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

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.

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.

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!