Today Marks the Anniversary of an Oz-man Rock-n-Roll Classic
All hail the madman! 37 years ago on November 7, 1981, Ozzy Osbourne released his second solo album, "Diary of a Madman". "Madman" was also the final recording for the late Randy Rhoads, the incredible guitar player who died tragically in a plane crash in Florida in 1982 while on tour with Ozzy. Randy had his own unique sound, melding his love for classical music and his love for hard rock and heavy metal. Sadly, Randy was only 25 years old at the time of his death.
Ozzy, still feeling he had something to prove after the bitter falling out with his former band, Black Sabbath, rocks harder here than he did on his first solo outing, "Blizzard of Ozz". Ozzy had a knack for choosing fantastic guitar players such as Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, and Brad Gillis(of Night Ranger who filled in on tour after Rhoads' death) and while I liked all of them, I might have to say Randy was my favorite. I just loved his style of playing.
Just look at the songs from this metal masterpiece. "You Can't Kill Rock and Roll"; "S.A.T.O."; "Flying High Again"; "Believer"; "Over The Mountain"; the title track of course; etc. Some definitive hard rock moments in there. And there was controversy as well, including re-issuing the album in 2002 with the original bass and drum tracks replaced with all-new recordings from different musicians. They rectified that in 2011 with the 30th Anniversary release and the original tracks restored.
Of course, the Madman's Diary didn't end there. Ozzy Osbourne had more musical highlights down the road with different axe-men, but I think this 1981 release still stands the test of time and may have even improved with age. It still remains one of my favorites. Thanks for the metal memories, Oz-man!