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+
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