SPILL BOOK REVIEW: MARTIN POPOFF – AC/DC AT 50

MARTIN POPOFF – AC/DC AT 50

THE QUARTO GROUP

BOOK REVIEW BY GERROD HARRIS

For his latest book, Canadian author and music critic, Martin Popoff, has turned his focus onto one of his favourite bands of all time: AC/DC. The appropriately titled AC/DC At 50 sees Popoff celebrate half a century of one of the greatest classic rock bands through a curation of 50 career spanning and defining moments. Through his compelling narrative, along with a vast collection of images, AC/DC At 50 is an enjoyable reading experience for super and casual fans alike.

Starting from the very beginning, focusing on both Malcolm Young and Angus Young’s entry into music, before forming AC/DC together, Popoff’s deep dive into the class rock titans starts from the very foundations. Through exploring the band in only a semi-biographical manner, choosing more to focus on the key milestones within the band’s legacy, Popoff allows for AC/DC’s achievements and downfalls tell their story to great effect. A large portion of the book, naturally, examines the writing, recording, and sales of each studio album, along with their three live albums and the Bonfire and Backtracks boxsets. However, Popoff has carefully selected massive performances — from Moscow post-collapse of the Berlin Wall to SARStock – lineup changes, and tragedies to tell a compelling narrative that demonstrates the global success and appeal behind AC/DC. Furthermore, Popoff, despite loving the band, is not afraid to highlight their work that was creatively lacking as he navigates the ups and downs of the band’s fifty-year career.

Like many of Popoff’s recent works, AC/DC At 50 is equal parts biography as it is coffee table book. Accompanying his analysis of the band is a massive collection of photographs, along with images of various pieces of memorabilia, including tour passes and posters, merch, and vintage advertisements. Additionally, Popoff makes use of additional chapters that explore the photography behind some of the band’s most iconic albums, as well as the process behind creating the two tonne Hell’s Bell prop used on tour. Due to its format, the use of imagery will pique your curiosity, while Popoff’s words will give you just enough information to create a compelling book that is equally as interesting to casually flip through as it is to read from front to back.

All in all, AC/DC At 50 is another strong entry from Popoff. While his recent trilogy of Rush biographies may leave readers hoping for a more in-depth examination – particularly with the process behind writing and recording each record – his return to his semi-coffee table book format is welcomed. Furthermore, by exceeding his focus beyond just the albums, Popoff has created a strong companion for truly understanding the legacy and cultural importance of AC/DC.

ISBN-10 – 0760377413
ISBN-13 – 978-0760377413

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