Rudy Sarzo Recalls Randy Rhoads at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Finale

Posted on Feb 22nd 2012 11:00AM by Chris Epting Comments

Charles Epting

At the rollicking finale of the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp at the Whiskey a Go Go on the Sunset Strip, the mood was high. After all, after almost a week's worth of rehearsing with the likes of Lita Ford, Steve Vai, and Zakk Wylde, who wouldn't be fired up?

Fantasy Camp founder David Fishof told Noisecreep he'd never seen the kind of results that this camp session produced. "It was incredible. The way these players all came together - it's a level of musicianship I've never seen before at the camp. People are leaving the camp much better than they entered it, but with people like Steve Vai helping out, what do you expect? I have seen a lot in 15 years but have never been this blown away."

The effusive Fishof added that he's excited about the camp in May as well because it will feature none other than Steven Tyler - and that each band will be performing an Aerosmith tune. There are a few slots left and you can sign up here.

Charles Epting

But as the 14 amateur bands prepared to take the legendary stage with their new-found mentors, one of the counselors seemed a bit pensive. Rudy Sarzo, of Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio and Ozzy Osbourne, fame, spoke with Noisecreep about his memories of the hallowed club. "Whenever I stand in here it has a huge effect on me," he said.

"I mean, all my heroes played here - Hendrix, Zeppelin - but this is also where I played with Randy Rhoads when we were both in Quiet Riot back in the late 1970s. That makes it really special. You can actually find the footage on YouTube. Right on that very stage up there we played, so I love being here and thinking about the history."

Charles Epting

But soon, Sarzo had to go watch the band he mentored, who delivered wall-shaking versions of 'Stillborn' and 'Sweet Child o' Mine.' In the end, the night (which featured a blistering surprise performance by Gov't Mule guitarist Warren Haynes, who jetted in from D.C. where he would be playing with Mick Jagger at the White House the next night), was another celebration of the music; another night of rock and roll dreams coming true - thanks to the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp.

Watch Lita Ford Performing at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp 2012