The Forbidden Guitar Tom Morello Was Finally Able to Hold

Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, experienced a poignant milestone when he was allowed to physically hold one of metal’s most revered instruments: the Jackson Concorde guitar famously used by Randy Rhoads during his time with Ozzy Osbourne.

The guitar, inspired by the Flying V design, is a treasured relic within rock history, typically safeguarded under strict conditions by Rhoads’ family. Though the instrument has been displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, touching or playing it has been strictly forbidden since Rhoads’ tragic death.

According to reports, the guitarist’s sister has vigilantly protected the guitar, keeping it sealed away in a secure location unknown to all but family members. This protective stance stems from a request by Rhoads’ mother that no one else play the instrument after her son’s passing, preserving its legacy as if frozen in time.

Morello’s initial requests to even see the guitar were declined, underscoring the rarity of his eventual opportunity. It was only after persistent communication that Rhoads’ sister invited Morello to her home when the guitar was briefly returned from its exhibition at the Rock Hall. The visit, arriving after some delay due to Morello’s touring schedule, culminated in the guitarist finally holding the instrument.

The emotional weight of the moment was profound for Morello, who has long admired Rhoads’ work. He noted an evocative detail: the guitar still carried the faint scent of cigarette smoke on its leather strap, a tangible trace of the era and the late artist himself, who performed relentlessly until his untimely death in 1982.

Morello’s connection to Rhoads goes beyond admiration. He has consistently championed the guitarist’s influence within the music community, notably speaking during Rhoads’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Morello’s affinity traces back to his youth, when he studied Rhoads’ technique intensively, even naming his first son after the guitar legend.

Rhoads’ impact on Morello is evident in his musical journey. Initially inspired by Rhoads’ signature sound and technical skill, Morello eventually sought to forge his own unique artistic voice, crediting Rhoads as the catalyst for that transformation. This influence is echoed in Morello’s collaborations and tributes, including his participation in a 2015 tribute album devoted to Rhoads’ legacy.

Despite his deep connection to the metal and hard rock genres, Morello’s respectful approach to the Rhoads family’s wishes underscores a broader reverence for musical heritage and the preservation of iconic artifacts. The guitar’s guarded status and Morello’s rare encounter highlight the delicate balance between honoring a legend’s memory and celebrating their enduring influence.

Details surrounding future access to the guitar remain limited, but Morello’s experience reaffirms Randy Rhoads’ lasting resonance within the rock community. His brief time with the instrument serves not only as a personal milestone for Morello but also as a reminder of the profound legacy left behind by one of metal’s most influential guitarists.