Sharon Osbourne opened up about the tragic death of guitarist Randy Rhoads in the first episode of the documentary series “Into the Void: Life, Death & Heavy Metal.” This was reported by People.
The emotional discussion revealed why Osbourne had previously avoided speaking about the beloved guitarist’s death in a plane crash.

“It was like a horror movie, body parts — and I was screaming at the tour manager, and I can remember taking my shoe off and whacking him across the head,” Osbourne said. “We were all in shock for so long, for so long, and then you have to go back and try and make sense of a story to Randy’s mom.”

Breaking down in tears during the interview, she continued her explanation.

“Now you know why I didn’t want to talk about Randy,” she said.

Despite the painful memories, Osbourne expressed her appreciation for Rhoads’ lasting legacy in the music world.

“I think about Randy all the time and love that he’s not forgotten,” she said. “Music lovers want to know about him. He’s become this mystical little guy that not many people knew well, and he will live on forever. Music is something that doesn’t die. After we’ve gone, it will live on.”

The documentary provides new insights into one of rock music’s most tragic losses.

Osbourne’s reluctance to discuss the incident becomes more understandable when examining the horrific details of what happened on March 19, 1982. The tragedy that claimed Rhoads’ life remains one of the most devastating moments in rock history.

Live for Live Music reported that the fatal crash occurred when the small prop plane, piloted by Andrew Aycock, clipped the top of the tour bus while attempting risky low passes. This led to a catastrophic loss of control and a crash into a nearby tree and garage. The impact killed Rhoads, Aycock, and band seamstress Rachel Youngblood instantly.

Simple Flying revealed that toxicology reports showed Aycock had cocaine in his system. His pilot license had also expired. These factors contributed to the tragedy. The pilot’s reckless behavior and impaired state created the conditions for the devastating accident that shocked the music world.

The circumstances surrounding the crash have been subject to various theories over the years. Blabbermouth noted that fellow musician Bob Daisley later suggested an alternate theory regarding the crash. He proposed a possible medical emergency of Rachel Youngblood that may have caused loss of control. However, the official investigation blamed the pilot’s recklessness.

Despite his brief career, Rhoads’ influence on heavy metal guitar playing has endured for decades. His innovative techniques and classical music background helped shape the sound of modern metal. This ensured his posthumous recognition and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the genre’s most important figures.