AC/DC: Maximum Rock and Roll

Five years in the making, the definitive biography of the wildly successful Australian rockers has been crafted by journalist Engleheart and leading AC/DC expert Durieux. Covering everything from guitarist Angus Young's first record purchase (a Yardbirds album) to the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and all points in between, this book is a godsend for fans. Placing an emphasis on the formative years, Engleheart and Durieux chronicle the band's rise to the top in detail without getting bogged down—quite a feat, considering their source material includes more than 1,300 interviews with the band and more than 75 new interviews. While much of the story will be familiar to longtime fans, there is enough obscure trivia and anecdotes to keep it interesting, and the writers wisely give priority to the voices of those who were there. The authors also dispel many myths surrounding the band, including those attached to legendary front man Bon Scott's death and the infamous cover of their Highway to Hell album. So faithful to the spirit of the band it could leave readers' ears ringing, this book is required reading for any serious fan of rock music. (Jan.)