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AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll: The Ultimate Story of the World’s Greatest Rock-and-Roll Band
Over three decades and more than 150 million albums, AC/DC has established itself as much more than just a great rock band. For millions of fans spanning several generations across the world, they are an ear-bleedingly loud, sweat-soaked religion, courtesy of such classic albums as Highway to Hell and Back in Black . Now, in a book of astonishing breadth and scope, comes, for the very first time, the complete story of AC/DC. Everything you ever wanted to know and plenty more you never dreamt of is all here, the ultimate balls-out adventure, laced with sex, drunken escapades and brawls. It's a journey that started in the suburban Sydney, Australia, bedrooms of brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, boys who could wreak havoc with their guitars. Over their power chords were the lyrics and voice of Bon Scott, who would lead them higher and higher—until his tragic death in 1980. The bittersweet irony after his death was that not only did the Youngs manage to hold together without him, but the band's fortunes and status skyrocketed with his replacement, Brian Johnson, and the album Back in Black . Five long years in the making, AC/ Maximum Rock & Roll is sourced from more than 1,300 interviews the band has given over the past thirty years combined with in excess of 75 of the authors' own interviews with those who worked with AC/DC both in the studio and on the road—many of whom have never spoken about the band publicly. It's topped off with stunning, never-before-seen photos to create the ultimate portrait of the ultimate rock band.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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805 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 23, 2015
Came very close to quitting this one on a number of occasions, but I kept at it, since I wanted to read about the band. The book is not very well written and often I had to go back trying to figure out who was quoted or referred to. The band has obviously been very secretive towards press and public and the book is more or less an enormous amount of totally uninteresting, pointless anecdotes which the authors never puts into context, explains or theorizes about. The hard facts of dates, record sales, number of attendants to gigs and so on are there though, so I guess I won't have to pick up another book on the subject until some of the members or closest to them decides to tell the story.
April 26, 2009
All the singer from Newcastle knew was that a rock band in London was looking for a front man. it was guaranteed worthwhile to come down and audition. He borrowed money for a rental car and made the trip. Arriving at the address, he found some fellows playing pool and assumed they were the musicians—but they were just the crew. After 20 minutes the band’s manager came downstairs looking for him and summoned him up to the rehearsal room. Brian Johnson was stunned when he entered, asking, “Is this who I think it is?”
The one-of-a-kind singer and lyricist Bon Scott had died of acute alcohol poisoning a few weeks earlier, in February 1980. His ill-timed departure occurred not long after AC/DC had completed its “Highway to Hell” tour, which positioned the band at the pinnacle of international success. Now they had to re-forge their identity, come out with a new album, and hope their fans would accept the result. By April, Johnson was leaving his car roofing and windshield replacement business and for Compass Point Studios in Nassau, the Bahamas, with his new band mates, producer Mutt Lange, and engineer Tony Platt. What resulted from their labors was “Back in Black,” one of the most powerful rock records ever. The subsequent tour established Johnson with the group, a position he still holds 29 years later.
His audition episode arrives more than 300 pages into “AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll: The Ultimate Story of the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” Authors Murray Engleheart and Arnaud Durieux keep their comprehensive history trundling along well enough so that an American reader, such as this one, can make it that far. It must be remembered that until “Back in Black,” the outrageous band had received very little airplay in the U.S., so few of us knew the story through the first five studio albums and one live release. Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles dominated the airwaves, along with disco tracks like “Funkytown.” As Shane cleared out a frontier town, AC/DC arrived to clean up all that with catchy ditties like “Hell’s Bells.”
The authors do a fine job of portraying the band’s origins. Malcolm and younger brother Angus Young came from a close family in which an older brother had enjoyed some success in the music world. Especially vivid is the gritty struggle AC/DC fought to achieve Australian success and then take that to London for something greater. On just a couple of occasions the narrative doesn’t satisfy. To the dilettantish reader like me, learning that Angus settled for a Gibson SG guitar instead of a Les Paul doesn’t mean a thing. And even though I like cars, I have only a vague idea of the significance inherent in drummer Phil Rudd’s choice of wheels, an HK Monaro. It sounds more like a brand of cigarettes. Sometimes I just need the full explanation.
On the other hand, the book more than answers questions about the dynamics within the band. Malcolm willingly ceded the soloist’s role to Angus, yet he has always called the shots. Despite Angus’s devilish posturing, their solid character is a Scottish birthright. Something I’ve always enjoyed about AC/DC is the lack of U2-style social philosophy. Why don’t we just rock? Perhaps there are blessings to be derived from going only so far in school. As Angus told Rolling Stone last fall, “I didn’t have any prospects for a career, with the education I had. When I started doing this, I thought, ‘You gotta give it 200 percent.’” Yes, there were drugs, alcohol, and women. But Angus seems to exist more on comic books, milkshakes, and sitcoms. And the Youngs have a fabulous work ethic. The mere fact that they had to endure until “Highway to Hell” before the money started rolling in attests to it. Not to mention the unshakable belief they would be big. But they hadn’t anticipated their charming crooner Scott’s death. How the Youngs found the perfect guy for the gig is a tribute to their astuteness.
“Brian sounded as if he had been buried alive for decades and had finally burst free,” the authors write. He warmed up for gigs by screaming. Working out became a necessity for keeping up with the sustained explosion of energy the shows required, and he once passed out onstage in the stifling St. Louis heat. But his earthiness and good humor, and an altogether different virility from Scott’s, helped to transform the band. The recent “Black Ice” album—which made its debut at number one here and in two dozen other countries—was acclaimed by Jason Fine, of Rolling Stone, as the best since “Back in Black,” and the world tour is showing legs.
Which brings us around to the (second) subtitle: Is AC/DC the world’s greatest rock and roll band? In the U.S., only the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Eagles have sold more records. After 35 years, AC/DC puts out a disc as good as “Black Ice.” In the live show, the school boy shtick and pants-dropping still works, at least a little bit. Elitists may laugh, but I didn’t hurry down the road a month ago when the Eagles came to town. They’re very good, but I was under the impression they cordon off their stage with yellow tape that warns, “Ballad Zone.”
The one-of-a-kind singer and lyricist Bon Scott had died of acute alcohol poisoning a few weeks earlier, in February 1980. His ill-timed departure occurred not long after AC/DC had completed its “Highway to Hell” tour, which positioned the band at the pinnacle of international success. Now they had to re-forge their identity, come out with a new album, and hope their fans would accept the result. By April, Johnson was leaving his car roofing and windshield replacement business and for Compass Point Studios in Nassau, the Bahamas, with his new band mates, producer Mutt Lange, and engineer Tony Platt. What resulted from their labors was “Back in Black,” one of the most powerful rock records ever. The subsequent tour established Johnson with the group, a position he still holds 29 years later.
His audition episode arrives more than 300 pages into “AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll: The Ultimate Story of the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” Authors Murray Engleheart and Arnaud Durieux keep their comprehensive history trundling along well enough so that an American reader, such as this one, can make it that far. It must be remembered that until “Back in Black,” the outrageous band had received very little airplay in the U.S., so few of us knew the story through the first five studio albums and one live release. Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles dominated the airwaves, along with disco tracks like “Funkytown.” As Shane cleared out a frontier town, AC/DC arrived to clean up all that with catchy ditties like “Hell’s Bells.”
The authors do a fine job of portraying the band’s origins. Malcolm and younger brother Angus Young came from a close family in which an older brother had enjoyed some success in the music world. Especially vivid is the gritty struggle AC/DC fought to achieve Australian success and then take that to London for something greater. On just a couple of occasions the narrative doesn’t satisfy. To the dilettantish reader like me, learning that Angus settled for a Gibson SG guitar instead of a Les Paul doesn’t mean a thing. And even though I like cars, I have only a vague idea of the significance inherent in drummer Phil Rudd’s choice of wheels, an HK Monaro. It sounds more like a brand of cigarettes. Sometimes I just need the full explanation.
On the other hand, the book more than answers questions about the dynamics within the band. Malcolm willingly ceded the soloist’s role to Angus, yet he has always called the shots. Despite Angus’s devilish posturing, their solid character is a Scottish birthright. Something I’ve always enjoyed about AC/DC is the lack of U2-style social philosophy. Why don’t we just rock? Perhaps there are blessings to be derived from going only so far in school. As Angus told Rolling Stone last fall, “I didn’t have any prospects for a career, with the education I had. When I started doing this, I thought, ‘You gotta give it 200 percent.’” Yes, there were drugs, alcohol, and women. But Angus seems to exist more on comic books, milkshakes, and sitcoms. And the Youngs have a fabulous work ethic. The mere fact that they had to endure until “Highway to Hell” before the money started rolling in attests to it. Not to mention the unshakable belief they would be big. But they hadn’t anticipated their charming crooner Scott’s death. How the Youngs found the perfect guy for the gig is a tribute to their astuteness.
“Brian sounded as if he had been buried alive for decades and had finally burst free,” the authors write. He warmed up for gigs by screaming. Working out became a necessity for keeping up with the sustained explosion of energy the shows required, and he once passed out onstage in the stifling St. Louis heat. But his earthiness and good humor, and an altogether different virility from Scott’s, helped to transform the band. The recent “Black Ice” album—which made its debut at number one here and in two dozen other countries—was acclaimed by Jason Fine, of Rolling Stone, as the best since “Back in Black,” and the world tour is showing legs.
Which brings us around to the (second) subtitle: Is AC/DC the world’s greatest rock and roll band? In the U.S., only the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Eagles have sold more records. After 35 years, AC/DC puts out a disc as good as “Black Ice.” In the live show, the school boy shtick and pants-dropping still works, at least a little bit. Elitists may laugh, but I didn’t hurry down the road a month ago when the Eagles came to town. They’re very good, but I was under the impression they cordon off their stage with yellow tape that warns, “Ballad Zone.”
March 25, 2016
I have to concede from the get-go here that there's a good chance that this book didn't get an even shake from me because of the news that went public while I was reading it. A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that AC/DC was firing Brian Johnson (the band's vocalist for 36 years) and replacing him without so much as a fare thee well. Yes, it was made clear that Brian was having some health concerns that made his ability to continue dubious. And yes, most of the information being released to the public was not coming from the band, but was being released second-hand by comedian Jim Breur (who has been friends with Mr. Johnson for a good, long while). But something about this news was not sitting right with me. It sounded to me like Brian Johnson was being kicked to the curb.
Within recent years, original guitar player Malcolm Young has been forced to retire due to dementia. Drummer Phil Rudd was released from his percussion duties due to several incidents with law enforcement. Bassist Cliff Williams hasn't even been here from the beginning. At the point the news of Brian's dismissal broke, Angus was the only original original member of the band left. I felt (and feel) it would have been a classier move for Angus to disband AC/DC altogether and keep on a-rockin' with a new band that could showcase his virtuoso guitar work and maybe help shed a spotlight on some new, younger musicians who may be able to one day follow in the footsteps of (in my opinion) the greatest rock band ever. This would allow AC/DC to go out on top, rather than fading away. Rather than leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of hardcore fans.
Instead, Angus is choosing to continue. Reportedly, for one more album. Reportedly, for one more tour. As of this writing, it is being reported that W. Axl Rose will be replacing Brian as a guest vocalist for the remainder of the current tour.
None of this sits well with me. It makes me more than a little angry. It feels a bit to me like Angus is discrediting Brian's contribution to the band's popularity since the original vocalist died in 1980. Bye bye, Brian! We'll ship you the things you left on the tour bus! Also, fuck you!
So...as I read the final two to three hundred pages of this book, I was very angry at the band's sole remaining founding member, and I admit that it colored my feelings toward the book I was reading in a negative light. The book goes on and on about how cordial the band always is to critics and producers and bands that tour with them, and the entire time I'm reading this stuff, all I can think is "Yeah, but you treat your band members like shit!"
Sigh.
Why do I care so much, you ask? What difference does any of this make to me?
It makes a big difference.
I love AC/DC. And I mean, I really really love AC/DC. Like, how you probably love your favorite band. Only I love mine more. I would be an empty shell without the loud romps of Angus and Co. When AC/DC songs come on the radio, I have to pull over in case I should start dancing while driving. If they ever outlaw rock and roll in some bizarre Fahrenheit 451-esque scenario, I would be forced to bury the entire AC/DC catalog (yes, I have all of them) in my backyard so that no one would ever know I kept them. AC/DC is the soundtrack to my life. Without question, my favorite band to ever exist.
If I were not a big ol' girlpants and was going to get a tattoo, it would probably be an AC/DC tattoo.
I guess I expected more, I dunno, decency from them. How can you treat a member of your musical family with such cold abandonment?
Anyway, I realize that I probably don't know even half of what is really going on in the AC/DC camp and-- new vocalist or no-- I still have a stack of twenty or so really fucking fantastic rock albums (some of which belong unquestionably on a list of greatest rock and roll albums of all time) to bang my head to as I sally forth into middle age. And-- hold up-- this book really does make it kinda sound like health problems in general with Brian have been a continual problem. There's something to be said for letting Brian go for the good of Brian.
I enjoyed this book a great deal, even if my unfair grade of it doesn't really reflect that opinion. It was full of information I didn't know. For example, before joining AC/DC Bon Scott performed in a band called Fraternity who used to do shows with a band called Geordie. And the original singer of Geordie was none other than...Brian Johnson. I didn't know that Phil's trouble with the law and narcotics wasn't anything new. I didn't know that "Thunderstruck" was inspired by an incident in which Angus's airplane was struck by lightning. While flying through the air. There's a lot herein that I found interesting and didn't already know.
Unfortunately, though, I did not find the style the book was written in very engaging. It was a bit too textbook-like for my tastes. Some things that sound interesting were sort of glossed over (like an era in the 80's when the public believed that an AC/DC song had inspired the spree of a well-known serial killer) and some sections read like little more than a list of dates.
I'm glad I read it. Even if Angus is no longer the hero to me that he appears to be in this book.
Within recent years, original guitar player Malcolm Young has been forced to retire due to dementia. Drummer Phil Rudd was released from his percussion duties due to several incidents with law enforcement. Bassist Cliff Williams hasn't even been here from the beginning. At the point the news of Brian's dismissal broke, Angus was the only original original member of the band left. I felt (and feel) it would have been a classier move for Angus to disband AC/DC altogether and keep on a-rockin' with a new band that could showcase his virtuoso guitar work and maybe help shed a spotlight on some new, younger musicians who may be able to one day follow in the footsteps of (in my opinion) the greatest rock band ever. This would allow AC/DC to go out on top, rather than fading away. Rather than leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of hardcore fans.
Instead, Angus is choosing to continue. Reportedly, for one more album. Reportedly, for one more tour. As of this writing, it is being reported that W. Axl Rose will be replacing Brian as a guest vocalist for the remainder of the current tour.
None of this sits well with me. It makes me more than a little angry. It feels a bit to me like Angus is discrediting Brian's contribution to the band's popularity since the original vocalist died in 1980. Bye bye, Brian! We'll ship you the things you left on the tour bus! Also, fuck you!
So...as I read the final two to three hundred pages of this book, I was very angry at the band's sole remaining founding member, and I admit that it colored my feelings toward the book I was reading in a negative light. The book goes on and on about how cordial the band always is to critics and producers and bands that tour with them, and the entire time I'm reading this stuff, all I can think is "Yeah, but you treat your band members like shit!"
Sigh.
Why do I care so much, you ask? What difference does any of this make to me?
It makes a big difference.
I love AC/DC. And I mean, I really really love AC/DC. Like, how you probably love your favorite band. Only I love mine more. I would be an empty shell without the loud romps of Angus and Co. When AC/DC songs come on the radio, I have to pull over in case I should start dancing while driving. If they ever outlaw rock and roll in some bizarre Fahrenheit 451-esque scenario, I would be forced to bury the entire AC/DC catalog (yes, I have all of them) in my backyard so that no one would ever know I kept them. AC/DC is the soundtrack to my life. Without question, my favorite band to ever exist.
If I were not a big ol' girlpants and was going to get a tattoo, it would probably be an AC/DC tattoo.
I guess I expected more, I dunno, decency from them. How can you treat a member of your musical family with such cold abandonment?
Anyway, I realize that I probably don't know even half of what is really going on in the AC/DC camp and-- new vocalist or no-- I still have a stack of twenty or so really fucking fantastic rock albums (some of which belong unquestionably on a list of greatest rock and roll albums of all time) to bang my head to as I sally forth into middle age. And-- hold up-- this book really does make it kinda sound like health problems in general with Brian have been a continual problem. There's something to be said for letting Brian go for the good of Brian.
I enjoyed this book a great deal, even if my unfair grade of it doesn't really reflect that opinion. It was full of information I didn't know. For example, before joining AC/DC Bon Scott performed in a band called Fraternity who used to do shows with a band called Geordie. And the original singer of Geordie was none other than...Brian Johnson. I didn't know that Phil's trouble with the law and narcotics wasn't anything new. I didn't know that "Thunderstruck" was inspired by an incident in which Angus's airplane was struck by lightning. While flying through the air. There's a lot herein that I found interesting and didn't already know.
Unfortunately, though, I did not find the style the book was written in very engaging. It was a bit too textbook-like for my tastes. Some things that sound interesting were sort of glossed over (like an era in the 80's when the public believed that an AC/DC song had inspired the spree of a well-known serial killer) and some sections read like little more than a list of dates.
I'm glad I read it. Even if Angus is no longer the hero to me that he appears to be in this book.
March 28, 2023
Sehr gut 👍
February 12, 2021
Murray Engleherarin ja Arnaud Durieuxin kirjoittama "AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll" (Otava, 2007) on kiinnostava läpileikkaus australialaisen hard rock -yhtyeen uraan. George Youngin 60-lukuisen the Easybeats -bändin vaiheista käynnistyvä kirja ulottuu aivan näihin päiviin saakka. Kirjan kiinnostavin osa käsittelee Bon Scott -vuosia, mutta samaahan oikeastaan voidaan sanoa koko yhtyeestä.
Mötley Cruen "The Dirtin" ja muiden sekoiluun keskittyvien rock-elämäkertojen sijasta "AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Rollin" pääpaino on oleellisessa: kiertäminen ja levyttäminen ovat keskeisemmässä roolissa kuin ulkomusiikilliset lieveilmiöt, joskaan Bon Scottin alkoholiongelmaa ei sattuneesta syystä voida jättää ulkopuolellekaan.
Mötley Cruen "The Dirtin" ja muiden sekoiluun keskittyvien rock-elämäkertojen sijasta "AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Rollin" pääpaino on oleellisessa: kiertäminen ja levyttäminen ovat keskeisemmässä roolissa kuin ulkomusiikilliset lieveilmiöt, joskaan Bon Scottin alkoholiongelmaa ei sattuneesta syystä voida jättää ulkopuolellekaan.
April 6, 2013
Wow, what an amazing book. The research that these guys did on the history of AC/DC was exhaustive and complete. In reading the book, you feel like you are along for the ride with the band. If you are a fan, this is a must read. If you are not a fan, read it anyway and you'll come away with a real appreciation for how hard these guys worked to get where they are, and how much they really care about their work..
May 15, 2025
I found this in a Little Free Library and had to read it before seeing them in concert in Tampa. The author provided much detail and info which I had to skim through. The photos were fun.
January 28, 2025
Boken var intressant och även spännande i början. Efter att jag läst den så uppskattar jag vissa låtar mer och förstår dem bättre. Absolut läsvärd om man gillar musiken.
June 29, 2021
Lo compramos con uno de mis mejores amigos en un mercadillo de Bogotá; lo paseamos bajo el brazo en una tarde lluviosa y lo leí cuando mi amigo ya nos había dejado para siempre.
Este libro no solo tiene una edición genial (fotografías, formato etc.) sino que contiene una crónica muy bien realizada
excelente.
video reseña en:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EYsZ_lIs2/
Este libro no solo tiene una edición genial (fotografías, formato etc.) sino que contiene una crónica muy bien realizada
excelente.
video reseña en:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EYsZ_lIs2/
December 7, 2017
Having never had much liking for AC/DC before, this book has opened my eyes to the greatness of these Aussie rock legends. I am Still listening through their discography on Spotify, so I am sure I will be even more enthusiastic about them when I'm done. But already, reading about their journey through the 70's through to the present, I have found much enjoyment in their pure, no bullshit, hard rock sound. They are uncompromisingly consistent, keeping their integrity when many other bands would have staled to the pressures of mainstream success. I was planning on listing my favourite tracks so as to name my perfect album of their songs. As I am only up to 'Back in Black', I can't really do that. But I should give special mention to my personal favourites so far, which go as follows ... She's Got Balls, Can I Sit Next to You Girl, Little Lover, Jailbreak, Ride On, Riff Raff, Dog Eat Dog, and Back in Black (it's mainstream, but how could you not? Even when I hated them, I always enjoyed this song).
As for the book. Well, man, like Lou Reed's Transformer and Robbie William's Feel, and several others I have read, this just proves again how great rock/music bios are. The depth and the care with which Engleheart tells the authentic story of this band is incredible. Not only does he make you feel like you are there alongside the band, but he captures their atmosphere, the dingy, seedy, wildly decadent lifestyle flawlessly. I loved the way he uses their albums as a basis for the chapters, explaing their approach and their dramas with each album and the strenuous road-trips that followed their release. Particularly in the early part of their career, you pretty much get an in-depth look at every track. That strong point leads me to my only real issue with the book, which is that the pace becomes inconsistent and rushed not long after the Brian Johnson era. Engleheart took time to involve his readers with the tragically enigmatic Bon Scott. After the 'Back in Black album, time begins to skip much faster. The book loses that sense of intimacy somewhat.
All in all, however, my one complaint is a small one. I loved this book and it has introduced me finally to a great band I have always been unjustly impartial towards.
As for the book. Well, man, like Lou Reed's Transformer and Robbie William's Feel, and several others I have read, this just proves again how great rock/music bios are. The depth and the care with which Engleheart tells the authentic story of this band is incredible. Not only does he make you feel like you are there alongside the band, but he captures their atmosphere, the dingy, seedy, wildly decadent lifestyle flawlessly. I loved the way he uses their albums as a basis for the chapters, explaing their approach and their dramas with each album and the strenuous road-trips that followed their release. Particularly in the early part of their career, you pretty much get an in-depth look at every track. That strong point leads me to my only real issue with the book, which is that the pace becomes inconsistent and rushed not long after the Brian Johnson era. Engleheart took time to involve his readers with the tragically enigmatic Bon Scott. After the 'Back in Black album, time begins to skip much faster. The book loses that sense of intimacy somewhat.
All in all, however, my one complaint is a small one. I loved this book and it has introduced me finally to a great band I have always been unjustly impartial towards.
August 27, 2014
A very thorough and engrossing career chronicle of one of the finest heavy rock'n'roll bands of all time. The authors extensively researched media and press interviews of the band and its management going right back to the early days when AC/DC made their way up through the club circuit in their native Sydney. There are excellent insights into how Malcolm and Angus Young crafted their no nonsense boogie and blues sound to deliver stripped down, high volume rock'n'roll. Two thirds of the book covers the band's 1970s career with their first lead singer, the charismatic hell raiser Bon Scott (Scott's untimely death in 1980 is treated reverentially and in a non sensationalist fashion). The authors also deal with the speculation surrounding the extent to which Scott was involved in conceiving the band's 1980 global smash album "Back in Black". From conversations with the band's A&R guys they confirm what the fans have long known, that the lyrics and melodies of these songs were largely the work of Brian Johnson, Scott's equally gravel throated Geordie successor, while Angus and Malcolm concerned themselves with the riffs and solos and the record's business aspects. Throughout the narrative we learn about the band's brawling in clubs in the early days, their punishing work ethic in the studio and on the road, especially in breaking into the US market around 1977/78, their total dedication to giving the kids a good show and their tendency to blow older more established acts off the stage (there are well documented anecdotes from such luminaries as Pete Townshend who said he was always uneasy about following them on stage). But my favourite story is of the young English fan who had damaged one of his ears in a rugby accident and then had his hearing fully restored when he stood a bit too near AC/DC's pa system at Castle Donnington Monsters of Rock in 1991. Now that's "Maximum Rock'n'roll".
January 23, 2008
What a killer book! Maximum Rock & Roll has got to be the best AC/DC biography to date. Unlike Stenning's Two Sides To Every Glory, Maximum Rock & Roll is told with an authoritative and fairly sophisticated flavor that makes it fun and educational. Reading about the band's origins and the Bon Scott years was enthralling, while the subsequent portion of the book dealing with the Brian Johnson era and AC/DC's real megastardom is thought provoking. This is a band who had a three decade career and still seem to be going pretty strong. It's intersting to see what's gone on during the later stages of their career so far. I felt like I "got to know" Scott and the Young brothers fairly well but would have liked more insight into what was going on in the minds of Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams, more so than any of the other players. Also, I would have dug more details on the songwriting and the recoring of the LPs. I eat that stuff up and there was only just enough here to keep it real. Considering the span of time this book covers, however, these details would have put this thing to near Biblical length. Regardless, it is fantastic. Well written and well put together. There are a truck load of pictures, most in color and some of them are totally amazing. The best fun was to read about AC/DC while listening to their music! Maximum Rock & Roll rocks, rolls and rules.
August 20, 2008
I know exactly why it took me so long to get into AC/DC - it was a simple matter of writing them off as a ridiculous eighties, white-boy, hair band. Shame on me for taking twenty years to realize that they were so much more: A hard-rocking, blues and rock & roll inspired band that kicked the hell out of every stage they ever played. It's strange that the book portrays them as such fastidious artists. I never expected that, but I guess when you want to be the best you have to wipe away all of the nonsense and get to the heart and soul of the matter. AC/DC may not have been the greatest band of all time, but they certainly were, are and always will be the "the hardest rocking band on the planet!!!!!!!!!!" There is no doubt to that. This book does great justice in supporting that idea. God bless Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, and the Brothers Young!
January 21, 2010
What a fabulous book. I had no idea at 1% of the information in this book.
It follows the Young family from Scotland to Australia and then goes to the older brother George Young who was in the Pop band the Easybeats which gained some airplay in the UK and the US.
The book then gets into the beginnings of ACDC pre Bon Scott as the lead singer then when he joined until his death which is just about half way through the book and then the search begins for a new singer just as they are are the precipice to explode around the world.
They then find themselves Brian Johnson and take the world by storm.
Lots of very interesting information about the music industry and different bands that ACDC has interacted with throughout their years as a band.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Rock n Roll!
!!!!
Great Read!
It follows the Young family from Scotland to Australia and then goes to the older brother George Young who was in the Pop band the Easybeats which gained some airplay in the UK and the US.
The book then gets into the beginnings of ACDC pre Bon Scott as the lead singer then when he joined until his death which is just about half way through the book and then the search begins for a new singer just as they are are the precipice to explode around the world.
They then find themselves Brian Johnson and take the world by storm.
Lots of very interesting information about the music industry and different bands that ACDC has interacted with throughout their years as a band.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Rock n Roll!
!!!!
Great Read!
May 6, 2012
If you're a fan of AC/DC this book has all the behind the scenes information you could want. It begins even before the formation of the band with the story of Angus and Malcolm's older brother George and his story of success in the 60s pop band The Easybeats. Once Malcolm started AC/DC, George helped the band avoid the pitfalls he had fallen into. This book is very detailed, filled with insights into how the songs were written, all the venues where they performed year by year, and also many anecdotes about the debauchery of a touring rock n' roll band. The stories from friends and compatriots in the music world along with personal quotes give you real insight in to the personalities of Angus and Malcolm Young and both singers, Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. There are also several inserts of color pictures. AC/DC are one of my favorite bands and I couldn't put this book down.
March 1, 2019
Outstanding! I loved this book from the beginning. It is so compelling to read the two Young brothers background and how they had such laser focus on one thing. To be the best at their craft. Did they achieve it? Once you read this, you will respond with a resounding Hell Yeah! The breadth of each character is matched by very few books, and the straight ahead journalism is described with such vivid detail that you are instantly transported to the moment at hand. I cheered when the band started, almost cried at the end of the Bon Scott era as the book let me see him more up close and personal than ever and not only made me fall in love with the man, but made me wish we had another 40 years with him. Then I rejoiced when Brian Johnson showed us all this band was too big and too great to quit. I am now all in. Greatest Rock band? AC/DC!!!
December 30, 2007
OK, so I had to read this book for work but I am glad I did. I have dug AC/DC for 25 years or more at this point. This book is fairly uncritical in terms of how it deals with the band members and the music, but what it lacks in objectivity is made up for in the access the authors had to the band and the many people around it over the years. Reading about Bon Scott alone makes you realize that the guy could never have been anything other than a rock god!
488 pages of AC/DC is probably more than the casual fan needs but if you want to appreciate where they fit in along the rock and roll continuum (think Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, AC/DC and you're on the right track) its worth picking up and spending some time with...
488 pages of AC/DC is probably more than the casual fan needs but if you want to appreciate where they fit in along the rock and roll continuum (think Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, AC/DC and you're on the right track) its worth picking up and spending some time with...
June 28, 2013
Probably the best thing ever sold by [British discount store chain] Poundland. I can't believe this only cost me £1. Amazing read, well-written, in-depth, and full of intriguing information and amusing anecdotes which will thrill any fan of the band. Angus Young is even more my hero after reading this - it takes resolve to stay away from drugs and alcohol when you play in a rock'n'roll band!
My reaction when I saw it in Poundland: :O !!!! *gasp* *snatch*
Biased Fanboy Rating: 5/5
Objective Rating: 4/5
Final Rating: 4.5/5
My reaction when I saw it in Poundland: :O !!!! *gasp* *snatch*
Biased Fanboy Rating: 5/5
Objective Rating: 4/5
Final Rating: 4.5/5
January 15, 2011
What can I say? I love rock bios and this one is crazy complete with so many details, I found myself going back and referring to times, dates to keep myself on the time line. It is filled with so much rock and roll history it is the ultimate story of an incredible band and the roller coaster ride they have been on in this world. Anything you've ever wanted to know about these boys, you can find it in this book. I learned a lot!
April 19, 2017
I loved it but parts were totally inappropriate ( which I skipped over).
The book is well-written and tells about AC/DC's progression in popularity over time. I found the first part of the book most interesting as it talks about George Young (Angus & Malcom's - ac/dc guitarists- brother) who was in a band called, The Easybeats. They were incredibly successful and popular at the time, but I'd never heard of them.
The book is well-written and tells about AC/DC's progression in popularity over time. I found the first part of the book most interesting as it talks about George Young (Angus & Malcom's - ac/dc guitarists- brother) who was in a band called, The Easybeats. They were incredibly successful and popular at the time, but I'd never heard of them.
June 14, 2012
A must read for AC/DC fans, and a great read for anyone interested in how they came to be, or rock history in general. They stuck to a formula that was widely criticized for close to 7 years - By everyone except those who saw them live of course. Record execs, promoters and the experts said they had nothing and wouldn't last - Here we are just about 40 years later.
March 8, 2013
OUTSTANDING!!! If you're a fan of AC/DC you definitely should read it. To be honest there were a lot of things I have never heard about them and I was quite amazed to find all about their lives. Now I really feel I know every single detail of their personal lives and it's a strange feeling, like you're one of them, the big AC/DC family.....One more thing to say:lots of fun!
May 10, 2017
An exhaustive history of the band, focusing, as is usual for these books, on the beginnings and rise to fame, becoming more of a summary once the successful formula had been achieved. None the less, a really good book, very informative, and revealing at the long shadow cast by Bon Scott's tragedy. I was a big fan before I read this, now I like them even more!
April 9, 2020
Great book, I've been an acdc fan for over 30years and been lucky to see them live as well, I thought I knew a lot about the band's history. Boy was I wrong! Very interesting read I couldn't put the book down I think it's the quickest I've ever read a book! Definitely recommend for any acdc or rock fan.
June 23, 2020
Quite poorly composed, although (almost too) rich in details. Although the band has remained private the feeling I get is that the authors is a little bit too eager to please that side of the band's stance. It also comes across as a bit tone deaf (or down right stupid) when it comes to the stories about women and alcohol abuse. Albeit it was written a while ago.
February 16, 2015
i've been a fan for over 25 years. This book gave me a really good look into their personal lives and band history. Lots of fun. I really like how they made a chapter out of every album the band put out - very informative.
August 14, 2011
More a prolonged discography, albeit a very thorough one, than a biography. Little insight into the lives behind the music.
January 16, 2013
AC/DC is Malcolm Young's band. His brother Angus certainly plays a significant role, but at it's core, this band lives and breathes on Malcolm's philosophy about music and the music industry.
September 9, 2014
I'm so impressed. what a great story.
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