Some of the musical gear that belonged to Ozzy Osbourne’s late and legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads has been recovered, nearly a year-and-a-half after it was stolen.
The guitar hero’s first electric guitar, a 1963 Harmony Rocket, and a prototype of his rare signature Marshall Amplifiers head, were turned into police and then given back to the Rhoads family this week.
While the family is ecstatic the gear was returned to the rightful owner, several more prized family possessions are still missing.
Break in case! Two pieces of stolen musical gear once owned by Ozzy Osbourne’s late guitarist Randy Rhoads has been recovered and returned to the Rhoads family this week
While investigation into the theft continues, TMZ is reporting that someone walked into a police station and turned in the gear.
That person did not request to cash in on the $25,000 reward offered up by Osbourne for ‘information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for stealing the gear and/or return of the stolen items.’
The guitar and amplifier were among music gear and memorabilia looted from the Musonia School Of Music in North Hollywood back in November 2019.
Founded in 1948, Rhoads famously taught guitar at the school, which since his tragic passing in 1982 has served a dual role as a music school and Randy Rhoads museum.
Returned! Someone returned Rhoads’ first electric guitar, a 1963 Harmony Rocket, to police in Southern California without requesting the $25,000 reward offered up by Ozzy Osbourne
Returned! Another previously stolen item, a prototype of Rhoads’ rare signature Marshall Amplifiers head, was also handed back over to the Rhoads family
Still missing! A Great Depression-era trumpet, once owned by Rhoads’ late mother, is among the items still missing following the theft in November 2019
Rhoads’ sister, Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio, shared the happy news on Instagram on Wednesday, along with three photos, including one of the guitar and amp that were returned.
‘YES!!!! It’s OFFICIAL!!! …. And You heard it CORRECT!!!!! It’s BACK. It’s been a CRAZY ‘Randy week’ for sure…..but this is Beyond Awesome as well!!!!!!! I am so thankful for this …. No words,’ she wrote in the caption, which also included a reference to the announcement that her brother will be one of three recipients of the Musical Excellence Award at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation ceremony.
‘I CANNOT answer ANY Questions, as this is an ‘ON GOING INVESTIGATION’. So Don’t ask!!!!’ she added in regards to people asking about the theft.
‘Wow!! Absolutely AMAZING!!!!! But trust me…I will ‘follow up’ when I can!! Thanks everyone for all your concerns and love. The Rhoads Family.’
She concluded by reminding people that there are ‘still missing items’, and offering thanks to the North Hollywood Police Department.
Family ecstatic: Rhoads’ sister, Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio, shared the news of the two pieces of music gear being returned to the family on Instagram on Wednesday
Cherished guitar: Rhoads’ sister also shared a snap of their mother posing with her late son’s guitar that had been missing until recently
Tribute: The guitar was among items stolen from the Musonia School Of Music in North Hollywood back in November 2019, which also serves as a Randy Rhoads museum
Thieves made off with at least six items that were owned by Randy Rhoads or the family at one point.
A Great Depression-era trumpet, owned by the Crazy Train guitarist’s late mother, is among the stuff still missing.
So far police have not made any arrests in connection to the case.
Rhoads joined up with Osbourne after the frontman left his previous band, Black Sabbath, and began his solo career in 1979.
With Ozzy’s iconic vocals and Randy’s wizardry on guitar, the duo riveted rock fans all over the world on the studio albums: Blizzard Of Oz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981).
Guitar hero: Randy Rhoads is widely considered among the most influential rock guitarists
Iconic: Rhoads teamed with Ozzy Osbourne for two studio albums: Blizzard Of Oz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981), before he was tragically killed in a plane crash in March 1982
But tragedy would cut their collaboration and friendship far too short. Rhoads and two others were killed on March 19, 1982 when the small plane they were flying in struck Osbourne’s tour bus and then crashed into a mansion in Leesburg, Virginia.
He was just 25-years-old, and already on the path as being recognized as one of rock’s great and influential guitarists.
Upon the news that her brother would be honored at the upcoming Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction, Rhoads D’Argenzio took to Instagram to acknowledge his legion of fans.
‘I am overwhelmed with love for my brother!…. Thank you ALL from my heart…. YOU KEEP his memory and music alive!!! SO GRATEFUL to all of “Randy’s” Followers…. you are AMAZING!!!!’
More honors! Rhoads D’Argenzio took to Instagram and thanked fans after the announcement that her brother will be one of three recipients of the Musical Excellence Award at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation ceremony