Randy Rhoads (30 Years Later) Interview with Bill Lonero

It's been 30 years since the great Randy Rhoads passed away tragically in a small plane crash in Leesburg, FL. Randy was a huge influence on Bill's playing and to honor Randy, Bill went to the 30th Anniversary Memorial for Randy where he talked with Randy's sister Kathy for a little while. The visit wasn't just to pay respects in person. It was also to do a story. The Metal Den asked Bill to take some photos and talk about Randy's influence on him as a guitar player and also why Randy has remained so popular even 30 years after his death. Check out the whole interview here as well as some photos of the memorial.

Bill Lonero and the Rhoads Family

From left to Right: Kathy Rhoads, Neil Zlozower, Bill Lonero
and Kelle Rhoads

Recently Bill Lonero had the privilege to spend some time with the late great Randy Rhoads' sister Kathy and brother Kelle at legendary photographer Neil Zlozower's studio in Hollywood, CA. Randy Rhoads was a huge influence on Bill's playing and the chance to sit and talk with  both was monumental. Afterwards Bill got to hold Randy Rhoads' first guitar. It's a 1908 Gibson Army Navy acoustic that used to belong to his grandfather. This guitar was what both Randy and Kathy started out on.

Bill Lonero and Kathy Rhoads

Bill Lonero holding Randy Rhoads first guitar.
A 1908 Gibson Army Navy acoustic