One of the most heartfelt tributes paid to the late Ozzy Osborne came from Ian Gillan. “I can’t help smiling, even now,” wrote the Deep Purple singer. You improved my life – thanks mate.” Poignant words from a voice that, just like Osborne, helped defined the hard rock and heavy metal genres from the outset.
The parallels ran deeper – not least when Gillan joined Ozzy’s old pals Black Sabbath in 1983, for the controversial Born Again album. There’s an additional link in the shape of guitarist Bernie Tormé, who played in both frontmen’s solo bands.
Despite the additional pressure of hooking up with a band still processing the shock of Rhoads’ death, Tormé took the stage at Stabler Arena, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, remaining until longer-term replacement Brad Gillis was ready to take over.
In 2022 Osbourne told Metal Hammer: “I remember thinking, ‘I’m done.’ Sharon… said, ‘No, Randy wouldn’t have liked that, you’ve got to keep his memory alive.’ Bernie was rushed in at the last minute, didn’t know what he was getting into – but he did me a great favor. If it wasn’t for him I’d have given up.”
Of course, Tormé’s legacy extends far beyond that fleeting tenure. Last February’s Gillan: 1978-1982 collection showcased the guitarist’s vital contribution to the success of that band, as both soloist and songwriter. Seven months earlier, Tormé: The Bernie Tormé Archives Vol. 2 brought together his mid-80s albums with future LA Guns frontman Phil Lewis.
By 1982, Tormé had blazed a singular trail through the UK music scene. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, and Rory Gallagher, he’d played in mid-70s hard rock combo Scrapyard with future Gillan bassist John McCoy. Enthused by the energy of the punk scene, he then formed his own punky power trio, the Bernie Tormé Band, gigging with Generation X and the Boomtown Rats.
When he supported Gillan in January 1979, Tormé’s fretmelting musicianship and exuberant showmanship impressed the headliner.
Speaking to this writer in 2024, Gillan recalled: “He was doing his soundcheck, and all I could describe is that he was having sex with his guitar!
“It was unbelievable; so exciting. I thought, ‘Wow, I’d like to work with this guy!’” When previous six-stringer Steve Byrd quit shortly thereafter, Tormé lit a fire under Gillan, as can be heard on Glory Road highlight Unchain Your Brain. “Bernie and I ended up great friends,” said the singer.
Leaving in 1981, the guitarist re-emerged with Bernie Tormé and the Electric Gypsies before teaming up with former Girl frontman Phil Lewis in Tormé in 1984. They recorded two effervescent glam-punk albums – gathered in The Bernie Torme Archive Vol 2 set – complete with characteristically wild, exciting fretwork, as in Eyes of the World).
Sadly, the UK’s major record labels’ indifference to rock limited their prospects. In 1987, Lewis accepted Tracii Guns’ offer to join LA Guns, going on to major Stateside success.
Bernie said Randy’s pedalboard was doing changes on its own, which freaked him out
Tormé also crossed the Atlantic, joining former Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider’s Desperado. Their prolific partnership fueled a titanic debut album loaded with pounding, blues-infused riffs and ripping solos, only for record label politics to scupper its release and sink the band.
Returning to the UK, Tormé continued to launch well-received albums until his untimely passing in 2019, including a reunion with former Gillan bandmate John McCoy in GMT.
His continued friendship with Phil Lewis saw him guest with LA Guns onstage in later years, the last such occasion occurring in 2017.
“It was inconceivable playing a show in London without Bernie showing up,” Lewis said. “Tracii adored him; they became really good friends.”
“Bernie was fearless,” Guns – a diehard Rhoads fan – marvels. “To step into Randy Rhoads’ shoes that fast was brave. I was just listening to some of the recordings from the dates he did with Ozzy. He was playing right out of Randy’s pedalboard and amp.
“Bernie told me that Randy’s pedalboard was doing changes on its own, which is one of the things that really freaked him out about doing the gig. And Rudy told me that before I knew Bernie.”
He continues: “He was a true pentatonic Lord. The way he interpreted the solos, the rhythms, the fills – it’s actually mind-blowing because it’s off the cuff. That’s why he was so brave.
OZZY OSBOURNE – WITH BERNE TORME – 9TH APRIL 1982 – DIARY OF A MADMAN TOUR. – YouTube
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“And he’s playing the Stratocaster, so it’s almost like Hendrix stepping in for Randy. And he looked great next to Ozzy.”
The impression Tormé left on Guns was as immediate as the one he’d left on Osbourne.
“It was only a two-day period where we were in London,” Guns says. “But we had a lot of conversations. We really had great respect for each other. He was still passionate about creating music and playing live.
“Next thing I know, we’re onstage doing Rip and Tear. He had his Strat and I’m like, ‘Turn it up!’ He goes, ‘Oh, I’m gonna turn it up!’ To play with him and Phil at the same time was a huge experience for me – I watched that video a lot.
“Bernie could have done it a hundred more times with us. I was looking forward to more of that.”
- For more information head to Tormé’s website.
“Bernie Was Playing Right Out of Randy’s Pedalboard and Amp”
Bernie Tormé’s Crucial Role with Ozzy Osbourne
Few fans know that Bernie Tormé, a respected British rock guitarist, stepped in for Ozzy osbourne’s band for just seven live gigs – yet his brief tenure had a monumental impact on the trajectory of Osbourne’s solo career and, tangentially, the legacy of Black Sabbath. The story behind this short stint revolves around Bernie stepping into the enormous shoes of Randy Rhoads, widely regarded as one of rock’s most innovative guitarists, mastering not only the iconic songs but also Randy’s unique guitar rig.
The Randy Rhoads Pedalboard and Amp Mystery
Randy Rhoads’ guitar sound was legendary, boasting a pioneering combination of effects pedals and amplifiers. Bernie recounts how he was “playing right out of Randy’s pedalboard and amp,” adding a mystical note that “randy’s pedalboard was doing changes on its own.” This suggests the pedalboard setup was so sophisticated and unique it almost seemed autonomous.
- Randy Rhoads’ Pedalboard: featured an assortment of vintage effects that produced signature sounds like chorus, delay, and overdrive.
- Amplifier: The amp was custom-tweaked to achieve randy’s crisp, aggressive tone that shaped early heavy metal guitar.
- Bernie’s Adaptation: Despite only a handful of gigs, Bernie quickly adapted to this intricate rig, maintaining the integrity of Osbourne’s sound during live shows.
How Bernie Tormé Saved Ozzy Osbourne’s Career
After the tragic death of Randy Rhoads in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne’s band was plunged into crisis. The need to maintain the momentum of his solo career was urgent,but replacing someone as revolutionary as Randy was no easy task.
Bernie Tormé’s Impact in Seven Gigs
Though only playing seven live shows, Bernie’s presence on stage:
- Ensured the tours did not collapse amidst chaos and grief.
- Kept the band’s live energy vibrant and connected with fans.
- maintained high musicianship levels, allowing time for a permanent guitarist to be found without damaging Osbourne’s brand.
- Preserved Randy’s sonic identity, which was critical for audience retention and band morale.
Bernie Tormé vs. Randy Rhoads: A Guitar Rig Comparison
| Feature | Randy Rhoads’ Setup | Bernie Tormé’s Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar Model | Gibson Les Paul custom & jackson Randy Rhoads model | Gibson models with similar pickups |
| Pedalboard | Chorus, delay, overdrive pedals customized | Used same pedalboard and settings |
| Amplifier | Marshall stacks, tweaked for aggressive tone | Played through same amp during shows |
| Playing Style | Neoclassical inspired, intricate solos | Adapted style to fit Randy’s famous solos and riffs |
Firsthand Experience and Insights from Bernie Tormé
In interviews, Bernie Tormé described the almost “haunted” nature of using Randy’s pedalboard. The rig was so well-designed it seemed to “do changes on its own,” emphasizing the technical genius Randy had put into his guitar setup. Bernie admits that despite being a seasoned guitarist, this experience was unlike any other, requiring him to balance respect for Randy’s sound with his own playing instincts.
Bernie’s Reflections
- “The pedalboard was almost magical-sometimes the effects would switch without touching a knob.”
- “It was tough to fill in for Randy, but keeping the band on track was the priority.”
- “Those seven gigs were intense but essential.I knew the band and Ozzy needed me.”
Benefits and Practical Takeaways for Guitarists
Bernie Tormé’s experience offers invaluable lessons for professional and aspiring guitarists when dealing with complex guitar rigs and high-pressure situations.
Benefits of Studying Randy Rhoads’ Pedalboard Setup
- Learning to master complex rigs can elevate your playing and sound versatility.
- Understanding signal chains helps in replicating iconic guitar tones.
- Adapting to unfamiliar gear quickly is a key skill for touring musicians.
Practical Tips Inspired by Bernie Tormé’s Experience
- Familiarize Yourself with Rig Basics: Before stepping into another guitarist’s setup, study the pedalboard and amp thoroughly.
- Keep Backup Plans: Have alternate cables or settings ready in case the rig acts up unexpectedly.
- Respect Original Tones: When filling in, preserve the signature sounds to retain the band’s identity.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Rapid adaptation helps maintain performance quality in crisis moments.
Legacy: how Bernie’s Brief Tenure Preserved a Rock Legend
Bernie Tormé’s few but impactful gigs helped bridge a critical gap after Randy Rhoads’ death, ensuring Ozzy Osbourne’s career didn’t falter during one of the most vulnerable times in his life. His ability to seamlessly blend with Randy’s pedalboard and amp setup showed remarkable professionalism and respect, earning him a unique but often unsung place in rock history.
