Steel Notes Magazine
February 2017
Randy would take his solos and go places with them . Scott did it all justice . I ’ ve seen many guitar players play this song and not do it justice . His pure love and respect for Randy came through with every note and nuance . It was refreshing and amazing to hear him play the live version of that solo . It got me high from his expression and passion .
Next up was the Kelle Rhoads band . “ Killer Girls ” and “ Back to the Coast ”. ( Johnny Blade guitar , Nikki Lane Taylor drums , Tony Ruiz bass , G ’ Lan Bongos )
Now the “ Madmen ” came back on stage and brought out Ira Black on guitar . They kicked right into
“ STEAL AWAY ”. As with all Randy songs , this one has memories for me and the band captured it perfectly . Ira played the song with pure love and respect for Randy . His solo was spot on and passionate .
Brian introduced Deen Castronovo to play the drums ! Brian spoke about how as a drummer , he had to learn the guitar from hearing Randy and the inspiration Randy was to him . He put on the guitar and the band kicked off into “ SUICIDE SOLUTION ”. It was awe inspiring to hear a drummer play the guitar with such passion and love for Randy . Brian did a great job of bringing it to the table and handled it no problem . I was impressed to say the least .
Brian got back on the drums and brought out Chas to sing again . He told us how Roy Z who was originally scheduled to play on the next song had an emergency and had to turn around and go home . He introduced Phil Demmel and said they had no rehearsal and he was stepping up on the spot to play the song . And Phil did just that . They played “ YOU CAN ’ T KILL ROCK AND ROLL ” with such passion and expression ; it was mind blowing to know they were doing this “ off the cuff ”. Phil brought it , played it , and made it happen . Another one of those iconic Randy songs , Phil gave me and all of us there , the buzz and brought forth the passion of Randy in that song . It was beautiful .
Brian introduced Michael Sweet and Oz Fox to play on the next song . He also brought out Bill Hudson on guitar . They jumped right into , “ OVER THE MOUNTAIN ”. These guys blew me away . I ’ ve seen this song played many times as well , and I ’ ve seen multiple guitar players play Randy songs and it didn ’ t work out at all . This was the exception . They did it with such amazing skill and love and respect it was completely out of the ball park . Oz and Bill played the solo together spot on , impeccably with such style , ferociousness and passion that I will never forget this moment in time . It was beyond belief .
Brian brought out Deen again on drums and introduced Jack Frost on guitar . They played “ IRON MAN ” in true Randy style . All who are into Randy know how Randy played the old Sabbath songs and Jack took us there . It was all there . All the nuances of Randy ’ s version of this iconic song were present with passion and respect for Randy . Pure joy it was for me .
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