Tom Morello remembers the day he got to hold Randy Rhoads’ guitar – but wasn’t allowed to play it
Tom Morello has described a poignant encounter with Randy Rhoads' iconic Jackson Concorde guitar, which he held when it passed through his hands during its journey to and from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibition in 2021. Morello, who helped secure Rhoads' induction into the Hall of Fame that year, was granted rare access to the instrument, though Rhoads' family imposed a strict rule that no one would ever play it again.
The guitar is normally kept in a secret vault under the protective guard of Rhoads' sister, who carefully controlled access to her late brother's possessions. When Morello held the guitar, he was struck by an emotional detail: the leather strap still carried the scent of cigarette smoke from 1982, the year Rhoads died, absorbed from his performances right up until his death. The Jackson Concorde was displayed as the centrepiece of the Hall of Fame's exhibition alongside other iconic pieces such as Dave Grohl's Ampeg Dan Armstrong guitar and Tina Turner's dress from the "Private Dancer" video.
- Tom Morello got to hold Randy Rhoads' famous Jackson Concorde guitar
- The guitar is strictly protected in a secret vault by Rhoads' family
- The instrument's strap still bore cigarette smoke from Rhoads' final performances in 1982
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Randy Rhoads was an influential rock guitarist who died in a plane crash in 1982 at just 25 years old, shortly after becoming famous as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist. Decades later, he remains celebrated as one of rock music's most talented performers, with his playing continuing to inspire guitarists worldwide.
The Jackson Concorde guitar he played in his final performances is treated as a treasured artefact of rock history and is kept in a private vault by his family. Rhoads' relatives have strictly prohibited anyone from playing the instrument again, honouring his legacy by preserving it rather than continuing its musical use.
Musician Tom Morello, who admires Rhoads' legacy, recently received rare permission to hold the guitar whilst it travelled to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibition. The experience was meaningful to Morello because it allowed him a tangible connection to the musician he respected, letting him appreciate the historical weight of the preserved instrument.