In the history of music, fascinating stories intertwine with extraordinary paths and tragic destinies. Randy Rhoads holds a place of the highest rank. A virtuoso guitarist, he was only 25 years old when a tragic accident took his life and deprived the world of his talent. The career of Randy Rhoads was as fast and spectacular as it was violent and brutal. The guitars he played are therefore precious witnesses of his unique talent.

The discovery of this 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard played by Randy Rhoads is truly an event. It was one of the guitars most frequently used by the musician during the Quiet Riot era, and to this day, the only one among the few guitars that Rhoads played before his passing. He was a man of few guitars, loyal to a select handful of instruments chosen with care.

His status as a legendary heavy metal guitarist rests mainly on two studio albums and a few live recordings made during his collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne. In a very short time, Randy Rhoads forged a unique style and a distinctive sound that still make him one of the greatest guitarists ever to touch an electric guitar. Ozzy Osbourne once said of him: “He was a small guy with such an enormous, giant talent” (Ozzy Osbourne at Randy Rhoads’ RockWalk induction, 2004).

Before teaming up with the “Prince of Darkness,” Randy Rhoads was the lead guitarist of Quiet Riot. He cut his teeth on the Los Angeles scene with one particular guitar, which even appeared on the back cover of the band’s first album — a black Gibson Les Paul. This guitar belonged to his fiancée’s brother, Paul Raskin, who lent it to him for many performances. It can be seen in numerous archival concert images from that period.

Few guitars carry such an aura, soul, and exceptional history as this 1974 Gibson Les Paul. Ready to roar, it embodies a talent as fleeting as it was breathtaking. Despite his death in 1982, Randy Rhoads remains one of the most important guitarists in rock and metal history; and his instruments, precious relics of a striking genius. An exceptional discovery that we are proud to have made at Matt’s Guitar Shop!