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A Fabulous Disaster: From the Garage to Madison Square Garden, the Hard Way
From prolific metal guitarist and songwriter for Exodus (and formerly Slayer) Gary Holt comes an entertaining and deeply personal memoir of Holt's "destruction-laden" life, along with a firsthand account of the genesis of the Thrash Metal scene, from its origins in the Bay Area to its world domination
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 with every passing year. As the guitarist and primary songwriter of Exodus, and as 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' 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. Holt's "destruction-laden farce" follows our narrator through the highest of highs and lowest of lows as he and his bandmates juggle major label contracts, MTV-sponsored tours and festivals, growing addictions to alcohol and meth, and the loss of key founding 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 dissolution of his creative prospects. Ultimately, after the tragic death of one of his closest friends and former bandmates—Holt decides that enough is enough and realizes the only one who can save him is himself. Newly sober and determined to resurrect his career, he commits himself to Exodus, pushing the band to new heights. He then joins Slayer, one of metal’s biggest bands, and plays massive venues around the world, including Madison Square Garden. After Slayer’s unexpected retirement, Holt devotes his attention full-time to Exodus once again, recording and playing with more passion than ever before.
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.
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 with every passing year. As the guitarist and primary songwriter of Exodus, and as 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' 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. Holt's "destruction-laden farce" follows our narrator through the highest of highs and lowest of lows as he and his bandmates juggle major label contracts, MTV-sponsored tours and festivals, growing addictions to alcohol and meth, and the loss of key founding 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 dissolution of his creative prospects. Ultimately, after the tragic death of one of his closest friends and former bandmates—Holt decides that enough is enough and realizes the only one who can save him is himself. Newly sober and determined to resurrect his career, he commits himself to Exodus, pushing the band to new heights. He then joins Slayer, one of metal’s biggest bands, and plays massive venues around the world, including Madison Square Garden. After Slayer’s unexpected retirement, Holt devotes his attention full-time to Exodus once again, recording and playing with more passion than ever before.
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2025
26 people are currently reading
2459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 6, 2025
Started it last night, finished it today!! ‘A Fabulous Disaster’ by Gary Holt. If you’re a fan of thrash or metal in general this is a read for you! If you’re a fan a good old honest autobiography, with all the warts of life and loads of decency and heart, this books for you! I’m so happy for my friend that he was able to put his life to this point onto paper. He’s an amazing dude, husband, father, grandfather, and yes crushing riff master thrash metal guitar god!!!
May 9, 2025
Just a bit of background for context: aside from the occasional Metallica track, I didn’t grow up listening to thrash metal. I’ve heard of the bands, and some songs sound familiar when I hear them, but that’s about it. My husband’s a bit more in the know - there was that one time we found ourselves at a Judas Priest concert, though I was completely out of place in my outfit choice. So when I got my copy of this book, I’ll admit I wondered if I’d be able to get through it.
But here’s the thing: I have a deep appreciation for music of all kinds - and I love a good memoir. I was curious to learn how this genre came to life, especially since it was unfolding in real time while I was growing up - it’s not exactly ancient history for me. And my opinion of the book at the beginning? Completely different from how I felt by the end.
At first, it was rough. Somewhere during Part One, I actually looked up the book’s rating (without reading any reviews) and was shocked to see how high it was. I definitely assumed it was just a bunch of his buddies throwing down five stars. I felt in over my head with all the references to bands, songs, and people. There was a lot of “greatest band/song/guy ever” energy, and I struggled to find the story between the lines. This is at no fault of the author - it might just be that I don’t have the same connection as those who fully immersed themselves in that scene. For diehard fans, Part One probably feels like a high school reunion and will love catching up with everyone through Gary Holt. It might feel epic and I can totally see how that would be reminiscent. For me, what stood out was Gary Holt himself. He comes across as someone who genuinely loves people, is loyal from his core, and wants to see others succeed. That’s what kept me reading - I wanted him to succeed too.
And then came Part Two and Three.
This is where the book really takes off. I couldn’t put it down, and by the end, I was honestly blown away by how much I loved it. One of my signs of a great book is when I can’t stop talking about it - or recommending it - and this one made the cut.
There’s a lot of self-reflection in these later sections that made Gary even more likable. He takes ownership of his actions and speaks with humility, even when comparing Exodus to bands like Metallica or Slayer. It didn’t feel like competition - it felt like honesty. And when he spoke about his talent, it was clear he knew he was good, but without ego. I was genuinely happy for him when he stepped into his role with Slayer. He got to live out a dream without the added pressure of holding the band together. It was music, pure and simple.
Beneath the wild stories and musical moments, this is really a book about intention, manifestation, and growth. I felt oddly proud of Gary Holt for saying yes to the opportunities that let him experience the touring life he’d always wanted with Exodus - and for doing it in a way that still showed consideration towards his roots with his original band. That kind of selflessness stuck with me.
By the end, I wasn’t just impressed with the story - I was impressed with the writing. Gary Holt isn’t just a killer guitarist; he’s a damn good writer. This is one of the best-written memoirs I’ve read in a long time. And yes, I take back all my early doubts about the high ratings - he earned every one of them.
Final thoughts: If you’re like me and struggle to connect with the first part of the book, don’t give up on it. It’s absolutely worth sticking with. And to Gary Holt himself - Fuck Yeah, YOU DID IT. That brilliant cover photo says it all.
Overall rating - 4.6
***Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an Advanced Readers Copy I won from a Goodreads Giveaway***
But here’s the thing: I have a deep appreciation for music of all kinds - and I love a good memoir. I was curious to learn how this genre came to life, especially since it was unfolding in real time while I was growing up - it’s not exactly ancient history for me. And my opinion of the book at the beginning? Completely different from how I felt by the end.
At first, it was rough. Somewhere during Part One, I actually looked up the book’s rating (without reading any reviews) and was shocked to see how high it was. I definitely assumed it was just a bunch of his buddies throwing down five stars. I felt in over my head with all the references to bands, songs, and people. There was a lot of “greatest band/song/guy ever” energy, and I struggled to find the story between the lines. This is at no fault of the author - it might just be that I don’t have the same connection as those who fully immersed themselves in that scene. For diehard fans, Part One probably feels like a high school reunion and will love catching up with everyone through Gary Holt. It might feel epic and I can totally see how that would be reminiscent. For me, what stood out was Gary Holt himself. He comes across as someone who genuinely loves people, is loyal from his core, and wants to see others succeed. That’s what kept me reading - I wanted him to succeed too.
And then came Part Two and Three.
This is where the book really takes off. I couldn’t put it down, and by the end, I was honestly blown away by how much I loved it. One of my signs of a great book is when I can’t stop talking about it - or recommending it - and this one made the cut.
There’s a lot of self-reflection in these later sections that made Gary even more likable. He takes ownership of his actions and speaks with humility, even when comparing Exodus to bands like Metallica or Slayer. It didn’t feel like competition - it felt like honesty. And when he spoke about his talent, it was clear he knew he was good, but without ego. I was genuinely happy for him when he stepped into his role with Slayer. He got to live out a dream without the added pressure of holding the band together. It was music, pure and simple.
Beneath the wild stories and musical moments, this is really a book about intention, manifestation, and growth. I felt oddly proud of Gary Holt for saying yes to the opportunities that let him experience the touring life he’d always wanted with Exodus - and for doing it in a way that still showed consideration towards his roots with his original band. That kind of selflessness stuck with me.
By the end, I wasn’t just impressed with the story - I was impressed with the writing. Gary Holt isn’t just a killer guitarist; he’s a damn good writer. This is one of the best-written memoirs I’ve read in a long time. And yes, I take back all my early doubts about the high ratings - he earned every one of them.
Final thoughts: If you’re like me and struggle to connect with the first part of the book, don’t give up on it. It’s absolutely worth sticking with. And to Gary Holt himself - Fuck Yeah, YOU DID IT. That brilliant cover photo says it all.
Overall rating - 4.6
***Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an Advanced Readers Copy I won from a Goodreads Giveaway***
July 8, 2025
I pre-ordered a signed copy of this one to add to my shelf next to Marty, Dave, and James. The difference in Gary's story is one of perseverance. Upon taking the reigns of Exodus after Kirk Hammett left to join Metallica, Gary Holt carried the flag at the forefront of the thrash movement. As the other ("Big Four") bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax found nearly mainstream success, Gary found bad-timing, poor management, lineup-instability, and ultimately addiction hindering his band's success.
Gary is honest about his own shortcomings, personal failures, and poor choices while maintaining the energy and enthusiasm for his music, confidently (and truthfully) detailing how they would continually "blow the headlining bands off the stage" as they mostly maintained the status of an opening act. I believe him.
Through the highs and lows, Gary found a spotlight as the fill-in for Jeff Hanneman in Slayer, before becoming his permanent touring replacement after Jeff's death. This success has also exposed Exodus to a larger fanbase as he played in front of several hundred thousand people on Slayer's farewell tour, and the Exodus shows I have been to recently have had a great turnout.
It is a little bittersweet as the book comes to completion as "Zetro" has been embraced solidly back into the Exodus fold, and then was fired after publication to re-recruit Rob Dukes. I have seen Exodus six (?) times in the last ten years and gotta say that the last two shows with Rob exceeded the previous shows with Zetro. (That's only a matter of opinion and dispute.)
I would recommend this to any metal fan, music nerd, or fan of Gary/Slayer/Exodus.
Gary is honest about his own shortcomings, personal failures, and poor choices while maintaining the energy and enthusiasm for his music, confidently (and truthfully) detailing how they would continually "blow the headlining bands off the stage" as they mostly maintained the status of an opening act. I believe him.
Through the highs and lows, Gary found a spotlight as the fill-in for Jeff Hanneman in Slayer, before becoming his permanent touring replacement after Jeff's death. This success has also exposed Exodus to a larger fanbase as he played in front of several hundred thousand people on Slayer's farewell tour, and the Exodus shows I have been to recently have had a great turnout.
It is a little bittersweet as the book comes to completion as "Zetro" has been embraced solidly back into the Exodus fold, and then was fired after publication to re-recruit Rob Dukes. I have seen Exodus six (?) times in the last ten years and gotta say that the last two shows with Rob exceeded the previous shows with Zetro. (That's only a matter of opinion and dispute.)
I would recommend this to any metal fan, music nerd, or fan of Gary/Slayer/Exodus.
January 31, 2026
Exodus are an interesting band. They were one of the bands instrumental in the Bay Area Thrash Meta scene of the eighties but they never reached the same heights of success as their contemporaries (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax). I often wondered why? Bonded by Blood is one of the best Thrash Meta albums from that era but they were never recognised as much as the other bands.
Guitarist Gary Holt explains all in this really fascinating and engaging autobiography about his life and the band’s infamy. It’s a tale of self-destruction and rebuilding what is left. Holt writes with honesty and a passion for his craft that I truly enjoyed and connected with. From his humble beginnings to a sold out Madison Square Garden with Slayer, Holt tells it how it was and most admirable admits his own mistakes and shortcomings. His struggles with addiction and life after a band breaks up give a humanity to the thrash giant that many autobiographies struggle to do.
This is definitely not a book for everyone. If you are not familiar with or do not have an interested in Heavy Meta music, this might be a skip for you. But if you want to learn about one of the most underrated guitarists and bands from the San Francisco Bay Area, you can’t really go wrong here.
Guitarist Gary Holt explains all in this really fascinating and engaging autobiography about his life and the band’s infamy. It’s a tale of self-destruction and rebuilding what is left. Holt writes with honesty and a passion for his craft that I truly enjoyed and connected with. From his humble beginnings to a sold out Madison Square Garden with Slayer, Holt tells it how it was and most admirable admits his own mistakes and shortcomings. His struggles with addiction and life after a band breaks up give a humanity to the thrash giant that many autobiographies struggle to do.
This is definitely not a book for everyone. If you are not familiar with or do not have an interested in Heavy Meta music, this might be a skip for you. But if you want to learn about one of the most underrated guitarists and bands from the San Francisco Bay Area, you can’t really go wrong here.
April 27, 2025
Gary Holt’s story is an inspiring account of his journey through thrash metal history. While he is undoubtedly among the most important pioneers of thrash, he is also that genre’s “everyman.” Holt lacks the ego and pretense that have come to define a few of his more famous contemporaries. Like all of us fans, he has regrets and made mistakes - many of which he recounts in this book. Unlike the rest of us earthlings, he has created some of the most impressive guitar riffs in thrash metal history. For that alone he deserves a place on the Mount Rushmore of Metal!
One cannot separate Gary’s story from that of his band, Exodus. He has been the heart and soul of Exodus since nearly the beginning. Although not technically a founding member, it is hard to believe that Exodus would have continued to exist after Kirk Hammett’s departure without Gary Holt’s drive and vision. Personally, I prefer Exodus over Metallica (Hammett’s destination when he left), and that is mainly because Gary and the boys have remained 100% true to their thrash roots while Metallica have grown into a global phenomenon. I don’t blame them for that. But while Exodus have involved in interesting ways too, they still carry that raw, unadulterated aggression that harkens back to the old days. That is what I love.
The side stories contained in this saga are incredible. The memories of the late Paul Baloff loom large, as does Gary’s stint with SLAYER. In the background are all the other icons of that early period of Bay Area thrash — You’ll find pretty much all of them here.
Overall, this is one of my two favorite books about the genre of music that I love so much. In large part, that is because of Gary Holt’s genuine nature and attitude towards life. And, of course, he is still thrashing today! We are lucky to have existed in this earth at the same time as him and his music.
One cannot separate Gary’s story from that of his band, Exodus. He has been the heart and soul of Exodus since nearly the beginning. Although not technically a founding member, it is hard to believe that Exodus would have continued to exist after Kirk Hammett’s departure without Gary Holt’s drive and vision. Personally, I prefer Exodus over Metallica (Hammett’s destination when he left), and that is mainly because Gary and the boys have remained 100% true to their thrash roots while Metallica have grown into a global phenomenon. I don’t blame them for that. But while Exodus have involved in interesting ways too, they still carry that raw, unadulterated aggression that harkens back to the old days. That is what I love.
The side stories contained in this saga are incredible. The memories of the late Paul Baloff loom large, as does Gary’s stint with SLAYER. In the background are all the other icons of that early period of Bay Area thrash — You’ll find pretty much all of them here.
Overall, this is one of my two favorite books about the genre of music that I love so much. In large part, that is because of Gary Holt’s genuine nature and attitude towards life. And, of course, he is still thrashing today! We are lucky to have existed in this earth at the same time as him and his music.
January 2, 2026
Even though I’m only vaguely familiar with thrash-metal icons, Exodus, Gary Holt’s book caught my attention when I was looking over the latest non-fiction releases at Barnes and Noble. While others in the thrash metal community, such as the Big Four (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax), went on to become superstars, Gary Holt and his band struggled to make it financially and also were their own worst enemies at times. It didn’t help that the marketing, the record labels, or just flat-out poor decision-making made it seem like they were moving one step forward and two steps back.
In many ways, even though Gary Holt is well-respected and iconic in the thrash metal community, he never really made it big like the rest of his contemporaries. As a matter of fact, at various points in his life and career, he’s been a roofer, he cleaned up RVs, and also worked in construction when the band was not making music or struggling financially.
I couldn’t put his book down the minute I started reading it. He’s incredibly honest, vulnerable, down-to-earth, and forthright about his shortcomings as well as his successes. It’s a remarkable read and he’s a very likable guy with a writing style that pops off the page. He also discusses his eight-year stint in Slayer. Gary is a one-of-a-kind storyteller, and I loved his book.
If you are a fan of thrash metal, this one comes highly recommended. He’s able to poke fun at himself (from riffing to roofing) and speak candidly about other bands without trashing them or sounding bitter.
In many ways, even though Gary Holt is well-respected and iconic in the thrash metal community, he never really made it big like the rest of his contemporaries. As a matter of fact, at various points in his life and career, he’s been a roofer, he cleaned up RVs, and also worked in construction when the band was not making music or struggling financially.
I couldn’t put his book down the minute I started reading it. He’s incredibly honest, vulnerable, down-to-earth, and forthright about his shortcomings as well as his successes. It’s a remarkable read and he’s a very likable guy with a writing style that pops off the page. He also discusses his eight-year stint in Slayer. Gary is a one-of-a-kind storyteller, and I loved his book.
If you are a fan of thrash metal, this one comes highly recommended. He’s able to poke fun at himself (from riffing to roofing) and speak candidly about other bands without trashing them or sounding bitter.
August 5, 2025
Could not put this down. Very well written and so interesting!! Being in the Boston Metal scene back in the 80's and even seeing the original Exodus lineup at Celebrations in Boston in 1985, I could relate to so much in this book. Can't wait to hear what's next from Gary Holt!
May 2, 2025
Amazing
November 27, 2025
I don't know what else to say besides this book absolutely rocks. It really felt like Gary Holt was here next to me while reading it. Exodus absolutely is amazing and I've gained a whole new appreciation for their discography.
April 29, 2025
Exactly like being told a story from a metal head, complete with an over abundance of "dude"s and F-bombs.
April 20, 2025
What a phenomenal, fantastic book. it is true. Gary Holt is one awesome story teller. I am half way through it as I write this review, but I am loving the book so much that I couldn't wait to mark it as finished and rate it. probably gonna read it quite a few times over the years. you have to be a pretty big thrash metal and specially Exodus fan to fully grasp everything that Gary talks about. you have to know all the bands and members that he talks about and if you were there every step of the way with every album, then you fully understand each songs and the history of the band. I can't recommend it enough. it is such a fun book to read. I am half way through , probably gonna finish it in 48 hours or less.
April 26, 2025
insightful look into a band I've been listening to since the 80s
April 21, 2025
Absolutely brilliant. Gary Holt as well as being a top notch guitarist he is also a wicked story teller will read this book over and over in the coming years
April 14, 2025
I could not put it down. I felt like I was listening to him tell his story backstage in a lounge. I was riveted. I have been a fan of his for a long time. I am a bigger fan after reading this book. Must read for any musician or metal head!!
April 14, 2025
Thrash legend
Gary gives his story warts and all. As a lifelong fan it took me way back to the thrash scene in the 80's through the present. Good read
Gary gives his story warts and all. As a lifelong fan it took me way back to the thrash scene in the 80's through the present. Good read
May 26, 2025
Świetnie napisana biografia, wydaje się być uczciwie napisana - autor nie obwinia innych o porażki, często sam się przyznaje do swoich błędów i patrzy krytycznie na swoje zachowania.
Z minusów - momentami książka jest po prostu chronologiczną listą tras - najpierw pojechaliśmy tu, potem tam, a jeszcze później gdzie indziej. Zabrakło mi też informacji o tym, z czego Gary się utrzymywał w momencie kiedy nie utrzymywał się z muzyki albo grał mało koncertów - była informacja o dwóch dorywczych pracach (jedno z Zetro, druga przy sprzątaniu RV), ale w zasadzie nie wiadomo z czego muzyk żył przez większość czasu i jak wyglądało jego życie poza próbami i koncertami. Zabrakło mi też trochę technikaliów odnośnie sprzętu - gitar, wzmacniaczy itp. Bardzo szybko przeskoczył też od "Shovel-Headed..." aż do "Exhibit B".
Gary z lekką megalomanią wypowiada się o "ciężarze" i "agresji" w swojej muzyce oraz o tym, że Exodus jest w stanie zmieść ze sceny każdy, czy prawie każdy zespół, ale jako lider i główny koń pociągowy tego zespołu nie powinien chyba myśleć inaczej, tym bardziej że to zapis jego subiektywnych doświadczeń, konfrontację z faktami zostawmy historykom.
Dużym plusem jest indeks na końcu - jeśli będę chciał sobie przypomnieć co się działo podczas nagrywania którejś płyty łatwo będzie do tego wrócić.
Generalnie polecam każdemu fanowi thrash metalu.
Z minusów - momentami książka jest po prostu chronologiczną listą tras - najpierw pojechaliśmy tu, potem tam, a jeszcze później gdzie indziej. Zabrakło mi też informacji o tym, z czego Gary się utrzymywał w momencie kiedy nie utrzymywał się z muzyki albo grał mało koncertów - była informacja o dwóch dorywczych pracach (jedno z Zetro, druga przy sprzątaniu RV), ale w zasadzie nie wiadomo z czego muzyk żył przez większość czasu i jak wyglądało jego życie poza próbami i koncertami. Zabrakło mi też trochę technikaliów odnośnie sprzętu - gitar, wzmacniaczy itp. Bardzo szybko przeskoczył też od "Shovel-Headed..." aż do "Exhibit B".
Gary z lekką megalomanią wypowiada się o "ciężarze" i "agresji" w swojej muzyce oraz o tym, że Exodus jest w stanie zmieść ze sceny każdy, czy prawie każdy zespół, ale jako lider i główny koń pociągowy tego zespołu nie powinien chyba myśleć inaczej, tym bardziej że to zapis jego subiektywnych doświadczeń, konfrontację z faktami zostawmy historykom.
Dużym plusem jest indeks na końcu - jeśli będę chciał sobie przypomnieć co się działo podczas nagrywania którejś płyty łatwo będzie do tego wrócić.
Generalnie polecam każdemu fanowi thrash metalu.
May 11, 2025
Brutally candid (and hilarious) book by the legendary guitarist of Exodus and hired gun for Slayer.
Exodus was a pioneer in thrash, but a combination of bad luck, bad timing, bad business decisions, line-up changes, and drug addiction kept them from reaching their potential. Super easy read, and written in a very casual and engaging style. I've met Gary before and the book really matches his personality.
He name drops (in a good way) a ton of bands, and fills in some gaps in metal history. He is very open about his past drug addiction and other mistakes, and really provides insights into his true self.
Great book, no complaints except I wish it had been a little longer and gone into more details on his relationships with other bands.
Exodus was a pioneer in thrash, but a combination of bad luck, bad timing, bad business decisions, line-up changes, and drug addiction kept them from reaching their potential. Super easy read, and written in a very casual and engaging style. I've met Gary before and the book really matches his personality.
He name drops (in a good way) a ton of bands, and fills in some gaps in metal history. He is very open about his past drug addiction and other mistakes, and really provides insights into his true self.
Great book, no complaints except I wish it had been a little longer and gone into more details on his relationships with other bands.
June 16, 2025
Gary Holt is undeniably heavy metal legend, a fact he doesn’t mind pointing out in this exceptionally entertaining biography. And the plaudits are all well-deserved - his band Exodus were pioneers in the burgeoning thrash movement, taking speed, aggression, and precision to heights previously only imagined.
However, he is also humble enough to honestly discuss his failings as well as his successes. Holt is brutally honest while discussing the substance abuse and other personal issues that hampered his career.
He is also clearly a loving family man, a fact borne out by his frequent mention of his supportive family, his children, and even his grandchildren.
Packed full of delightful anecdotes of his time with Exodus and Slayer, and of his interaction with other metal legends like Metallica and Anthrax, and of playing to 10 people in a tiny venue, this is a must-ready for fans of Holt, Exodus, or just rock music in general.
However, he is also humble enough to honestly discuss his failings as well as his successes. Holt is brutally honest while discussing the substance abuse and other personal issues that hampered his career.
He is also clearly a loving family man, a fact borne out by his frequent mention of his supportive family, his children, and even his grandchildren.
Packed full of delightful anecdotes of his time with Exodus and Slayer, and of his interaction with other metal legends like Metallica and Anthrax, and of playing to 10 people in a tiny venue, this is a must-ready for fans of Holt, Exodus, or just rock music in general.
August 19, 2025
Thank you Hachette Books | Da Capo for allowing me to read and review A Fabulous Disaster on NetGalley.
Published: 04/01/25
Stars: 3
My standard memoir rating is three stars unless I am deeply affected. I don't fact check and I don't want to rate on the emotional tone of the writing. With that said Holt surprised me. Time and time again his story felt sincere. He appeared humble. I love the respect he showed to all the people he mentioned and spoke on. The list of those I hope are resting peacefully choked me up.
No surprise there is a lot of swearing -- F words and worse. This limits me from recommending. The story could be beautifully told without the foul language.
I felt good when I finished. His love and thirst for life resonates throughout the pages.
Published: 04/01/25
Stars: 3
My standard memoir rating is three stars unless I am deeply affected. I don't fact check and I don't want to rate on the emotional tone of the writing. With that said Holt surprised me. Time and time again his story felt sincere. He appeared humble. I love the respect he showed to all the people he mentioned and spoke on. The list of those I hope are resting peacefully choked me up.
No surprise there is a lot of swearing -- F words and worse. This limits me from recommending. The story could be beautifully told without the foul language.
I felt good when I finished. His love and thirst for life resonates throughout the pages.
September 28, 2025
The guy told his story straight out and honestly…”warts and all” as they say…how do you not give that five stars? I might also be biased because he’s a bay area guy (like me) born the same year I was, obsessed with dinosaurs as a kid and wanted to be a paleontologist (like I wanted to)….but…he went into music…and I went into comics and stuff like that.
I really love stories like this…about people who live through ups and downs…good decisions and bad…fortune and misfortune…and he puts it all out there.
He’s also justifiably proud of his many, many accomplishments. So…he may be humble and realistic….but…also it’s great to see him aware of , and getting recognition for, all the incredible things he’s done and enjoying the good things whole heartedly !…..it’s a cool balance.
I really love stories like this…about people who live through ups and downs…good decisions and bad…fortune and misfortune…and he puts it all out there.
He’s also justifiably proud of his many, many accomplishments. So…he may be humble and realistic….but…also it’s great to see him aware of , and getting recognition for, all the incredible things he’s done and enjoying the good things whole heartedly !…..it’s a cool balance.
July 9, 2025
A Raw, Honest Look at Thrash Metal History
I really enjoyed this book. As someone from the East Coast and about 7–10 years younger than most of the band members, I unfortunately missed the Bay Area thrash scene in its prime. This book helped fill in a lot of those gaps with vivid detail and insight. It also dives deep into Exodus’ rough and often chaotic journey—warts and all—and provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at what it was like for Gary to step in for the late Jeff Hanneman (RIP) in Slayer. Highly recommended for fans of thrash metal, music history, or anyone interested in the grit behind the glory.
I really enjoyed this book. As someone from the East Coast and about 7–10 years younger than most of the band members, I unfortunately missed the Bay Area thrash scene in its prime. This book helped fill in a lot of those gaps with vivid detail and insight. It also dives deep into Exodus’ rough and often chaotic journey—warts and all—and provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at what it was like for Gary to step in for the late Jeff Hanneman (RIP) in Slayer. Highly recommended for fans of thrash metal, music history, or anyone interested in the grit behind the glory.
December 29, 2025
Such a fun read! Gary Holt its extremely down to earth and talks about both the highs and lows of his life. As an Exodus fan, it was interesting getting to know about the details of how some records and songs got created/recorded, and when I read about all the crazy, rowdy stuff the guys did, especially in their early days, I had fun as it almost felt like I was party of it- my favorite is when they put dumbbells or something between the top and bottom bunks of their tour bus' beds so that the dumbbells would go flying at people as the bus moved - genius!
July 18, 2025
I grew up on 80s thrash metal and it's been a constant and important part of my life. Holt is one of the originators, in a band who perhaps never got their due, certainly in comparison to some of the real big hitters in the scene, and this honest and forthright read sheds some light on why. An engaging read for anyone interested in the music scene, but particularly those who like things a bit noisy.
June 24, 2025
Gary Holt was one of my first guitar heroes growing up, so this was an obvious purchase when I saw it. Thrash is one of my favorite genres of music, so any stories of the early days are right up my alley and this has plenty of them. Basically, this gave me all I wanted from it: cool stories from bands I love, a lot of dirt and a true underdog story. 5/5 would recommend if you like metal.
August 3, 2025
Review A Fabulous Disaster by Gary Holt with Adem Tepedelen. This book surprised me. I didn’t think it would have really interested me. But I was wrong, even though I am not a fan of Trash Metal this book was a great read. Gary is very honest and tells us a great story. I really suggest if you like autobiographical books then pick this one up it won’t disappoint .
April 28, 2025
A great read for those interested in the history of Exodus, or the birth of thrash metal. Gary's voice is passionate and easy to read, and it's great to hear about the ups and downs in Exodus (and Slayer). He also seems like a nice bloke who's honest about past demons. Recommended!
May 21, 2025
Gary Holt tentang dirinya dan Exodus. Perjuangan dengan segala tantangan dan kesulitan serta akibat hidup dan menjalani peran “rock star”. Siapa sangka Slayer kemudian akan berperan mengangkat Exodus ke level atas lagi. Itulah peran teman.
May 31, 2025
I was blessed to become a teenager in California in the ‘80s. I was amazed by this book. Not only was it a heartfelt and very personal account of this thrash titan’s life, but I was matching it against the events in my (thrash fan’s) own life for much of the book.
June 1, 2025
I was a casual Exodus fan and didn’t know much about Gary but after reading this I have a new appreciation for the band. I couldn’t put the book down. I listened to the autobook version and finished it in 2 weeks. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes metal even a little bit.
June 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this. I am a big Exodus and Slayer fan, and of course a fan of Gary Holt in general. What a talent and seems like a good guy. His passion for Thrash and dedication to the genre are clear in this book. Highly recommended for any fan.
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