RUDY SARZO Interviewed At NAMM; Video Available

February 3, 2009

Robert Williams of Metal-Rules.com conducted an interview with legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, DIO, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT) at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which was held January 15-18 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Watch the 10-minute chat below.

Revolver magazine recently conducted an interview with Sarzo about his accomplishments and the time he spent with late OZZY OSBOURNE/QUIET RIOT guitarist Randy Rhoads. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Revolver: You've played with some of the greatest guitarists of our time. What's the secret to playing bass with a virtuoso guitar player?

Rudy Sarzo: My approach always is to be a part of the rhythm section, to lock in with the drums and the guitarist's rhythm playing. The bands I've played with — with the exception of Yngwie Malmsteen's — primarily showcase the vocals. In Yngwie's case, since he usually plays bass on the records and in most songs he usually doubles his guitar parts, I try to be the musical element that glues together the guitar and the drums.

Revolver: Who was the hardest — and easiest — guitarist for you to play with?

Rudy Sarzo: That's an interesting question. The hardest situation that comes to mind was having to go back on tour after Randy Rhoads died in the plane crash with another guitar player. It wasn't because we didn't like Bernie Tormé, Randy's successor, musically or personally. It was just that those were extremely difficult times for all of in the band to carry on with the tour without Randy. It took the wind out of our sails in more ways than one. At the end of the tour I had not other choice but to leave Ozzy's band. And the easiest guitarist I've played with was Randy. You see, Randy was a guitar teacher and there was a certain clarity to his playing that made it very easy to follow. And if there was ever a part in a song that I had a problem grasping, he would take the time to show me.

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