On the highway to the shelf
"Let There Be Rock: The Story of AC/DC,"
Susan Masino
This October release by rock journalist Susan Masino, who met AC/DC during its first American tour in 1977, is a great read. She's been friends with the band since then, has interviewed them many times, and has watched as they traveled the proverbial "Long Way to the Top."
Susan, who has been a rock writer for 29 years, found the members of AC/DC to be friendly, regular guys, despite their salacious lyrics and rowdy reputation. The book is written from the perspective of a fan who believed in the band's power, rather than a groupie, roadie or ex-wife.
AC/DC is not typical '70s heavy metal, which often contained lyrics about swords, sorcery and other esoteric topics. The super-tight rhythm section, spearheaded by Malcolm Young's rock-hard riffing, is the engine that powers this rock 'n' roll machine. Angus Young's hyperactive stage antics, added to his concise lead guitar style, plus the paint-peeling vocals and leering lyrics of original lead singer Bon Scott, set the pattern.
After Bon's untimely demise, the band became even more popular by adding Bon's pick for lead vocalist, Brian Johnson. Brian carried on in that vocal range with enough similarity to Scott's unique, high, scratchy tone as the band conquered the world.
Susan says, "Brian sang that way with his previous band, Geordie, and I believe he was born to fill Bon's place in the band."
The book includes lots of good black and white photos, plus interviews with important figures, which make it a must-read for fans of these Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. (Get your copy locally or online at http://www.storyofacdc.com/.)
I talked to Susan recently by phone. She was very nice and patient, even during technical troubles when a little cassette was eaten by my recorder.
Were you ever personally involved with any of the band members or crew?
"No. I was platonic friends for years with Barry Taylor, who was Phil's drum roadie when I met the band in 1977. I'm still someone that AC/DC likes to see when they tour; so, my good judgment that first night has paid off."
I know you're a big Phil Rudd fan, but who's your second favorite AC/DC drummer?
"Chris Slade (who played during the Razor's Edge tour). He was such a strong, powerful drummer."
Name a couple of favorite AC/DC shows.
"My all-time favorite is the first one, where I met and hung out with them for awhile before seeing them slay that crowd. A couple years later, my sister and I got to watch them from behind road cases on stage, which was totally unforgettable. It's always a big thrill to see audiences get turned on to the band at their shows."
(Like many longtime fans, Susan prefers the Bon Scott-era songs to the later ones featuring Brian Johnson, so I asked what her five favorite AC/DC songs are.)
"Boy, that's difficult! I'll say 'Let There Be Rock,' 'Jailbreak,' 'Dog Eat Dog,' 'If You Want Blood (You Got It)' and 'Back in Black.'
Susan loves all of AC/DC's music, but said she recommends the "Powerage," "Highway to Hell," and "Back in Black" albums as essentials. A future Masino project, now in the early stages, is a book about Wisconsin native/guitarist extraordinaire Les Paul and his late wife, Mary Ford
Source www.sunherald.com
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well they moved on down