Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes has revisited one of rock’s most famous debates: the rivalry between Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads. Speaking to Canada’s The Metal Voice, Holmes clarified long-standing rumors that he “hated” the late Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, insisting that while he had strong opinions on the bands’ contrasting styles, he always respected Rhoads as a musician.
Growing Up in the California Rock Scene
Holmes began by describing his close proximity to both musical worlds during his formative years in California.
“I grew up right next to Pasadena and La Cañada [Flintridge in California]. That’s on one side, but Glendale’s on the other side, and that’s where Quiet Riot comes from,” Holmes explained.
With both bands rising to prominence in the same era, fans and musicians alike often compared Van Halen’s raw, party-fueled style with Quiet Riot’s flashier image.
Setting the Record Straight on Randy Rhoads
Holmes directly addressed misconceptions about his feelings toward Rhoads.
“There’s a lot of people [who] say that I hate Randy Rhoads. No, I don’t hate the guy. I like the guy, actually,” Holmes clarified. “I think he is a good guitar player. I’ve read on the Internet, a lot of people say I hate him. I don’t hate him. Okay?! He comes from my era, from my age of playing guitar and stuff. I’ve never said I hate the guy.”
Holmes acknowledged that because he grew up immersed in Van Halen’s music, his preferences naturally leaned in that direction.
Eddie Van Halen vs. Randy Rhoads
When pressed to weigh in on the long-running debate between the two iconic guitarists, Holmes didn’t hesitate to declare his allegiance.
“I grew up with Van Halen, so I look at him, who’s better? To me, [Eddie] Van Halen smokes him,” Holmes said. “So if I go with the Van Halen side of [things].”
Holmes admitted that style played a big role in shaping his preferences.
“Van Halen didn’t wear a little bow tie and polka dots. Quiet Riot did. I didn’t like that. I’d rather go to a Van Halen party, drink Schlitz malt liquor and get your teeth knocked out in the mud than go to a Quiet Riot party and smoke Sherman cigarettes and drink Perrier. That ain’t my bag. So it’s different sides of [things]. But anyway, yeah, I don’t hate Randy Rhoads. He’s played some good stuff. It’s sad that he died.”
A Rivalry Rooted in the ’70s and ’80s Scene
Holmes also reflected on how rivalries between bands were a natural part of the rock and metal landscape in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
In a resurfaced 2000 interview with The Inside, Holmes elaborated on how the rivalry between Van Halen and Quiet Riot extended beyond just the musicians.
“Well, every band had their rivals and back [in the 1970s]. Quiet Riot was Van Halen’s. They were about the same age. The San Fernando people were Quiet Riot fans and San Gabriel people were Van Halen fans. I just never liked Quiet Riot. I used to make fun of them because they wore polka dots and bow ties, and Van Halen was like a drunk party band all the time. I didn’t like Randy Rhoads either. I don’t want to say anything bad about the guy, but there’s always rivals.”
Respect Despite Preferences
While Holmes made clear that his musical tastes always favored Van Halen’s raw energy and wild party atmosphere, he emphasized that his preference should not be mistaken for animosity toward Rhoads.
Both guitarists left indelible marks on the rock and metal world: Eddie Van Halen revolutionized guitar playing with his two-handed tapping technique and innovative approach to tone, while Randy Rhoads blended classical influences with heavy metal precision, helping shape Ozzy Osbourne’s early solo career.
The Legacy of the Rivalry
The debate between Van Halen and Rhoads continues to fuel conversations among fans and musicians decades later. For Holmes, the rivalry was less about hatred and more about stylistic identity — whether one connected more with Van Halen’s reckless, blue-collar party spirit or Quiet Riot’s polished, flamboyant presentation.
Holmes’s comments highlight how the rivalry reflected larger cultural divides within the rock scene of the time. His perspective adds valuable insight into why fans were so divided, and why the debate over who was “better” still rages on.
Final Thoughts
By clarifying his stance, Chris Holmes has put to rest the misconception that he “hated” Randy Rhoads. Instead, he painted a picture of mutual respect, albeit with strong personal preferences shaped by his own background and taste.
In the end, the guitarist’s remarks remind us that rivalries in rock were often less about personal animosity and more about the tribal nature of fandom. Both Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads remain legends whose influence continues to inspire new generations of guitarists.
