A Fabulous Disaster

From the Garage to Madison Square Garden, the Hard Way

By: Gary Holt, Adem Tepedelen, Kirk Hammett - introduction

Narrated by: Nicholas Tecosky, Gary Holt, Kirk Hammett

From prolific metal guitarist and songwriter for Exodus (and formerly Slayer) Gary Holt comes a deeply personal memoir of his "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.

As the guitarist and primary songwriter of Exodus and one of the originators of heavy metal, 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 decisions.

A Fabulous Disaster 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. Ultimately, after the tragic death of one of his closest friends and former bandmates—Holt decides to save himself. Newly sober and determined to resurrect his career, he commits himself to Exodus, pushing the band to new heights.

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.

Critic reviews

“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

“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

“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

“Always savage, always inspiring, it was a great read. Couldn’t get off the shitter. Please send help.”—Jason Momoa, actor

“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

“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

“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

"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

Great stories for hard rock and metal guitar players and dads

Really liked the blending of real life issues associated with too much partying and inside baseball-guitar challenges, including the physical pains that develop over many years of really hard playing. I appreciate how Gary ended up playing alongside the best in the business while staying loyal to his homies with Exodus.

Good book

It's a good book it went fast I enjoyed it I will leave it in my library I wish I could share it with somebody

Holt is a lovable maniac

I’m a fan of Exodus and big listener of thrash metal. Hearing Gary’s story was really fun and at times sad. He may be a crazy head banger, but he’s also got a soft side.

its pretty good

it was pretty good, I think it may have been better with a different reader. overall a 3.5 out of 5.

Honest tale of Thrash metal history then and now

This is by far one of the best music autobiographies I’ve listened too or read… whether u are into thrash metal or not this is very interesting inspiring and easy listen ..Gary Holt is true American musical
Success story and pioneer of thrash metal ..I learned a lot from this book besides of lesson in the history of thrash metal .. his honesty about his drug addiction is worth listen alone .. he is well spoken and entertaining and no one else could tell this story accept him… obviously I loved it and u will do Get it 🔥🤘

Killer

Garys' story is pretty interesting, been a thrasher since the mid 80s and it was a tril down memory lane..

The honesty in the telling

If you are a fan of Thrash Metal this is a great look into its birth. It also show the gritty reality of being in a band that is revered worldwide yet somehow missed the fortune piece of fortune and fame. Well worth the read.

Parting the waters through the desert.

I loved Gary story, learned a lot about exodus, and I have even more respect for the fellas. 

Love these type of bio’s

Great book and the narrator even kinda sounds like Gary Holt.
Well written and love these type of Bio’s because it really sets the record straight on things that have been said or done supposedly and gives the Fan a real true inside look into the life and career of their idols or musicians they enjoy or look up to.

The quality of detail in stories and content topics

Great book! Huge Exodus / Slayer fan and huge Gary Holt fan! Hearing these stories and experiences is so awesome!