A Fabulous Disaster
From the Garage to Madison Square Garden, the Hard Way
Contributors
By Gary Holt
With Adem Tepedelen
Foreword by Kirk Hammett
Also available from:
- On Sale
- Apr 1, 2025
- Page Count
- 304 pages
- Publisher
- Da Capo
- ISBN-13
- 9780306834011
Since exploding out of the Bay Area heavy metal scene in the 1980s, thrash metal has made its way to every corner of the globe, conquering worldwide charts year after year. As the guitarist and primary songwriter of Exodus, and an originator of the subgenre and one of its fiercest proponents, Gary Holt watched as his peers—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax—soared to superstardom. As his fellow artists amassed millions of fans and record sales, Exodus’s albums received critical recognition and inspired generations of listeners but struggled to reach the same heights of success, as the band was plagued by years of bad management, bad luck, and bad decision-making.
In A FABULOUS DISASTER, Holt shares a deeply personal account of what it was like to “live fast, play fast, and crash hard” as thrash metal dominated the globe. Readers witness his highest of highs and lowest of lows as Holt and his bandmates juggle major label contracts, MTV-sponsored tours and festivals, growing addictions to alcohol and meth, and the departures of original members. In the throes of addiction, Holt’s own fall from grace is swift: one year he’s playing on the MTV Headbanger’s Ball Tour with Anthrax and Helloween, and the next he’s struggling to find minimum wage jobs as he battles drugs, divorce, and the impending collapse of his music career. Ultimately, after the tragic death of one of his closest friends and former bandmates—Holt realizes the only one who can save him is himself.
An “unadulterated odyssey through decades of insanity,” punctuated by Holt’s unique insight and knack for storytelling, A FABULOUS DISASTER is a thrill ride from start to finish. His story proves that redemption—even from the pits of rock ‘n’ roll excess—is always possible.
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“One of the first people I met in San Francisco, and my oldest friend in metal, we truly are blood brothers. I’ve always thought Gary was one of the best guitarists of the five bands: the Big 4 and Exodus. Actually, I was surprised he could spell! Love ya, Gary.”Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, author of Mustaine and Rust in Peace
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“A Fabulous Disaster is a harrowing, compelling and, hilarious read. Like Breaking Bad with riffs!"Scott Ian of Anthrax, author of I’m the Man and Access All Areas
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“What an amazing read. Gary has seen his share of the good, the bad, and the ugly in this business. And he’s one of the sweetest cats you’re ever gonna meet. Much Respect. Read on!”Rex Brown of Pantera, author of Official Truth, 101 Proof
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“Always savage, always inspiring, it was a great read. Couldn’t get off the shitter. Please send help.”Jason Momoa, actor
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“An epic tale of regrets, perseverance, and gratitude framed by a true love of the craft. A Fabulous Disaster is thrash metal’s Get in The Van, as told by one of the genre’s most beloved and respected pioneers. Holding nothing back, Gary candidly delivers his unique perspective of finding redemption through riffs.”Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance
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“An incredible book from a real Bay Area legend. I was hooked from the first paragraph. Gary’s one of the most authentic dudes out there. His book definitely proves that.”Lars Frederiksen of Rancid
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“I’m completely absorbed in this book right now—it’s impossible to put down. It’s not just the life story of one of thrash metal’s greatest icons, it’s also a detailed account of the birth and evolution of the entire genre. Gary Holt’s raw energy and insane talent have kept thrash alive and kicking for decades, cementing his status as a true pioneer. The guy’s an absolute legend, but what makes him stand out even more is how humble and genuine he is. I’m lucky to call him a friend.”Adam Nergal Darski of Behemoth, author of Confessions Of A Heretic
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"Gary is one of the most fiery and wickedly recognizable guitarists of thrash metal, and he was one of the first musicians to welcome me into the Bay Area when we debuted Megadeth there in 1984. He's a thrash metal OG—he's lived it, he helped build it, and his name is firmly on the door of our genre. This book is not for the faint of heart, as it tells it like it was, warts and all of a young man who learned the ropes of our business from the ground up and became a true superstar."David Ellefson, co-founder of Megadeth and author of My Life with Deth
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“It’s very rare to find someone in the music business so willing to expose themselves through vulnerability, humility, and purity of spirit in order to share their truth. Especially when that someone is a creator and pioneer of a history-changing musical genre that no one saw coming and is now impossible to deny. Gary Holt’s story is uncompromising and unique in its brutal honesty and willingness to display all of the warts and scars that ultimately lead to redemption. With an unmatched work ethic, he’s traversed the minefield of making (and not making) music for a living and all the triumphs and tragedies that go along with that, to ultimately find himself become the man he was always meant to be. I’ve always had mad respect for Gary as a musician and I’ve always really liked him as a person. Now I love him!”Dave “Snake” Sabo, Skid Row guitarist
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“One of the best books I’ve read in years from cover to cover I could not put it down. It’s a must read.”John 5, Mötley Crüe guitarist
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Price
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$40.00 CADFormat
Format:
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- ebook $15.99 $20.99 CAD
- Audiobook Download (Unabridged) $27.99
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