How Long Did Rudy Sarzo Play With Ozzy Osbourne?

Rudy Sarzo played with Ozzy Osbourne for a little over a year, from March 1981 to September 1982. He was recruited by Osbourne after being recommended by Randy Rhoads, who was Ozzy’s guitarist at the time.

Rudy Sarzo joined the band at a pivotal time in Ozzy Osbourne’s career. He had just released his debut solo album, *Blizzard of Ozz*, which was a massive success. The album featured classic rock anthems like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” and established Ozzy as a solo artist in his own right.

Sarzo’s arrival brought a new level of musicality and energy to the band. His playing was tight and precise, perfectly complementing Rhoads’s innovative and melodic guitar work. The two of them helped to create a distinctive sound that defined Ozzy Osbourne’s music for the early 1980s.

Unfortunately, their time together was cut short when Rhoads tragically died in a plane crash in 1982. This event profoundly impacted Ozzy and the band. Sarzo, deeply saddened by his friend’s loss, left the band shortly after. He went on to play with other notable musicians, such as Quiet Riot and Whitesnake, but his time with Ozzy Osbourne will always be remembered as a significant chapter in his career.