Weekend Reads: AC/DC at 50

An unprecedented, beautifully produced, photo-packed celebration of the ultimate rock band, AC/DC at 50 examines the extraordinary history of the Australian rockers through the lens of 50 milestone events and an illustrated gatefold timeline.

Formed in Australia in 1973, AC/DC became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their loud, heavy, sweat-drenched, blues-based rock. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating and examining the 50 most significant milestones.

Popoff covers everything down through the decades:

• The band’s formation and the role played by the Angus and Malcolm Young’s older brother, George
• The songwriting, legendary antics, and tragic death of vocalist Bon Scott
• The mega tours undertaken in support of the LPs
• The debut of singer Brian Johnson on the band’s mega breakthrough, Back in Black
• The band’s fallow 1980s and 1990s resurgence
• Later difficulties, such as Malcolm’s onset of dementia and passing; drummer Phil Rudd’s legal issues
• And, of course, each of the landmark studio LPs, from 1975’s High Voltage to Power Up, released in 2020

In examining 50 touchstones, Popoff provides a unique presentation of AC/DC’s career arc from Sydney pub band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more.

The result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in their milestone 50th year.

About the Author

Working out of Toronto, Canada, Martin Popoff (martinpopoff.com) has penned more than 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and record collecting, including Pink Floyd and the Dark Side of the Moon, Rush: The Illustrated History, Led Zeppelin: Song by Song, Pink Floyd: Album by Album, and Bowie at 75. In addition, he has appeared in Revolver, Guitar World, Goldmine, Record Collector, bravewords.com, lollipop.com, and hardradio.com. Martin also worked on the award-winning documentaries Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas for Banger Films.

Publishing March 28, 2023 ∙ Hardcover 192 pages, 300 photos ∙ $65 CAN ∙ ISBN:  9780760377413

Published by Motorbooks, an imprint of The Quarto Group