I know. Some things get lost in the annals of history (what the heck IS an annal, anyway? Any of you erotic writers want to weigh in here?), and one of those things is that Randy Rhoads was in a band before Ozzy’s.

Now, we can read about it. And watch and listen, as well.

“Randy Rhoads: The Quiet Riot Years”, a new book from QUIET RIOT’s personal photographer/lighting director Ron Sobol, is tentatively due this spring via Red Match Productions. As a bonus, this book comes with a 90-minute DVD documentary of the QUIET RIOT years with Randy, containing interview footage telling the story of the band.

Know how far back in history we’re going here, folks? 1975. That’s right. Raise your hands if you weren’t even born back then. (No comment from THIS member of the peanut gallery!)

The pictures, the clothing alone… this could be a lot of fun. Plus informative… really. In all my years of learning about music, I think I’d skipped the Randy Rhoads pre-Ozzy lessons. It’s like the guy had joined Ozzy right after he jumped out of the womb, fully formed and guitar blazing…

Thanks to Blabbermouth for the heads-up. Now if they’d only send me this stuff instead of waiting for me to find it myself…

(demanding, aren’t I?)

I’m lousy with jokes of this sort, so if you can think of one about the one-armed drummer who begins making gorgeous art, let me have it.

I don’t have much info on this, other than to think that on the surface, it’s not that different from what Matt Sorum is doing.

Here’s from the press release, or the article posted at Brave Words, or wherever this originated from (it’s posted on Allen’s website and is credited to Blabbermouth, so… clear as mud. Which could be another art form, I know):

DEF LEPPARD drummer Rick Allen\\\’ collection of visual art, “Electric Hand: Rhythm + Change”, is set for release on April 18 exclusively at RickAllenArt.com. Allen is translating rhythm into a visual art medium through an extensive process involving drumbeat, light, photography, and graphic design. The result is a collection of abstract imagery built directly from Allen’s rhythmic prowess. And as one of the pioneers in this new medium, Allen is holding true to a lifetime of breaking barriers and new ground.

Jokes aside, even though I’m too lame to make them, I met Rick Allen once, way back, not long after the whole arm thing and his triumphant return to the stage. He was a nice enough bloke. Very NOT a rock star, you know?

He’s gone on to form the Raven Drum Foundation and other cool things that are changing the world.

So… check out the art. It comes out a mere six days after King Trevor, so you should budget accordingly (King Trevor, of course, being a book and not one-of-a-kind art that makes Susan drool, will be significantly less money, so if you have to choose…).

Let me know what you think!