Customer Reviews

Off the Rails: Aboard the Crazy Train in the Blizzard of Ozz

5 star:		(95)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Great job by the author of reliving a truly historic era of hard rock. Well written, i easily finished the book in one sitting. The only drawback, is that it left me wishing for more details on Randy Rhoads instead of Ozzy's ignorance. As for Rhoads, almost 25 years later, its clear that the further we move away from his era and brilliance, the more obvious it is we'll never see the likes of him again. Great story, Great guitar player.

WOW. There are so many answered questions in this book, not only for fans of Randy Rhoads, but for anyone who is curious about the establishing years of Ozzy Osbourne as a solo artist. Rudy takes you from the excitement of auditioning for a major recording act (band), right on to the stage and a cross-continent tour during support of Ozzy's first two solo works - Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman. These were the formative years of a new high-energy rock that would eventually come to be known as heavy metal. Rudy shares the highs and lows, the funny times and the tragic times- and does so in a very genuine way that makes you feel like you were right there alongside them- as a member of the band. Probably most revealing for many will be Rudy's personal account of his experience on the day Randy Rhoads died in the plane crash.

Much praise and thanks to Rudy for bringing this book to light, even amidst intimidation from certain powers-that-be that were skeptical of Rudy's intent. Rudy tells a believeable, heart-felt and sincere story. One I believe to be truthful and perhaps somewhat of a weight lifted off his shoulders in answering the question so many have approached him with over the years... "What was it like to play with Randy Rhoads?"

Rudy did a good job on this book. In all fairness, there are a few grammar and typo opportunities to improve upon for the next revision, but none the reader will find too distracting in completing this fascinating story. Rudy's book has allowed Randy to live again, a treasure for those who never knew him. But for those of us fortunate enough to have seen Randy play in person, Rudy helps validate something we've always felt to be true, that Randy Rhoads was one of the "good guys:" a talented, funny, caring, passionate person and a great friend. 5 stars for Rudy.

Randy Rhoads lives. Rudy Sarzo's book is fun to read and full of information about Ozzy and Randy, but when it comes to himself I don't think Rudy told the whole truth: everyone did drugs but you? No account of your own sexploitation? Oh, come on, rudes!! Who are you kidding? You tell embarrassing stuff about everyone but yourself and that's VERY suspicious. Too self-serving, Rudy comes across as miss goody two shoes - Own up, bro!

Otherwise, this is a great book for Randy Rhoads fans.

If you love metal, Randy Rhoads, and Ozzy before he became a caricature of himself, you will absolutely love this book. Rudy Sarzo is such a likeable guy, and puts you right there during those first couple of Ozzy Osbourne solo tours - the ones where people like me fell in love with his music. Most importantly, though, is the loving tribute that Mr. Sarzo gives to Mr. Rhoads. Randy was such an amazing guitarist, and he seems to be largely ignored these days, outside of musicians and hardcore metal fans. I just loved this book, and read it cover to cover as soon as it came in the mail. Great job, Rudy Sarzo. Thanks so much for this book!

First off after reading the book you understand why Sharron Osborne wanted to check it out before it hit the streets. The book chronicles Sarzo's life from the phone call to join Ozzy's band to right before he left to join Quiet Riot going into great detail even including local reviews. The book also briefly touches on Rudy's childhood, Cuban roots and a recent reunion with The Osborne's.

While most of the book is focused on his relationship with guitar legend Randy Rhodes, Sarzo paints a vivid picture of life on the road warts and all of a then struggling band. Low attendance figures, canceled shows, and tight management were only part of the story. Ozzy at the time was dealing with serious depression issues stemming from drug and alcohol abuse, a crumbling marriage (and infatuation with then Sharron Arden) and living in the shadow of Black Sabbath and the financial ruin it was left in that led Osborne back on the road. It also focuses on Ozzy's relationship with Sharron, her struggles to keep him sober and the abuse she would sometimes suffer when he was drunk. It also shows Sharron's struggle and growth that would lead her to become one of the most powerful and feared managers in music,

But the book isn't all a downer. There are plenty of "road stories" to enjoy of gags and insight though personal conversations that shed like on who Randy, Ozzy and Sharon were. Also interesting are the stories of who crossed the tour including a then unknown Motley Crue, a pre-superstar Def Leppard and Girl whose members would go on to be in more famous bands.

But Rhodes is the center of the book and you don't have to be a musician to enjoy the insight the book provides of Randy's upbringing, rise to superstardom, his interaction with fans and the events that led to his all too early passing. Rudy treats this with great care giving us a rare insight of what it was like for the band, crew and even replacement guitarist Brad Gillis (who later went on to fame with Night Ranger) to carry on without him.

Even though a lot has been written about Rhodes in the 25 years since he passed this is the first book written from a fresh prospective with new insights and secrets. A must have for any rock fan. Personally I hope Sarzo kept a journal during his stint with Quiet Riot and Whitesnake and will plan on writing another book.

Having a young daughter who plays guitar in a very young band and plays so much of Ozzy with Randy Rhoads and not knowing much about who they were I have been quite enlightened. Rudy Sarzo not only tells a beautiful history he shared with Randy Rhoads but gives so much insight as to who Randy was. This book made me feel like I know all of these people. Having the privelidge to actually know the Rhoads family and meeting Tommy Aldridge and having some contact with Rudy on the computer has made it even more endearing. Rudy has brought Randy Rhoads into our time, he has shared some very private memories of his friend with us. He has also allowed us to know more about himself as well. The friendship he shared with Randy Rhoads is one of those once in a lifetime relationships that most of us never experience. Rudy, this is a wonderful book, I am so happy we have it and God Bless you for sharing it with the rest of us. I would recommend that anyone involved with music, or just having a wonderful friendship with another, read this book and treasure the moments you have during your lifetime.
Thank you Rudy, this was an amazing ride, thank you for taking us off the rails with you and Randy.
Lois

Finally a great first hand account of the Ozzy Osbourne/Randy Rhoads live 1981-1982 touring time. Rudy Sarzo was the bass player for Ozzy while Rhoads was in the band and this is Rudy's account of that historical time. He tells it to the point and the whole book is interesting.

I'm a huge Rhoads fan and this book definitely centers on him both as a great guitarist and as a regular fun loving guy. With that said, there is plenty of info about Ozzy and Rudy himself. So whether you're a fan of Randy, Ozzy, or Rudy, you should pick this great book up. There's nothing like it out there. Highly recommended!!