No doubt the place to be in LA last night was the Key Club. A benefit concert for long time Ozzy drummer Randy Castillo. Instead of mourning the loss it was a celebration of life. Randy passed away March 26th of throat cancer. The list of stars was stunning Steve Tyler (Aerosmith), Ronnie Montrose, Pat Torpey (Mr. Big), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie), Brian Tichy (Billy Idol), Greg Bissonette (David Lee Roth), Ritchie Kotzen (Mr. Big/Poison), Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot) & a Guns 'n' Roses reunion with Slash, Duff McKagen, Matt Sorum with Josh Todd /Keith Nelson of Buckcherry taking the place of Axl.
Steve Lukather contributed a brilliant three song set. The band consisted of Phil Soussan (Ozzy, Billy Idol, John Waite) on bass, Simon Phillips & Kenny Aronoff (Mellancamp/Studio Ace) on drums & Luke. Luke dedicated the second song Tears of my own shame to our brother Randy. The first note Luke hit brought a bundle of energy to the show. The combination of two monster heavy hitters Aaronoff & Phillips was ear shattering. They ended the set with the Hendrix song Manic depression with Phil on vocals. Luke tore it up as usual. This was a crowd full of musicians who stood in awe as Luke left them open mouthed. I had a chance to talk to Luke & he summed up the evening beautifully. He told me "Randy was a dear friend. It's sad that we have to get together like this." But it was an amazing heartfelt night.
Stevelukather.com, April 29th 2002
