whoopiecat wrote:As we've been led to believe, it seems that Randy became disenchanted with, as well as grew tired of, the rock and roll scene.
On one end there was the ugly side of the business itself, and the way Don, David and Sharon Arden handled things, obviously Randy had to have seen for himself, as we've heard from more than one member of Ozzy's group recalling Randy inquiring about the legal repercussions of getting out of his contract and the like.
On the other, there was the nightmare circus the show itself had become, the religious protests outside, people bringing animals to the shows, wanna-be satanists, being banned from cities, having to postpone or outright cancel shows either due to poor ticket sales or Ozzy's physical and /or mental health. Ozzy was really acheiving monumental alcohol and drug consumption at this point.
I think Randy had reached the point of realizing how much he was putting into rock and roll and how little he was getting back. Not in the monetary sense, but from a musical standpoint. He helped Ozzy get back to the stadium stage, but Ozzy was destroying himself, and it seemed everyone's hard work was in vain.
I believe Randy did enjoy collaborating with Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, Lindsey Bridgewater and Don Airey, and I do think he would have gotten back into the rock scene, but it would have been after his studies and certainly on his own terms.
Randy worked hard in a local band of childhood friends who made two albums that their friends and families couldn't even buy stateside. Then he worked hard helping resurrect the career of a burned out former superstar, who wound up reverting back to the same addictions that ousted him from his prior gig.
If you ever have the chance, there was a documentary filmed by a fan from Japan for the 20th anniversary of Randy's passing, made exclusively for Japanese TV. In it, Delores relates to us how Randy was having her seriously look into the music courses being offered at the nearby universities for him and she recalls some of the last time they had spent together he played his acoustic and she with her flute, along the lines of chamber music.
Of course everyone knows of Randy seeking out classical guitar lessons in nearly every city the tour brought him.
The Japanese doc shows up on youtube regularly. The narration and subtitles are in Japanese, obviously, but it's well worth your time.
The Dakota doc seemed as though it was to cover this subject as well, but it's hard to say if we will see that now.
This is dead on the money. ALmost identical what I would have said.
Good post.
The only thing I would add is my own personal perspectiv based on the things I have read.
Randy would definately have left Ozzy and the whole rock scene for quite some time.
I do believe Kelle Rhoads when he says Randy would have stuck around to write one more album with Ozzy. I think Randy would see that as an opportunity to take what he had already layed down to a new level. I have read from several sources that the title "Bark At The Moon" was already decided upon while Randy was in the band and that a decision was made that they should get away from the doom and gloom of witches and Satanic crap and have a more "Horror themed" concept.
I was at a drum clinic in the early 90's for Tommy Aldridge and he spoke extensively about Randy and Ozzy.
He gushed over Randy... you could hear it in his voice. He even paused briefly when talking about him to clear his throat. It was very emotional.
Someone had asked the question "Did Jake E Lee write the song Bark at the Moon, or did Randy"... Tommy said that the idea of Bark existed prior to Randy's death but nothing was written.
The one thing I remember the most (I had a lump in my throat after he said it) was "Randy was the most extraordinary musician I have ever worked with.... theres not a day I don't think of him.... I really miss him".
I also believe that if Randy was aware of recordings being made for a live album (which became tribute) he would have stuck around to add his 5 cents at least and possibly pushed to add a couple more Diary songs to the set.
I could see Randy with Ozzy for at least one more album, possibly a tour (50/50 on that one) and by 1984 going off on his own.
Randy would have returned to school (we know this) and possibly collaborated in songwriting for Ozzy in the future, but I don't think he would have rejoined him. Not until there was a 25 year anniversary reunion.
Randy was a loyal person and as much as he thought Ozzy was a flake, they were friends and enjoyed each others comapny. That is the single most important factor for band chemistry over the long run... if you can't stand your co-workers it will never last.
He would have been Ozzy's best man at his wedding (extra funny cause he slept with the bride also) and I think there would have been a personal acoustic, classical piece he would have played for them at the ceremony.
Cause Randy was that type of guy.
As for where Randy would have gone?
I love to fantasise about that.
I know he had a love for the keyboard driven sounds of the early 80's like Styx, Asia, Journey etc. and would have possibly gotten involved in something like that. He was fascinated with those sounds.
I imagine a possible late 80's collaboration with a heavy metal act along the lines of Whitesnake as well. Not saying he would have, but Sarzo and Aldridge joined David Coverdale in Whitesnake so there would have been a familiar appeal there and it's well known how Coverdale hired virtually every top-tier talent available at some point. I would almost gaurantee an offer would have been made to Randy... I mean really, Coverdale would have been a fool not too. I doubt it would have lasted long though.
His talent and expertise would have made him the greatest gun for hire in the session world. His collaborations would have been extansive in virtually every musical genre... and why? Because he had a hunger for music and just wanted to play, write, compose and learn.
I envision a collaboration with Leslie West, because the two were friends and both lovd each others playing.
But it's Joe Satriani that I look to the most to understand where Randy's musical career would have gone.
Satriani re-invented the Guitar Solo album and really became the high water mark of shred.
There is no way in hell Randy would have NOT jumped on this... or possibly become the innovator himself.
We would have Randy solo albums I am sure of it.
Hard rock... pop flavour... acoustic, classical compositions of extraordinary breath and imagination.
Randy would have become a Guitar God of the highest level.
He would have won Grammy's and be inducted into the rock'n'roll hall of fame (something that will happen eventually anyways, I think)
I truly believe that Randy was destined to become a household name and regarded as one of the best ever.