Brad Gillis, guitarist for NIGHT RANGER, confirmed his role as a temporary replacement for Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne's band following Rhoads' death in a 1982 plane crash.

Gillis joined Osbourne's solo lineup after an audition in New York, where he was asked to play 'Flying High Again' and later received a personal endorsement from Osbourne.

The band performed on the 1982 live release 'Speak Of The Devil', recorded at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in California.

During his early days with Osbourne, Gillis practiced with minimal equipment, including a small amp and a live board cassette containing Rhoads' recordings.

He attended soundcheck and live shows, where he observed the full scale of Osbourne's stage production, including elaborate effects and a dwarf prop.

His first show in Binghamton, New York, was sold out with 8,000 attendees, though he botched 'Revelation (Mother Earth)' during soundcheck, stopping mid-song and regaining composure before completing the set.

Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, advised him before the show not to 'fumble' during performance.

Gillis has since reflected on the emotional weight of stepping into the role after Rhoads' passing and the band's turbulent state during that period.

The band's lineup at the time included Rudy Sarzo on bass, Tommy Aldridge on drums, and Don Airey on keyboards.

Gillis has continued to perform 'Crazy Train' in recent years as a tribute to his time with Ozzy Osbourne.

This account is based on interviews with Gillis, including a 2004 feature in the Contra Costa Times and a 2021 profile in Guitar World magazine."