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Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC

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    Horace Cordier
    Senior Member

  • Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC

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    Written by: Mark Evans
    Published by: Bazillion Points
    Released on: December 13, 2011.
    Purchase From Amazon

    While AC/DC have had more than a few books written about them over the years they have all had one thing in common: no significant direct participation from any of the members, or even ex-members of the band.

    Original AC/DC bassist Mark Evans has changed that with this book. Both Angus and Malcolm Young are notoriously tight-lipped individuals who have more than a touch of the control freak. In many ways, that has served AC/DC well in terms of success, but at the same time fans have always wondered about what went on behind the scenes.

    Evans served with AC/DC from their formation until the recording of “Let There Be Rock." DIRTY DEEDS is a wonderful trip through the life of a working musician in Australia in the early 70's and Evans writes well. He has a casual style that suit's the material, and though he has quite a few good anecdotes, he tends to steer clear of being either overtly sensational or “dishing the dirt”. His portraits of the key founding members are quite interesting. Malcolm and Angus, attached at the hip in many ways but secretive and often uncommunicative, Phil Rudd nice but uncomfortable with confrontation and Bon Scott - a truly kind person with a wild streak that could get him into trouble.

    Evans was gone from AC/DC by the time of Bon Scott's death but the two remained close friends and his writing on the passing of the vocal legend is quite poignant. One of the best stories in the book is when Scott comes to see Evan's first post AC/DC band and offers a tactful, but no-holds-barred, assessment of the act that starts with “Lose the slow songs…” Parts of the book seem more like a tribute to a dear friend than a band mate.

    Evans tiptoes to a degree around his ultimate sacking from the band but it seems pretty clear that his relationship with the Young brothers was strained. For a fly on the wall perspective on recording the classic early AC/DC albums this book is invaluable. Evans also has some interesting things to say about key Australian music industry figures like Harry Vanda and George Young, who were the producers of AC/DC's early records.

    While the AC/DC material is the key selling point here this is also a book about Evan's life after AC/DC. In addition to being in other Australian acts like FINCH and CONTRABAND, Evans also toured with the likes of HEAVEN and has a number of hilarious stories to tell about touring on the same bill with bands as diverse as MOTLEY CRUE and BLACK SABBATH. As the book begins to wind down, Evans talks about his family life and some deeply personal tragedies. This part of the book is quite moving and Evans comes across as a truly decent person who has suffered more than his fair share.

    The Rock And Roll Hall of fame controversy is addressed and it does not put the Young breathers in a flattering light. There was also a serious legal dispute over back royalties but Evans is precluded from giving too many details due to a lengthy lawsuit that he settled with the band. While more details would certainly be preferable, reading between the lines one has a fair grasp of what went on in these instances.

    For AC/DC fans and even those with an interest in the world of Australian rock in the early 70's, DIRTY DEEDS is essential. Highly recommended.

    • Ian Jane
      #1
      Ian Jane
      Administrator
      Ian Jane commented
      Editing a comment
      RAWK! I really dug this book. Very conversational and down to Earth in its style, a fun read for sure.
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