Reviewed! Mark Evans - Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC

Mark Evans

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

Bazillion Points

There has never been a retelling of AC/DC during their debauchery filled heyday in the late seventies before Bon Scott passed away in 1980, until now that is. Sure, many outsiders and onlookers have offered up fond memories of that eclectic time for the legendary rock and rollers, but until Mark Evans put pen to paper with Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC (Bazillion Points), we’ve never seen an insider’s look. Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC tells the story of Evans, who once fancied himself more an Australian football player more than a rockstar, until a chance meeting with a little band called AC/DC in a local bar, which, obviously, eventually would change Evans’ life. Evans fit into with the rest of the band immediately, and it was this instant chemistry that built the seminal foundation for AC/DC as he would contribute to a number of classic album like T.N.T., the re-release of High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Let There Be Rock (and later on `74 Jailbreak EP) in a short two year stint (1975-77) with the band, which leads to one of the books faults. Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC doesn’t offer up a clear-cut reason why Evans was unceremoniously fired from the band, though what it does do is paint Evans as more appreciative for the experience rather than bitter for his departure. Following his tenure with the band, he spent time in several bands in Australia, before taking ownership of a vintage guitar shop, which has seen him cross paths with many former peers (e.g. George Harrison). He also tells the story of how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame teased him with a notice of induction before ultimately reneging, and easily the lowest point in his life, the tragic death of his daughter. Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC sees Evans at ease with his life, and the book on the whole is a clinic in how to learn from, and capitalize on, your mistakes in order to make yourself a better person. Throughout these pages he is humble, and overtly passionate which makes for a smooth, easy read. His behind-the-scenes look at life playing bass for AC/DC is truly awe-inspiring, stories that need to be read to be believed (NO SPOILERS HERE), though his life after leaving the band is just as interesting and intriguing. It honestly goes without saying that this book is a must-have for AC/DC fans worldwide, no matter how big or small. Rest assured this book is earnest, and far away from anything close to a cash-grab.

Grade: B+