This week, I got a copy of the “collector’s edition” of Rudy Sarzo’s (Dio, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne, Yngwie Malmsteen) book Off The Rails – Aboard The Crazy Train in the Blizzard of Ozz. The book is billed as “a tribute to Randy Rhoads” and indeed, that is exactly what it is. So often, books of this nature end up being more about the person writing the book, and lose focus of the supposed main subject.

As I began reading Off The Rails, I was happy to see that indeed, the book is an in-depth look into the short-but-legendary career of Rhoads, which tragically ended in a 1982 plane crash.

Originally issued in 2006, Off The Rails is must-read stuff for fans of Randy Rhoads and Ozzy Osbourne. Sarzo does a great job of covering Rhoads’ career in the beginning with Quiet Riot, and subsequent rise to fame as a member of Osbourne’s band, “Blizzard of Ozz.” Off The Rails also charts the beginnings of Ozzy and Sharon’s relationship, her contributions to his career, and paints vivid pictures of all of the famous Ozzy incidents you remember.

From biting heads off of bats to urinating on the Alamo, all of the stories are captured with vivid detail in Off The Rails. Sarzo’s first-person account of the time period comes from diaries that were kept at the request of his accountant for tax purposes.

According to Sarzo, the new edition of Off The Rails includes more pictures throughout the book, and a 16 page glossy photo spread from photographer Ross Halfin.

And without a doubt, the new edition is very sharp, and though I didn’t see the original edition of this book, I can tell you that Halfin’s photos are typically excellent and really add a visual element to the overall reading experience that helps to put you in the moment of some of the stories that you’re reading about.

At roughly 260 pages, Off The Rails was a page turner that I couldn’t put down, and I quickly finished it over a three day period (okay, maybe I put it down a few times!) It’s interesting that Sharon Osbourne allegedly made an effort to keep this book from coming out.

Even with drug use and the occasional violent episode, Sarzo still paints what I view to be an overly positive picture of both Ozzy and Sharon. Certainly, there are potentially multiple sides to any story and situation, but Off The Rails is likely the closest any of us will come to knowing what it was like to be on the road with Ozzy and Randy.

Bottom Line:

As I noted above, this is essential stuff for fans of Rhoads and Osbourne. Music fans that are in the mood for a good book with lots of tales of rock and roll debauchery will enjoy Off The Rails as well. Anyone with basic knowledge of Ozzy Osbourne will be aware, Ozzy can always be counted on to add unique humor to a wide variety of situations, both intentional and otherwise.

I think that Rudy Sarzo succeeded with his goal to clear the misinformation and bogus theories regarding Rhoads’ short life, career, and tragic death by writing this book. Of the many music-related books I’ve read, Off The Rails is one of the best yet.

Rudy Sarzo on KTLA-TV’s “Morning Show” on February 19, 2007 (video)

Ozzy Osbourne / Randy Rhoads – Suicide Solution (w/ guitar solo)

Relevant Links:

Rudy Sarzo’s official site

Purchase Off The Rails: Aboard The Crazy Train in the Blizzard of Ozz via Amazon

Purchase Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads Tribute – CD