Nice Little Thread Over On The Steve Hoffman Forum..

[CanuckRhoadsFan]

Ok, maybe I'm missing something here, but how is a t-shirt, something simple, inoffensive, and affordable "crass" or unacceptable? I used that as an example. I mean, we have no control over this, obviously, but for the sake of debate, let's discuss this. I'm curious.

So, in the interest of having something "official" out there, having a t-shirt made with a picture of Randy doing what he loves, playing guitar, and 1956-1982 below it is unacceptable?

If I'm not mistaken, there's a lonnnnnng history of rock bands/artists who sell t-shirts at shows, online, etc. It's a very simple way to show your appreciation and admiration as a fan.

I guess t-shirts aren't everyone's idea of how to celebrate someone's life, but in the realm of rock n' roll, you do see this quite often. I understand how it could be seen as a "cash in", but on the other hand, if it's done right, it's a nice, affordable tribute that your average fan can manage. As someone mentioned (I think), proceeds could also be channeled into a RR scholarship.

But then again, I'm just a fan, like everyone else, and ultimately it's not up to me.

[RRforeveRR]

I think the other elephant in this room may have to do with the fact that the Rhoads and Osbourne camps may not exactly get along all the time- that perhaps it's like a game of chess, if one side moves- the other plots their next move. I mean, didn't Ozzy go after Sabbath for the name, likeness, royalties, etc? Who really knows, tho.

I'd be more than happy with a tee-shirt, but what likeness would they use? Would it be a well known image- thus involving Ozzy or QR? Or would an obscure image suffice? I think that much like posters, a tee would be ideal for most fans- and an exceptionally convenient way to get, and keep- Randy's name out there.

[CanuckRhoadsFan]

I think the other elephant in this room may have to do with the fact that the Rhoads and Osbourne camps may not exactly get along all the time- that perhaps it's like a game of chess, if one side moves- the other plots their next move. I mean, didn't Ozzy go after Sabbath for the name, likeness, royalties, etc? Who really knows, tho.

I'd be more than happy with a tee-shirt, but what likeness would they use? Would it be a well known image- thus involving Ozzy or QR? Or would an obscure image suffice? I think that much like posters, a tee would be ideal for most fans- and an exceptionally convenient way to get, and keep- Randy's name out there.

Agreed. Nothing wrong with those things, IMO.

[Sky]

Ok, maybe I'm missing something here, but how is a t-shirt, something simple, inoffensive, and affordable "crass" or unacceptable? I used that as an example. I mean, we have no control over this, obviously, but for the sake of debate, let's discuss this. I'm curious.

So, in the interest of having something "official" out there, having a t-shirt made with a picture of Randy doing what he loves, playing guitar, and 1956-1982 below it is unacceptable?

If I'm not mistaken, there's a lonnnnnng history of rock bands/artists who sell t-shirts at shows, online, etc. It's a very simple way to show your appreciation and admiration as a fan.

I guess t-shirts aren't everyone's idea of how to celebrate someone's life, but in the realm of rock n' roll, you do see this quite often. I understand how it could be seen as a "cash in", but on the other hand, if it's done right, it's a nice, affordable tribute that your average fan can manage. As someone mentioned (I think), proceeds could also be channeled into a RR scholarship.

But then again, I'm just a fan, like everyone else, and ultimately it's not up to me.

I've never seen anything to suggest that Musonia is funded by charitable donations or in danger of closing because of lack of funds, so yes I found this crass...

The shirt suggestion is to set up the official RR stuff and benefit the school to keep it going.

Even if that were the case, do you think that everyone on this site would think it was a great idea if Randy's family suddenly suggested we all buy T-shirts to keep Musonia going? I doubt it.
Get a T-shirt made up and wear it with pride if that's what floats your boat, no one's stopping you showing appreciation in that way, but it isn't how I would choose to remember Randy. Which only goes to prove what I've already said, I doubt if any of us could agree about how to best honour Randy so what chance does his family have of putting something out there that will please us all?

[CanuckRhoadsFan]

Ok, maybe I'm missing something here, but how is a t-shirt, something simple, inoffensive, and affordable "crass" or unacceptable? I used that as an example. I mean, we have no control over this, obviously, but for the sake of debate, let's discuss this. I'm curious.

So, in the interest of having something "official" out there, having a t-shirt made with a picture of Randy doing what he loves, playing guitar, and 1956-1982 below it is unacceptable?

If I'm not mistaken, there's a lonnnnnng history of rock bands/artists who sell t-shirts at shows, online, etc. It's a very simple way to show your appreciation and admiration as a fan.

I guess t-shirts aren't everyone's idea of how to celebrate someone's life, but in the realm of rock n' roll, you do see this quite often. I understand how it could be seen as a "cash in", but on the other hand, if it's done right, it's a nice, affordable tribute that your average fan can manage. As someone mentioned (I think), proceeds could also be channeled into a RR scholarship.

But then again, I'm just a fan, like everyone else, and ultimately it's not up to me.

I've never seen anything to suggest that Musonia is funded by charitable donations or in danger of closing because of lack of funds, so yes I found this crass...

The shirt suggestion is to set up the official RR stuff and benefit the school to keep it going.

Even if that were the case, do you think that everyone on this site would think it was a great idea if Randy's family suddenly suggested we all buy T-shirts to keep Musonia going? I doubt it.
Get a T-shirt made up and wear it with pride if that's what floats your boat, no one's stopping you showing appreciation in that way, but it isn't how I would choose to remember Randy. Which only goes to prove what I've already said, I doubt if any of us could agree about how to best honour Randy so what chance does his family have of putting something out there that will please us all?

Sky, I said NOTHING of the t-shirt proceeds going towards keeping Musonia open. If you read the above, I said a SCHOLARSHIP. Musonia is a business, and given its stellar reputation and pedigree, is no doubt fine on its own.

Adding that last quote (which was not mine) muddies the waters of what I said.

I agree that you're not going to get a consensus amongst all of us on how to best honour Randy's memory, that's a given. However, I DO think that this whole "well, I choose to remember Randy a different way" is kind of interesting. How WOULD you choose to remember him, then? Care to elaborate? And I ask not with sarcasm, but with genuine curiosity.

[hansolo]

I'm all for the Rhoads family being the ones selling the Randy items! That is the point. Even the wine is fine but put more stuff out. We don't want to see others making money off items which are in demand, why not sell items related of a certain family member, if only to keep his name alive? T-shirts, posters, music related, etc. and use it to fuel the school. Call it a pipe dream but a Musonia in every state would be amazing. I doubt if Randy himself would object. Music for the masses! You have to admit that lately, good music exists in the past. We must go forward. I hate to get political but it's like governments, they are supposed to exist as a watchdog for fairness. It is just a system that can work well or work poorly. It is up to those who maintain them, just how efficient they run. Randy Rhoads should be a household name.

[CanuckRhoadsFan]

I'm all for the Rhoads family being the ones selling the Randy items! That is the point. Even the wine is fine but put more stuff out. We don't want to see others making money off items which are in demand, why not sell items related of a certain family member, if only to keep his name alive? T-shirts, posters, music related, etc. and use it to fuel the school. Call it a pipe dream but a Musonia in every state would be amazing. I doubt if Randy himself would object. Music for the masses! You have to admit that lately, good music exists in the past. We must go forward. I hate to get political but it's like governments, they are supposed to exist as a watchdog for fairness. It is just a system that can work well or work poorly. It is up to those who maintain them, just how efficient they run. Randy Rhoads should be a household name.

Interesting, but I don't think a "franchise" would ever happen. Obviously privacy is of a premium to the family, so I can't see this.

I DO agree that RR should be a household name, but sadly, I think that in reality, Randy is not known by nearly as many people as he should be, and is woefully underappreciated. For the general public, he's known as a footnote in rock history, and they know him strictly through his association with Ozzy. Sad, but true.

[RRforeveRR]

I almost hate to suggest this, but what about some kind of UR brand of RR related items, proceeds to fund lessons at musonia for kids that wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity?

Not anything super expensive, perhaps tees, posters, etc- and set it up to fund an account to drawn upon by, say suggestion from the church Randy attended? All this bitching, perhaps WE could do something- hell, just about anything this point!

[CanuckRhoadsFan]

I almost hate to suggest this, but what about some kind of UR brand of RR related items, proceeds to fund lessons at musonia for kids that wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity?

Not anything super expensive, perhaps tees, posters, etc- and set it up to fund an account to drawn upon by, say suggestion from the church Randy attended? All this bitching, perhaps WE could do something- hell, just about anything this point!

I truly believe your heart is in the right place here, and I applaud you for this idea, but this would go on for about a week (maybe less), and there'd be bitching, complaining, and someone wouldn't be happy with how things were going.

Also, this is a huge imposition on something that we as fans really have no say or right in. I kinda see this as overstepping bounds, to be honest. I mean no offence by that.

[Sky]

Sky, I said NOTHING of the t-shirt proceeds going towards keeping Musonia open. If you read the above, I said a SCHOLARSHIP. Musonia is a business, and given its stellar reputation and pedigree, is no doubt fine on its own.

Adding that last quote (which was not mine) muddies the waters of what I said.

I agree that you're not going to get a consensus amongst all of us on how to best honour Randy's memory, that's a given. However, I DO think that this whole "well, I choose to remember Randy a different way" is kind of interesting. How WOULD you choose to remember him, then? Care to elaborate? And I ask not with sarcasm, but with genuine curiosity.

True, you said nothing of the T-shirt proceeds going towards keeping Musonia open, but I wasn't responding to your posting when I originally commented, I was responding to what Hansolo had written. You asked me how I could find the T-shirt idea crass which is why I posted the quote that I found crass. My intention was to clarify the situation, not to muddy the water.
I appreciate that you'd like to see T-shirts and other merchandise out there and yes, it is a common way for rock fans to show support/appreciation, but without wishing to sound disrespectful, when I think of the kind of person that Randy was, I don't think of T-shirts. Mickey Mouse - yes, Randy - no. It's a personal thing and probably very English of me.
I've already said that I'd like to see a Randy Rhoads Scholarship and that I choose to remember Randy by playing the only 2 albums that he was proud to be a part of. I suppose that is enough for me because that's how I believe Randy would want to be remembered. Having said that, if the family wanted to raise money for a scholarship in Randy's name and chose to sell memorabilia to fund the project, of course I'd buy something to support the cause.

[hansolo]

Where would the money for the scholarship come from? I agree the franchise idea is far fetched but my idea is that the Rhoads or a 3rd party contracted through Musonia sell RR merchandise to benefit Musonia. Period. Does Musonia use computers to teach? There are some great music programs for the PC. Recording, sounds, writing, etc. all great for learning. Has anyone been to Musonia lately and how would you describe it?

[Sepheratta]

Where would the money for the scholarship come from? I agree the franchise idea is far fetched but my idea is that the Rhoads or a 3rd party contracted through Musonia sell RR merchandise to benefit Musonia. Period. Does Musonia use computers to teach? There are some great music programs for the PC. Recording, sounds, writing, etc. all great for learning. Has anyone been to Musonia lately and how would you describe it?

That would probably work out well if the Rhoads agreed to do it. There are a lot of computer programs for music I have to say, and having great computers would probably be a huge benefit. They would need to come up with merchandise that people would definitely want to buy though for sure. I know that when I went to get my Tribute tshirt they only had it in men's xxlarge. And that kind of disappointed me that they don't even have girl sizes or anything. I'm wondering how many people would buy the stuff too. Admittedly selling locally would good but they should most definitely make their own website too to sell their things. That might make sales even better.

Haha I'm sorry if my thoughts sound disjointed and awkward; I'm a bit tired.

On another note, yes it would benefit Musonia to get an "upgrade" but I mean I'm thankful for what I've got. Sure they may have Rock Iconz figurines of him and his guitar replicas and a t shirt that only comes in men's xxlarge but at least they have SOMETHING I mean it could be worse. Just saying.

I definitely think it would benefit Randy having more merchandise because some kid or some person may see a shirt or something like that on sale or someone else wearing it and be wondering "who's that guy he looks cool". Then they proceed to Google him and have their minds totally blown. And I think that Randy deserves a little more attention too, in the market.

[Sepheratta]

-snip- Sorry the post duped

[Zakk Daniels]

The first 2 albums are very good!! That was the sound that was popular at that time. I like them for what they are, Pop Rock songs. Just my opinion.

[DMRX]

IMHO I think that there is a Very Limited select audience for those two QR records,that is to the point that would justify a record label to fund Pressing,releasing & Distributing them.Dont get me wrong,I am 100% with you & your desire to see them released (I Own Both on Vinyl) but w/this subject you have to look at the Facts & in that you have to see the REALITY. Randy wasnt particularly proud of them (especially after Blizzard & Diary) & his Mother is doing her part to respect her sons wishes.And Kevin who was the Biggest RR fan felt the same way & ended up spending Countless Months over Years ReMixing,Rewriting & Rerecording those that were used on the QRRRY cd that he pretty much did w/his own money.It was a Labor of Love for him & in hindsight (since his death) I see that More & more.I just learned in the past year,that Kev released that QRRRY disc w/o & aginst the Rhoads familys permission.I dont know too much of the facts (It makes me question the letter from Mrs.Rhoads inside the cd book) But knowing just some of the work Kev put into doing that disc..it wasnt for Money:) And theese days w/the internet there isnt really any Reason for those albums to be Officially Released.Theyre there on youtube for anyone who wants to hear them at anytime. Just my opinion & Im the Biggest RR Fan I Know.I Do Remember though,in the year or Two before he died Kevin Joined & was a Semi-Active member on RRTK & did great things for the fans in answering questions & telling stories...especially after the whole Documentary Fiasco..And He Donated (for FREE) HQ MP3s of the Two QR albums & some "unreleased" demos Taken from the original Masters (which he owned) So they are of the Best Quality that there Can be for what they are..