Randy Rhoads Museum + Music School Run by Rhoads Family Seeking Crowdfunding Donations
Randy Rhoads was one of metal's most influential guitar players. The first pair of Ozzy Osbourne records helped to further define heavy metal as it developed in the early '80s and his legacy has shined ever since his tragic death in 1982. He learned to play guitar at Musonia Music School, which was founded by his mother, Delores, in 1948. Kelle Rhoads, son of Dolores, continues to run the school to this day, which is even home to a Randy Rhoads museum, but they now need some financial assistance for some restoration work.
A Kickstarter campaign has been launched, seeking donations as the school's staff, along with professionals, help paint the outside of Musonia to prevent wood decay, with additional work needed on the guitar room, bathroom and the second half of the grand salon, which had previously been closed to tours. After the work is completed, this section of the salon will function as the Randy Rhoads museum, filled with artifacts and memorabilia.
While the crowdfunding goal is only set to $2,000 (which has been far surpassed already), the painting of the ceiling of the lobby and grand salon as well as the outside of the school is estimated to cost around $8,000 alone. The grand estimate for all restoration work hovers around $20,000, which will "get Musonia back into a condition where it can attract new students and visitors in the 21st Century."
As is typical with these campaigns, incentives have been offered to entice financial backers with varying tiers of $10, $25, $70, $150, $200 and $1000 or more options still on the table as of press time. Items being offered include a Musonia bumper sticker, Musonia t-shirt, an original copy of the Tribute live Ozzy Osbourne record and your name on a plaque in the grand salon among others.
To contribute to the Musonia School of Music, head to the Kickstarter campaign here.
Randy Rhoads was among the first to be inducted into the newly established Hall of Heavy Metal History late last year. It's a non-profit organization that recognizes the greatest contributions in metal, having also inducted Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmister, Vinny Appice, Rudy Sarzo and more at its inaugural event.
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