Ozzy Osbourne – Speak of the Devil (DVD)
Eagle Rock Entertainment
www.eaglerockent.com

Rating: A

On March 19, 1982, guitarist Randy Rhoads was killed in a tragic plane crash. The accident occurred in the middle of the bands’ tour for the album Diary of a Madman. Osbourne was so distraught that it was decided to remain on tour, as if left to his own devices, Ozzy would have likely drank himself to death.

MTV recorded the band live in Irvine Meadows, California only a few months after the crash for a concert to be broadcast on Halloween. Filling in on guitar was Brad Gillis, who would later go on to fame with Night Ranger.

Gillis does an amazing job paying homage to Rhoads style of playing, as he performs the solos, and the rhythms true to the recordings. The rest of the band, Osbourne, Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldridge and Don Airey were distraught from losing their band mate and friend, but they dug deep and put on a great performance. The set list is based mostly from the two classic Ozzy Osbourne albums Blizzard of Oz and Dairy of a Madman with a few Black Sabbath classics performed at the end of the show.

While it is odd seeing the early era of Ozzy’s band live without Randy, the show is spectacular and Gillis gets a Gold Medal for stepping into some big shoes and making it work. This emotional show is unlike anything else released from Ozzy, as it shows the band at a crossroads, both emotionally and professionally. The fact that they were able to take the stage, with the same stage set, and set list, and not break down is a testament to their tenacity and respect for their fallen friend.

By Jeb Wright