The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC

Jesse Fink's The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC is unlike any AC/DC book you've read before. Less a biography, more a critical appreciation, it tells the story of the trio through 11 classic rock songs and reveals some of the personal and creative secrets that went into their making. Important figures from AC/DC's long way to the top open up for the very first time, while unsung heroes behind the band's success are given the credit they are due. Accepted accounts of events are challenged while sensational new details emerge to cast a whole new light on the band's history—especially their early years with Atlantic Records in the United States. Former AC/DC members and musicians from bands such as Guns N' Roses, Dropkick Murphys, Airbourne and Rose Tattoo also give their take on the Youngs' brand of magic. Their music has never pulled its punches. Neither does The Youngs. After 40 years, AC/DC might just have gotten the serious book it deserves.

“The best book I've ever read about AC/DC.” —Mark Evans, former AC/DC bassist and author of Dirty Deeds

“Recent books [about AC/DC]... didn't offer much to change our perception of the band. Jesse Fink's study of the Young brothers takes a different approach... giving us a different version of many stories, especially when it comes to the wheeling and dealing behind the rock. Fink is clearly in love with AC/DC, but he knows the old bird has some warts under her make-up, and doesn't shy away from revelations that cast the Youngs in a less than flattering light.” —Rolling Stone

“An essential read for fans of the band. Most important, The Youngs gives a full portrait of just how significant a role George Young, Malcolm and Angus's older brother, played in AC/DC's development.” —The New Yorker

“An excellent writer and storyteller.” —The Daily Telegraph

“Fink's ability to overcome the Youngs' code of Scottish-Australian omertà is impressive… a cut above other AC/DC tomes.” —Classic Rock

“Fink can take a moment and turn it into a vivid experience.” —The Australian

“By tracing the lives of 11 songs from the band's 40-plus-year career, Fink charts the history of the band's success and examines the recording process behind each song.” —Publisher's Weekly

“This thought-provoking book definitely breaks some new ground. This one's a must-read for fans.” —Library Journal

“An engrossing, refreshing guide highly recommended for not just AC/DC fans, but any follower of rock music history.” —Midwest Book Review