"I Wish I Had Written That Song": Kirk Hammett Names the Ozzy Osbourne Classic That Still Amazes Him

As the longtime lead guitarist of Metallica, Kirk Hammett has helped create some of heavy metal's most recognizable riffs and songs. Even so, he admits there are legendary tracks written by other musicians that he wishes had come from his own guitar.

One of Hammett's greatest musical inspirations has always been Randy Rhoads, the celebrated guitarist whose work alongside Ozzy Osbourne helped redefine heavy metal. According to Kirk Hammett, one particular song continues to impress him every time he studies it.

During an interview with VH1, recently highlighted once again by Far Out Magazine, Kirk Hammett revealed that Diary of a Madman is one of the compositions he most admires.

"This may sound a little unexpected, but I'm really into jazz.

Last year I learned Diary of a Madman, and I was absolutely amazed by all the incredible jazz voicings throughout that song.

As I worked through it, I kept thinking, 'This is an absolutely brilliant piece of music.' Randy Rhoads demonstrated a level of musical depth that goes far beyond standard rock riffs and power chords."

Although Diary of a Madman features sophisticated jazz-inspired harmonies and unconventional chord progressions that are far from typical mainstream songwriting, it has become one of the defining songs in Ozzy Osbourne's catalog.

Released as the title track of Ozzy Osbourne's 1981 album, the song continues to attract millions of streams across digital music platforms decades after its original release.

Randy Rhoads remains one of the most influential guitarists in the history of heavy metal. Although his collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne lasted less than three years before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1982, his impact on the genre continues to inspire generations of musicians.

He performed on the landmark albums Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981), and he also contributed to writing the unforgettable riff for Crazy Train, widely regarded as Ozzy Osbourne's signature song.

Randy Rhoads' influence became so significant that fans often speculated about a rivalry between him and fellow guitar icon Eddie Van Halen.

However, W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes recently dismissed those long-standing rumors.

"The rivalry really existed among the fans," he explained. "It was Quiet Riot fans versus Van Halen fans. That's where the competition actually was. Between the bands themselves, especially between Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads, there wasn't any real hostility. Eddie Van Halen never said he hated Randy or disliked him."