Randy or Zakk?

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #1 10-07-2006, 03:36 PM

Hi everybody.

Yesterday I was talking with some friends about our preferred guitarist from Ozzy Osbourne band. I'd like to hear your opinions because I definitely prefer Zakk Wylde. That may sound like a blasphemy for most of you because Randy Rhoads was an extraordinary guitarist, he created and recorded what is considered the best solo stuff from Ozzy and his untimely death put him into the category of a rock icon.

Of course, I also think that RR was an awesome guitarist, but my main point of comparison are Ozzy's live albums with both guitarists. I have both "Tribute" and "Live And Loud" and, in all honesty, I find Mr. Wylde's playing much more powerful and moving (even playing RR material).

I was thinking of posting a poll, but I'm almost sure that Randy Rhoads will be by far the winner because of the aforementioned reasons. I'd just like to hear your opinions on this. Thank you in advance!

Don W · #2 10-07-2006, 04:04 PM

Randy Rhodes by a mile for me.

It's not that I think Zakk is a bad guitar player by any means but the way he over uses pinch harmonics gets on my nerves. To the point where it just gets down right annoying after a while, especially live.

jady · #3 10-07-2006, 05:03 PM

I have the deepest respect for RR, he opened up metal guitar to a whole new world of style and influence. However I must say that I dig Zakk's playing a lot more. I saw Zakk with Ozzy on the No More Tours tour and he was incredible. I love his tone, ballsy mids for days. He may not be as refined as RR but the sheer power and aggresion in his playing really does it for me.

steve21 · #4 10-07-2006, 07:42 PM

I dig Zakk overall more. Especially BLS, it rocks!

scott917 · #5 10-07-2006, 11:41 PM

I say Zakk by a hair. Randy did, and could have done some really awsome things in time. But I also hate Zakk using the pinch harmonics so often.... Randy was just too short lived. And to hear Zakk play some older Ozzy, in places it is spot on perfect.

**Kelly Lee** · #6 10-08-2006, 01:13 AM

Randy without a doubt!

I like ZW but he comes off as bit of a wanker to me and those pinch harmonics definately become annoying after awhile.

On the two albums the OP mentioned, Tribute and L&L, I don't think (IMO) you get an accurate comparision of the two guitarist. Technology had improved somewhat in the 10 year span between the two albums and recording "styles" had changed as well. Add in the fact that the L&L album was put together using recordings from many different shows from '91 and '92, you got the best of the best from that tour.

one · #7 10-08-2006, 03:28 AM

Randy by far for me!

Randy was so creative and for him to still be known about today on such a large scale, has to say something! Randy is the definition of being 'so far ahead for his time'! I also hate Zakks over use of pinch harmonics, i cringe every time my guitarist plays one (even thought they sound amazing in places)

Dirty Dave · #8 10-08-2006, 06:38 AM

Although I think it's almost unfair to even compare the two I'm gonna' have to go with Randy Rhoads on this one. In my opinion, "Blizzard" and "Diary" were Ozzy's best albums and Randy had everything to do with that.

Zakk Wylde absolutely rocks but I think if Randy was still around today and had the chance to let his style and sound continue to evolve Zakk wouldn't be able to touch him.

mike phillips · #9 10-08-2006, 07:16 AM

tough question i have no answer for. i will say i have alot of respect for zakk for this reason, when he plays a iommi,rhodes, lee song he plays it note for note. he doesnt try to make it his own. he says the people want to hear it like it was recorded. i like that.

dave_p · #10 10-08-2006, 02:54 PM

brad gillis

Matt Till · #11 10-08-2006, 03:34 PM

Randy, but Zakk is a better riffer. Randy's style was classical and fun and rockin' at the same time. That's pretty hard to combine.

Yvon · #12 10-08-2006, 05:09 PM

RR was great, but just like you I prefer ZW

Rick_no7 · #13 10-08-2006, 10:16 PM

Zakk Wylde by alot. I never cared much for Ozzy's older 80's stuff. I have respect for Randy for inspiring so many... but I like Zakk alot better.

I tend to like the hell raising beer drinking heavy riffing guys better than the teased hair, make up wearing squeally guys.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #14 10-08-2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jady

He may not be as refined as RR but the sheer power and aggresion in his playing really does it for me.

Exactly. That's my point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Till

Zakk is a better riffer.

"Crazy Babies" is wild!

SomecallmeTim · #15 10-08-2006, 11:18 PM

I like Randy quite a bit more. Zakk is a fine musician and produced some good stuff with Ozzy, but I think Randy's stuff is head and shoulders above Zakk's in terms of variety and creativity (especially given the time period).

Zakk can still shred, though.

**Kelly Lee** · #16 10-09-2006, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_p

brad gillis

Are you kidding me?

I know, he did do a killer job on Speak of the Devil.

If we are going to other Ozzy guitarist then I must say Jake E. Lee. I absolutely loved the riffs he did on the Ultimate Sin and Bark at the Moon albums.

For me they rank:
1.Randy
2.Zakk
3.Jake
4. hmm, was there anyone else?............

j/k