The Journey of Robert Sarzo: Triumphs, Trials, and the Legacy of a guitar Hero
Robert Sarzo is an extraordinary guitarist, known for his work with the band Hurricane and his contributions too various soundtracks. However, his career is often viewed through the lens of missed opportunities.
A Brief Encounter with Ozzy Osbourne
Following the tragic passing of Randy Rhoads in 1982, Sarzo was brought on board as a potential replacement for the iconic guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Sadly,he was let go shortly after,with Bernie Tormé stepping in rather. Despite this setback, Sarzo remains unfazed: “For me, it wasn’t a gig to get,” he reflects.
“They had just experienced a tragedy. Randy was a close friend of my brother Rudy, who played bass for Ozzy. The entire band was grappling with the loss of a dear friend. It was a somber time, and I found myself right in the middle of it.”
From Setbacks to Success
After his brief stint with Ozzy,Sarzo went on to form Hurricane,achieving notable success in the ’80s with hits like I’m On to You and Over the Edge. “I take pride in what I’ve accomplished throughout my life,” he states. “Everything I aimed for, as long as it was within my control, I achieved through hard work and dedication. Every experience, even the tough ones, has contributed to who I am today.”
Musical Roots and Inspirations
What sparked your passion for the guitar?
Born in Havana, Cuba, Sarzo’s musical journey began early. “Havana was filled with music. My aunt Perla once took me to a Christmas party where she performed as a singer and flamenco dancer. The stage felt like a magical realm. My uncle Sergio, a classical pianist and opera singer, also inspired me during our visits.”
In 1961, Sarzo’s family fled Cuba for freedom, eventually settling in New Jersey.”I vividly remember watching The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show from across the Hudson River, which ignited my desire to become a professional guitarist. my parents bought a Silvertone acoustic guitar from a catalogue, and my brother Rudy and I learned to play it ourselves.”
Developing Skills and Finding Opportunities
As a teenager, Sarzo traded baseball cards for a Harmony guitar and amp, which allowed him to jam with other musicians. “I learned how to play in a band setting, which was crucial for my progress.”
How did you hone your skills?
“I could only buy an album occasionally, so I learned songs by slowing down vinyl records. I even used small rocks to slow the turntable further, allowing me to dissect guitar parts. This method taught me how to transpose music effectively.”
In 1970, Sarzo worked as a busboy at The Royal Palm Hotel, using his earnings to buy his first new Gibson Les Paul and a vintage Marshall amp. “I started organizing bands for school events, which helped me invest in more gear. My brother Rudy frequently enough played alongside me.”
The Call from Ozzy
What led to your audition with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne?
Having known Randy, Ozzy, and Sharon through his brother Rudy, Sarzo received a call from Ozzy after Randy’s tragic death. “Ozzy asked if I was available to come to LA for rehearsals. I was thrilled and instantly booked my flight.”
On the flight, Sarzo practiced with his Gibson Les Paul and a cassette of a live Blizzard of Ozz show, persistent to prepare for the audition.
The audition Experience
Upon arriving in LA, Sarzo was picked up by the band and taken to the beverly Hills Hotel. The next day, they rehearsed at a studio in San Bernardino. “I played through a 100-watt Marshall amp provided by the studio. After a week, Ozzy and Sharon expressed their desire to keep me in the band.”
The Unexpected Turn
What happened with Bernie Tormé?
Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, the band had to hire Bernie Tormé, who had already been paid for the tour. “It was a bittersweet moment. I felt validated by being chosen by Ozzy, but the unpredictability of the music industry was evident.”
Despite the disappointment, Sarzo left with pride in his performance and gratitude for the opportunity, even if it was short-lived.
Reconnecting with the Band
After leaving LA, Sarzo reunited with the band at Madison Square Garden. “The post-show gathering felt more like a memorial for Randy then a festivity. We sang Goodbye to Romance in his honor, and the atmosphere was filled with a profound sense of loss.”
Ozzy later expressed his regret to Sarzo for not being able to keep him in the band, marking their last conversation.
Forming Hurricane
Upon returning home, Sarzo recognized the potential of Los Angeles as a vibrant music hub.He relocated his family and began searching for musicians to form his own band. ”I wanted to create a sound that combined powerful guitar riffs with melodic harmonies. I named the band Hurricane, inspired by my experiences in Miami.”
With bassist Tony Cavazo on board, they began crafting their unique sound, leading to the creation of their hits.
Recording Success
What gear did you use for Hurricane’s hits?
For I’m On to You, sarzo utilized an Ibanez RG550 through a Marshall 800 amp. “Our producer, Bob Ezrin, helped us reshape the song in our style.” For over the Edge, he recorded all guitar parts, using both acoustic and electric guitars, collaborating closely with the band during pre-production.
The End of Hurricane
Despite their success, the band faced challenges due to constant touring and differing musical directions. “By the time we started our third album, we had naturally drifted apart.”
Transitioning to Soundtrack work
with a passion for music in film, Sarzo began scoring soundtracks, starting with the punk film Times Square in 1979. “This experience solidified my desire to create music for cinema.”
His work on the film The Collector further established his career in soundtrack composition.
Collaborations and Current Projects
Later, Sarzo joined Geoff Tate’s version of Queensrÿche alongside his brother Rudy, creating a seamless musical synergy on stage. “Our lifelong collaboration made performing together feel effortless.”
What are your current endeavors?
In 2023, Sarzo co-wrote and produced Hurricane’s latest album, reconnected. He has also collaborated with various artists on new projects, including a song titled Live with No Regrets. “I continue to play guitar daily, even while traveling, and perform with my band, 80 Proof VuDu.”
