BLIZZARD OF OZZ RELEASED TODAY IN 1980
Today is the 40th anniversary of this ground breaking album. Randy Rhodes playing forever changed how millions of guitarists approach the guitar. He really upped the ante by mixing 70s hard rock, classical guitar, and pop sensibility to his playing. Thus changing the landscape for everyone, and creating several blue prints for others to follow.
Whether it was a radio hit like “Crazy Train” or a deep cut like “Revelation Mother Earth” that would influence the coming Thrash Metal movement. Randy drew a line in the sand, Blizzard Of Ozz marked a before and after. The blue print he would create lives on, and is still being used today. And will be for generations to come
Unfortunately, we recently received word that drummer Lee Kerslake, who played on this, and the follow up Diary Of A Madman. Ozzy posted the following his twitter:

It’s been 39 years since I’ve seen Lee but he lives for ever on the records he played on for me, Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Lee Kerslake RIP pic.twitter.com/xWqVR0VJn6
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 19, 2020

RELATED: EPISODE 137 FEATURING MONTE PITTMAN & JASON McMASTER
Revisit this episode of the Classic Albums Series, featuring former Ozzy drummers Carmine Appice, Brian Tichy, Carl Canedy, of The Rods who supported Ozzy back then. Madonna guitarist Monte Pittman who studied under the Rhodes family at Musonia School Of Music. Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, Testament drummer Gene Hoglan, Iced Earth and Demons & Wizards mastermind Jon Schaffer, Alcatrazz guitarist Joe Stump, former Watchtower vocalists Jason McMaster and Alan Tecchio, and Jeff Martin of Racer X. Metal pundits Bob Nalbandian, Martin Popoff, Mitch Lafon, and many more.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album Ozzy Osbourne has released a digital only version of the album with several unreleased live tracks. You can check out the reissue here.
You can also check out the the newly released animated video for “Crazy Train” off of Blizzard Of Ozz.