic Randy Rhoads Les Paul guitar

Randy Rhoads’ 1974 Les Paul Custom is not only one of the most iconic guitars in rock history, it is one of the most requested among customers, according to the folks at Gibson guitars.

To borrow a line from The Kinks: “give the people what they want.”

And Gibson will, as they have just announced an upcoming release of the legendary axe.

Randy’s Les Paul was used on the landmark albums “Blizzard Of Ozz” (1980) and “Diary Of A Madman” (1981), Ozzy Osbourne’s first two solo releases. At the time, Rhoads was considered the hottest new player on the scene, tearing up stages everywhere as Ozzy’s guitarist and, before that, as a member of Quiet Riot. Sadly, Rhoads’ life was cut short by a plane crash while on tour in the spring of ’82 (see here for the full story).

Ozzy will be re-releasing his first two solo albums (featuring Rhoads) this fall, following years of controversy over tampering with the music by his wife, and manager, Sharon. See here and here for details.

Crazy Crazy Train - Blizzard of Ozz

Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
After Hours – Rochester, NY April 28, 1981