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?)

Here’s a follow-up to a book I’d blogged about over a year ago (see? Publishing DOES work slowly!).

An excerpt to Zakk Wylde’s Bringing Metal to the Children is now available. It’s a Facebook page and you’ll have to like it in order to gain access to the excerpt, but it’s a lot easier than some other sites I’ve been to…

The entire book went on sale April 10 — that’s yesterday! I still think you should save your money for King Trevor tomorrow, but that’s just me…