AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll: The Ultimate Story of the World's Greatest Rock-and-Roll Band

I was lucky enough to play some support gigs with ACDC back in the seventies in Regional Australia, when Bon was the singer. They were fun to be around and very down to earth people......they would say" give it your best shot boys and then be prepared to be blown away." It was obvious to me then that this band was special they were focused, loud and lived for each show which just exuded raw energy. Over the years I have wanted to know the answer to a large list of questions about the band including what really was the true story of Bon's death. This book was great for me and I am sure any diehard fan as it explains in detail how the many band members came and went, how the songs are written and a lot of stories about each band member and their history. The interesting thing is the insight you get into Malcolm, who is and always will be the band leader. You will see that Malcolm and Angus almost always work together on developing the songs and that they have a most unusual writing style, which is obviously the key to their success. I enjoyed the read and felt that all the questions I had are now answered including why Phil Rudd was out of the band and then back in after more than ten years. It is clear from the Young brother's background that they were born with this drive to succeed and that their older Brother George who was so successful with the Easybeats was a mentor and guiding light. If you really are an ACDC fan you will enjoy this book!

First off, AC/DC are my favorite band and have been for years. It took me some time to get around to reading this because it's unauthorized and the band are notoriously mum about what goes on behind the scenes. Still, other reviews gave this high marks, so I gave it a shot.It's unclear to me at whom this book is aimed. It's a bit maddening because for someone to undertake a read of this size, they would most likely already be an established fan of the band. Therefore, a book that undertakes the history of AC/DC to this level of detail should deliver some new information, impressions, stories, themes, etc., that an existing fan might appreciate. Instead, it reads like an end-to-end string of Wikipedia articles, devoid of any personality, irony, or passion. Where the book falls short therefore, is in its dry exploration of facts that are well-known to most AC/DC fans. Some AC/DC fans will pick up a few bits of new info here and there, but for the most part, this is a clinical history of the band, interspersed with harmless anecdotes that don't give any new insight into the personality of the musicians.Every once in awhile, the authors will hint at something interesting, or some insightful behind-the-scenes info, but they never deliver. They gloss over Phil Rudd's departure by simply mentioning there was an unspecified problem between him and an unnamed person in "the Youngs circle." Or halfway through the book, a point is made that Angus and Malcolm had a fiery relationship that wasn't always civil during the creative process. But he doesn't expound on how or why that tension existed. It is implied that Bon and possibly other members of the band battled substance abuse, which might have given a new depth to appreciating some of the lyrics and/or stories behind the records. However, such information is withheld or ignored. This is not to say that the book would be improved by the inclusion of lurid and embarrassing stories about the band. Quite the opposite, a respectful examination of such themes and events could deliver a stunning new appreciation of musicians of such high caliber.For those readers who enjoyed the likes of rock biographies such as "No One Here Gets Out Alive," (Jim Morrison and The Doors), "Hammer of the Gods" (Led Zeppelin), or "The Dirt" (Motley Crue), due to the endless tales of drugs, sex, drugs, sex, drugs, sex, drugs and rock and roll, you will be disappointed. There is none of that here.For those readers who are looking for a more respectful consideration of the band, this book will be overkill. Find a Mojo, Uncut, or Classic Rock magazine that has done a comprehensive piece on AC/DC and you will be just as satisfied.I left this book feeling slightly more informed, but without much additional understanding or appreciation of AC/DC.

I discovered AC/DC back in college (circa 1988). Since then I've gotten all their albums and done a fair bit of reading on the group. Maximum Rock N'Roll (to this point) is the most in-depth look at the group that I've come across.The book checks in at 460+ pages with numerous black & white and color photos to liven up sections. There's some excellent pictures of old backstage passes, concert flyers, etc... to remind you of just how long the members of AC/DC have been rocking and rolling. The authors deliver a solid rundown of the band's history and albums are covered in each chapter taking us from High Voltage all the way to Stuff Upper Lip.In reading other reviews I do notice many people wonder why the band's personal lives have been glossed over at points to focus more on the music. My first understanding upon reading is that not every band has as many demons as say Motley Crue or Guns N Roses so perhaps the home lives of lazy Brian or tea-totaling Angus aren't all that exciting compared to the concerts and albums. This is evident in that 65% of the book chronicles the band's early years and the colorful life of Bon Scott (clearly more of a character 24/7 than Brian Johnson) than their post 1980 years.All I know is while reading the book I had the desire to listen to my iPod's in-depth collection of DC songs...LOUD. This book is an informative read and will make you WANT to listen and appreciate the solid rock and roll from the Thunder from Down Under for quite some time!

Yes, it's a long way to the top if you wanna rock & roll. It's very hard to put this book down after you start reading it, it's that good. I read 3 chapters the first night I got it. A very well writen book, with very nice pictures too. I think anyone who is going to get into the music field should read this, cause it truely is harder than it looks. I will be saving this book so my grand-kids can read it, so they can just see what it's going to take to play in a rock & roll band. ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ THIS YEAR.Reading this book was like taking a trip back in time, I can remember the first time I heard AC/DC, I knew they were going to rock the world and they did. Being a musician back in the day, I knew they had that speical something that it takes to make it. I just wish I could have seen them live, but I didn't, and so I got the book to find out the truth about one of the greatest bands on the planet. If you like real rock & roll stories this is a must read, cause it's one of the best. I might read it twice, it's that good.THANK YOU AC/DC, YOU ROCKED MY WORLD. >>>>>>>>>> I highly recommend this book.

This is written by a fan of the band. Some people might not like how it's so positive but why would anyone be reading this if they're not a fan themselves? I really enjoyed it although I felt the Brian Johnson period was rather glossed over. Someone is missing a trick here, there's plenty of fans out there who'd like to read more about that second era of the band.But overall this was a brilliant read, with some funny stories and good photos.Highly recommended!

For the die hard fan this the best, most accurate book out there. Believe me, I've read them all. This may be too detailed for a regular reader, but it has everything you need know, well written and honest.

Best book I've ever read so much so I've had to buy it twice because my first copy was worn out lending it out.

Bought as a gift for my Dad so i have not read it but I love AC/DC so I'm sure it's a good read!

Good reading,