POP MUSIC REVIEW : Hard-Rockers Turn Out for Randy Rhoads Benefit

It wasn’t exactly the night of 1,000 stars at the Palace on Wednesday, but the second annual Randy Rhoads Charitable Trust Fund Benefit did attract a veritable who’s who--and sometimes who’s not--of hard-rock talent.

The six-hour show featured more than 80 musicians and raised nearly $10,000 for the fund, named after the guitarist who died 11 years ago in a plane crash while on tour with the Ozzy Osbourne. The money is earmarked as scholarship funds for aspiring musicians.

Spearheaded by Rhoads’ former bandmate, bassist Rudy Sarzo, the evening’s entertainment ranged from loose “jam” bands to brief sets by former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider’s group, Widowmaker. It proved a rather retro selection of talent--other performers included ex-Runaways guitarist Lita Ford and players who made their mark in bands such as Night Ranger, Whitesnake and Quiet Riot.

Two scheduled groups didn’t materialize--a band featuring former Cream bassist Jack Bruce and the side project from L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns--but several lesser-knowns provided surprising highlights. Though many paid homage via renditions of Osbourne/Rhoads tunes, a duet of the Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You” by whiskey-voiced singer Sass Jordan and new Poison guitarist Richie Kotzen stood out, as did a solo outing by virtuoso bassist Stu Hamm--tasty breaks in a sometimes bombastic evening.