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Randall Rhoads, born in California in 1956 and cut down in his prime at age 26, has been an immense influence on a generation of musicians in rock and metal.

Since Rudy Sarzo turned up on heavy metal's radar in the early '80s as Ozzy Osbourne's bassist, he's made a career out of providing the low end to a slew of heavy, household-name bands, from Whitesnake and Quiet Riot to Dio and Blue Oyster Cult.

The following is excerpted from Randy Rhoads by Steven Rosen and Andrew Klein (Velocity Publishing Group). In 1979, Randy Rhoads had to decide whether to stay with a struggling unknown act called Quiet Riot or join forces with the famous former lead singer from Black Sabbath. The decision wasn't as easy as you think. Dana Strum -- the Hollywood-based Badaxe and Slaughter bassist who Ozzy considered for his band -- recalls the events surrounding Randy Rhoads' audition for Ozzy Osbourne.