AC/DC is a legendary rock band, known for its high-voltage sound, rebellious lyrics, and a stage presence that could light up the night. The band’s story is woven through the lives of its iconic members—each with their own unique journey, struggles, and triumphs. From the founding Young brothers to their fiery frontmen and steadfast rhythm section, AC/DC’s members have lived lives as loud as their music. Here’s a look at the autobiographies of each key figure in the band’s storied history.
Angus Young: The Schoolboy Rock God
Angus Young is the face of AC/DC—the one who, clad in his schoolboy uniform, delivers blistering guitar solos while duck-walking across the stage. Born on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, Angus and his family emigrated to Sydney, Australia, when he was young. The youngest of eight children, music was in his blood; both his older brothers George and Malcolm had already embarked on their own musical journeys before Angus picked up the guitar.
In his autobiography, “Back in Black: The Story of My Rock ‘n’ Roll Journey”, Angus recounts how he found his calling in the electric guitar. Influenced by blues greats like Chuck Berry, Angus developed a fast, aggressive style that became the backbone of AC/DC’s sound. His book dives into the early days of the band’s formation with his brother Malcolm and their rise to fame, covering his eccentric stage persona, the highs and lows of their tours, and the tragic loss of his bandmates.
He also reflects on his own personal struggles, including balancing fame with his introverted personality. Angus, despite his wild on-stage antics, has always been known to be shy offstage, and his book gives readers insight into the contrast between his public and private personas. The autobiography is filled with stories from the road, the making of classic albums, and his deep commitment to keeping AC/DC’s music pure and loud.
Malcolm Young: The Rhythm Architect
Malcolm Young, the quiet but commanding force behind AC/DC’s tight, powerful rhythm guitar, was the band’s heart and soul. Born on January 6, 1953, Malcolm was the driving creative force behind many of AC/DC’s biggest hits. While his younger brother Angus took the limelight with fiery solos, Malcolm anchored the band with his rock-solid rhythm playing and sharp business sense.
In his autobiography, “Rock Solid: Building the Sound of AC/DC”, Malcolm delves into his role as the band’s co-founder and how he crafted AC/DC’s iconic sound. He shares personal anecdotes about growing up in a large musical family and the challenges of being in a band that was constantly evolving. Malcolm’s book covers his early love for music, the creation of AC/DC, and the immense work that went into keeping the band at the top of their game for decades.
In addition to recounting the band’s incredible rise, Malcolm opens up about his personal battles, particularly with alcohol, and how he fought to overcome his demons. Later in life, Malcolm was diagnosed with dementia, which eventually led to his retirement from the band. His autobiography is a testament to his unyielding dedication to AC/DC and his determination to keep the band’s engine running, even when facing overwhelming odds.
Bon Scott: The Rebel Soul
Before his untimely death in 1980, Bon Scott was the voice and swagger of AC/DC. His raspy, bluesy vocals and wild-man persona on stage helped catapult the band to international fame. Born Ronald Belford Scott on July 9, 1946, in Kirriemuir, Scotland, Bon’s life was full of extremes. After moving to Australia with his family, he became immersed in the local rock scene, playing in several bands before joining AC/DC in 1974.
In his posthumous autobiography, “Highway to Hell: My Life in Rock”, Bon recounts his rise from a rough-and-tumble upbringing to rock ‘n’ roll stardom. Bon’s book is raw and honest, just like the man himself. It covers his early years of hard living, the trials of being in a struggling rock band, and the wild experiences of life on the road with AC/DC. Bon speaks candidly about his love for music, his friendships with the Young brothers, and his reputation as a hard-drinking, free-spirited rocker.
His book also delves into the darker side of his life, including his struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame that eventually led to his tragic death from alcohol poisoning. Yet, despite the hardships, Bon’s story is one of joy and passion for music. His rebellious spirit still resonates in every AC/DC song he performed, and his autobiography serves as a heartfelt ode to a life lived to the fullest.
Brian Johnson: The Man Who Kept the Flame Alive
When Bon Scott died in 1980, many thought AC/DC’s days were numbered. Enter Brian Johnson, a British rock singer with a powerful voice and the energy to match AC/DC’s explosive sound. Born on October 5, 1947, in Dunston, England, Johnson had been in the band Geordie before he got the call to audition for AC/DC. Little did he know that he would help the band record Back in Black, one of the best-selling albums in history.
In his autobiography, “Back to the Front: My Life in AC/DC”, Brian tells the incredible story of how he stepped into the enormous shoes of Bon Scott and helped lead AC/DC into its most successful era. His book is filled with humor and humility, revealing how nervous he was about joining such a famous band and how he struggled to find his place. But with time, Brian became an indispensable part of AC/DC, and his gritty, high-pitched vocals became synonymous with the band’s biggest hits.
Brian also shares his experiences touring the world, the highs and lows of rock stardom, and his own personal challenges, including hearing loss that threatened his ability to perform. His autobiography is a celebration of perseverance, passion, and the joy of rock and roll.
Cliff Williams: The Steady Hand on Bass
Though often overshadowed by the band’s more flamboyant members, bassist Cliff Williams has been AC/DC’s rhythmic anchor since joining in 1977. Born on December 14, 1949, in Romford, England, Cliff’s autobiography, “In the Pocket: My Life with AC/DC”, tells the story of the quiet man in the background who helped drive the band’s signature sound for decades. Cliff reflects on his journey from playing in small clubs to performing in sold-out stadiums and what it meant to be part of one of the world’s biggest rock bands.
Cliff’s book offers a unique perspective on life as a supporting player in a band known for its larger-than-life personalities. He recounts his early influences, his time in the band, and his decision to retire in 2016. It’s a tale of loyalty, discipline, and the understated brilliance of holding down the low end in one of the loudest bands on the planet.
Each member of AC/DC contributed something vital to the band’s success, and their autobiographies offer a deeper understanding of the individuals behind the powerhouse. Together, these stories form a tapestry of rock history, a journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom. The legacy of AC/DC, as told by its members, is one of perseverance, passion, and the unrelenting power of rock ‘n’ roll.
