Off the Rails: Aboard the Crazy Train in the Blizzard of Ozz [Paperback]

Rudy Sarzo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2008

A fellow musician's interesting insight into the beginning of Ozzy Osbourne s solo career and his relationship with Sharon Osbourne. This exciting biography also clears a lot of misinformation and bogus theories circulating around the late, great, guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads' life and death. Written by journeyman rock bassist Rudy Sarzo, this is a first hand account of Rudy s experience on the road with Ozzy and his Blizzard of Ozz band. This is the book Sharon Osbourne doesn't want you to read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Prolific Rock bassist Rudy Sarzo has written a first-hand account of extreme life on the road for a Rock musician. In his rags-to-riches tale he includes stories of tour mischief, Rock 'n Roll excess, and he gives a much-needed account of one of Rock's greatest guitarists - Randy Rhoads. For anyone interested in the Ozzy Osbourne experience, Rudy's book is the perfect addition to your bookshelf. --T.R. Mills

About the Author

Rudy Sarzo has been a professional recording and performing bass player worldwide for over 25 years. As a member of Ozzy Osbourne's band, Rudy toured the world in support of the Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman records. He can be heard on Ozzy s multi-million selling albums Tribute and Speak of the Devil, with the latter available on both CD and DVD. As a member of Quiet Riot, Rudy recorded the multi-platinum albums Metal Health, the first Heavy Metal debut to reach #1 on the Billboard charts, and & Condition Critical. Rudy headlines worldwide tours, appeared on numerous MTV music videos and was voted the #1 Bassist in Circus Magazine. Rudy also appeared on VH1's Quiet Riot - Behind the Music. Quiet Riot Live in The 21st Century was released on DVD shortly after the group disbanded. With Whitesnake, Rudy performed on the multi-platinum album Slip of the Tongue while touring worldwide in support of the multiplatinum 1987 and Slip of the Tongue albums. During this time, he appeared in 6 MTV music videos. In February of 2004, Rudy joined Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force for the U.S. 30-city Attack Tour and also became a member of the multi-platinum Heavy Metal group DIO with whom he has been touring worldwide since. When not touring with DIO, Rudy plays with Blue Öyster Cult. Rudy s recordings with these artists have sold over 30 million copies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: TOO SMART! Publishing (September 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097969289X
• ISBN-13: 978-0979692895
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (135 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to Put Down, November 15, 2006

By 

Renee Killam (Orlando, Fla.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Off The Rails (Paperback)

I started reading this book the moment it came in the mail and could not put it down. It was an incredible book!! Rudy real brought to life what it is like to be on the road for the reader. There were parts of the book where I was laughing and parts where I was crying and Rudy shared the loss of a wonderful friend. Rudy is truly a talented writer.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm so glad this book has finally been published!, November 12, 2006

By 

Sheryl A. Sussman (Southern CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Off The Rails (Paperback)

Many thanks to Rudy for writing this book. We FINALLY have a more difinitive account of the Randy Rhoads era from someone who was actually there. I also enjoyed the insight that Rudy gives us into his own experiences, as well as what it was like around the Osbournes. The book is an easy read. I would have read it in one night if I'd had enough time! This is a must have for all Randy Rhoads fans. I also recommend it for anyone interested in getting a glimpse into the world of rock and roll.

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE REAL STORY!, October 21, 2006

By 

Robbie Robfogel "Razor" (Huntington Beach, Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Off The Rails (Paperback)

Since I have the honor of actually working with Rudy Sarzo, I have had an opportunity to read this book, and it is without a doubt true rock and roll and heavy metal history. Rudy takes us thru the bullet train that was the original OZZY touring band with himself Randy Rhoads, Tommy Aldridge and Ozzy. The stories are captivating and to the point. You start to feel as if you are there on tour with the band. When reading this book you will find yourself laughing, having moments of astonishment at what you are reading, crying and cheering. A true perspective of what took place in one of the legendary metal bands that created the genre. If your a Randy Rhoads fan, this is the book that you have been waiting for! This book is a must read for any lover of Rock N Roll and Heavy Metal history! A 5 star read for sure!