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.

Gary Holt has always been a maestro on the guitar. I have been listening to his shredding riffs for as long as I can remember. I was so excited when I was approved for this, and it did not disappoint. Being able to follow Gary every step of his career and learn so much about everything he went through and what it took to achieve his goals, and his determination to reach the pinnacle just adds another layer of respect for a man that already has so much of it from me

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for granting me access.

A Fabulous Disaster is a raw, high-voltage ride through the life and career of thrash metal legend Gary Holt. From the chaotic early days of Exodus to stepping into Slayer’s ranks, Holt pulls no punches in recounting the triumphs, tragedies, and absolute mayhem of his journey. The book is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, unfiltered honesty, and a genuine passion for the music that defined a genre. Fans of thrash metal, band memoirs, and rock ‘n’ roll war stories will devour this one. Holt’s voice is as fierce on the page as it is on stage, making this an essential read for metalheads and music lovers alike.