AC/DC: 1973 1980: The Bon Scott Years

by Jeff Apter

To fans and critics alike, the years 1973 to 1980 – the Bon Scott era – are the most significant of AC/DC's five-decade career. In a prolific and frequently brilliant run, they recorded six studio albums, established a diehard fanbase that stretched from Australia to the UK, Europe to North America, toured relentlessly, and created no small amount of controversy and chaos. At one low point in Australia, the band's records were banned, their shows were cancelled, and they were hounded by police – all because Angus Young dared bare his spotty backside at a press conference. In the midst of the mayhem, however, they were building a body of work that remains unmatched in hard rock. Many of AC/DC's classic songs were cut during this time – 'Dirty Deeds', 'Rock And Roll Damnation', 'High Voltage', 'If You Want Blood (You Got It)', 'Whole Lotta Rosie', 'Long Way To The Top', 'Let There Be Rock', and more – and it says plenty that these fan favourites are still staples of the band's current live sets today.  Illustrated throughout with rare photographs from the era, this book documents all the key events of this frenetic time, beginning with the band's very first shows in the bloodhouses of suburban Sydney – even before the name AC/DC had been dreamed up by Margaret Young, Malcolm and Angus's big sister – and culminating with 1979's Highway to Hell , the album that paved the way for the mammoth success of Back in Black and all that was to follow, and the untimely death of Bon Scott, both an end and a new beginning for the band.

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2018

About the author

Jeff Apter is the author of more than 30 books, many dealing with the world of music. He has written biographies of Keith Urban, Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC, Jeff Buckley and the Bee Gees. As ghostwriter, he has worked with ARIA Hall of Famers Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, and AC/DC’s Mark Evans. He was also the creative consultant for the award–nominated live production A State of Grace: The Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley and spent four years on staff at Rolling Stone Australia.

Reviews

[Madison Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, these guys toured a LOT. This was an impressive book, if not a little tedious at times, but helpful to fans trying to contextualize the band’s early days. I wish it had been hardback, but still, a great read.

[Rocco Pallotto · Rating 2 out of 5]

A day by day, month by month history of the band.

Too many bland entries for me.

"June 1 UFO headline this show at the 2,500-capacity Auditorium Theater in Rochester, New York, but many in the crowd leave after AC/DC's blistering set."

"June 10 Angus and Bon again somehow make their way to the balcony during their set at The Palace Theater in Albany, New York-still playing all the while."

If that's your thing, or you like plenty of references as to how tight Bon's pants were, have at it.

[Jukka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annals of a great rock band, absurdly precise timeline and plenty of photos, but could feel a bit tedious to read if you're not a fan of the band.

[MR SAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book wish it was a Hardback although.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could say so much, but all I will say is "wow" .....