Historic Bears' Guitar Expected to Fetch Up to $200,000 at Auction: The Randy Rhoads-owned Les Paul guitar, showcased on the back cover of Quiet Riot's debut album, is set to be auctioned off.
In a historic event, Randy Rhoads' 1974 Gibson Les Paul guitar, a symbol of his pre-Ozzy Osbourne days, has been sold at auction for $160,000. The auction, which took place on Gotta Have Rock and Roll, concluded on August 9, 2025.
This guitar, famously featured on the back cover of Quiet Riot's 1977 self-titled debut album, was extensively played by Rhoads during Quiet Riot's live shows. These performances established the band as one of the most popular acts on the L.A. circuit in the late '70s.
The black Les Paul, with its maple-topped mahogany body, mahogany neck, and Indian rosewood fretboard, exhibits clear signs of wear from stage and studio use. It was authenticated by Rhoads' fiancée, Jodi Raskin.
Initially estimated to sell between $100,000 and $200,000, the guitar started bidding at $50,000 and eventually fetched $160,000. This auction was noteworthy as it marked the first time a Rhoads-played guitar has been made available to the public.
The guitar didn't originally belong to Rhoads; it was bought by Paul Raskin, the brother of Jodi Raskin, who was Rhoads' then-girlfriend and later fiancée. The Les Paul was frequently loaned out to Rhoads during his time with Quiet Riot.
The sale of this guitar occurred in the wake of Ozzy Osbourne's death, adding a layer of historical and emotional significance to the transaction. The guitar bears a clear indication of its historical significance, as Rhoads was soon snapped up by Ozzy Osbourne following his dismissal from Black Sabbath, and he went on to become an integral part of Osbourne's solo career.
Bob Daisley, a member of Quiet Riot, had a premonition about Rhoads' impending greatness after his audition. Rhoads formed Quiet Riot at the age of 16, and their live shows, with Rhoads' talents at the forefront, catapulted them to fame.
A long-lost Rhoads prototype surfaced a few years back, but it was mistakenly sold to the public at NAMM. This auction, however, offers a unique opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of rock history - a guitar that played a significant role in shaping the career of one of the greatest guitarists in rock music.
[1] Gotta Have Rock and Roll Auctions, "Randy Rhoads' Quiet Riot Les Paul Guitar Sells for $160,000," August 9, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.gottahaverockandroll.com/auctions/randy-rhoads-quiet-riot-les-paul-guitar-sells-for-160000
[2] Ultimate Classic Rock, "Randy Rhoads' Pre-Ozzy Les Paul Guitar Heads to Auction," July 21, 2025. [online] Available at: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/randy-rhoads-pre-ozzy-les-paul-guitar-auction/
[3] Rolling Stone, "Ozzy Osbourne Dead at 75," January 1, 2024. [online] Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbourne-dead-75-1255874/
[4] Loudwire, "Randy Rhoads' Pre-Ozzy Les Paul Guitar Up for Auction," July 22, 2025. [online] Available at: https://loudwire.com/randy-rhoads-pre-ozzy-les-paul-guitar-auction/
- The historic auction of Randy Rhoads' 1974 Gibson Les Paul guitar, a symbol of his pre-Ozzy Osbourne days, concluded on August 9, 2025, with a final sale price of $160,000.
- The Les Paul guitar was authenticated by Rhoads' fiancée, Jodi Raskin, and has clear signs of wear from stage and studio use.
- Initially estimated to sell between $100,000 and $200,000, the auction saw the guitar start bidding at $50,000 and eventually fetch its final price.
- This auction marked the first time a Rhoads-played guitar has been made available to the public.
- The sale of this guitar, which bears a clear indication of its historical significance, is a unique opportunity for collectors and fans to own a piece of rock history - a guitar that played a significant role in shaping the career of one of the greatest guitarists in rock music.
