Billboard: Ozzy Osbourne Pays Tribute to Randy Rhoads at Classic Rock Honours

Last Tuesday night's Classic Rock Honors featured some press for the Osbournes (of course, because Ozzy and family are like the first family of rock). Of course they were mainly talking about future stuff like  "the first Ozzfiesta, a five-day event similar to a musician cruise," but without being stuck on a boat. The Ozzfiesta will take place May 27-31.

But of course some of the other news was The Ozzman's touching tribute to legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads.

While the focus Tuesday was on the future, for both Ozzy and Sabbath, the frontman looked back to Billboard in a moving tribute after the ceremony. He was honored for Blizzard of Ozz, which allowed him to recall his late great guitarist Randy Rhoads. Speaking to Billboard after the event, Ozzy talked about the impact Rhoads had on him and why he wouldn't be here today without Rhoads. 

"He was like a lightning bolt that came into my life, changed everything, he was a wonderful, wonderful guy. He was a very patient guy, he knew what he wanted to do, he was very focused and he was just a true musician," Ozzy said of Randy. "On days off when we were touring, he would get the yellow pages and phone up a classical guitar teacher and have a lesson in his room every day. He was a special guy. I kind of knew, I remember saying to someone, 'He ain't gonna make old bones.' I don't remember why I said it, but I kind of knew he wouldn't make old bones. In the journey of life, I'm a believer in what's meant to happen. But if I could have him back I'd love to see him again. One day we'll meet again." 

Accepting the award, Ozzy said he'd have no career without Rhoads, and afterward he elaborated. "I was in a very bad place, my alcoholism was f---ing rampant, my drug abuse...He came in and he said to me, 'Why do you drink so much? Why don't we just make music?' 

There you have it. More on how Randy saved Ozzy and what a special guy he was. Gives more truth to the old saying "Only the good die young."

Get the whole story on Billboard.com