Rudy Sarzo Reveals the Real Reason He Left Ozzy Osbourne’s Band

Rudy Sarzo, the legendary bassist known for his work with iconic rock bands such as Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, and Dio, has always been candid about his time with Ozzy Osbourne. Recently, Sarzo shared deeper insights into why he decided to part ways with the Prince of Darkness and his wife, Sharon, despite their positive relationship.

In a recent interview, Sarzo expressed immense gratitude toward Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, recalling how they treated him with kindness and respect during his time in the band. “Sharon and Ozzy were wonderful to me. They treated me like family,” Sarzo said. He fondly remembers the days of touring and playing alongside Ozzy and the late Randy Rhoads, who was not just a bandmate but a close friend.

However, despite this strong bond, Sarzo made the difficult decision to leave the band after Randy Rhoads’ tragic death in 1982. Rhoads, a gifted guitarist and key figure in Ozzy’s band, was like a brother to Sarzo. His passing shook Sarzo deeply, and it became a pivotal moment in his life and career.

“After Randy’s death, it was hard for me to continue with Ozzy’s band. It didn’t feel the same,” Sarzo admitted. The grief and emotional toll that came with Rhoads’ passing weighed heavily on him, and the once vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the band turned somber. The loss of his friend and musical partner left a void that couldn’t be filled.

Sarzo went on to explain that he needed time to heal, and being in the band at that time wasn’t the right environment for him. “It wasn’t about Sharon or Ozzy. They were nothing but good to me, but I needed a break. I needed to move on for my own well-being,” Sarzo revealed.

His decision to leave was also influenced by his desire to reconnect with Quiet Riot, the band he helped bring to international fame. In 1983, just a year after leaving Ozzy’s band, Sarzo returned to Quiet Riot and contributed to their chart-topping album *Metal Health*, which helped cement the band’s place in rock history.

Despite leaving Ozzy Osbourne’s band, Sarzo has maintained a great relationship with both Ozzy and Sharon over the years. He remains grateful for the opportunity and memories he made during that chapter of his career, but acknowledges that, for him, it was time to move forward.

Sarzo’s story serves as a reminder of how deeply personal losses can affect even the most talented and successful musicians. While fame and fortune may seem glamorous, the emotional challenges behind the scenes are often profound. For Rudy Sarzo, leaving Ozzy Osbourne’s band was not just a professional choice—it was a necessary step for his mental and emotional recovery.

In the years since, Sarzo has continued to leave his mark on the rock world, playing with numerous iconic acts and influencing generations of musicians. His time with Ozzy, though brief, remains one of the most significant chapters of his storied career.