Rockers and Rollers: An Automotive Autobiography

I am not an AC/DC fanatic, by any means. I've seen them live a couple of times in their early incarnation with Bon Scott and a few times after. I still like them, but what more could I learn? So when Brian Johnson came on the Stern show a few weeks ago, I was almost ready to tune to the Grateful Dead channel. Glad I didn't. The interview was incredibly funny, subduing even the perplexed and occasionally dumbfounded Stern. The book surpasses the interview in its rollicking accounts by a factor of five, at least. I won't ruin the specifics for anyone, except to say that you'll find yourself muttering "I can't believe that he did that!" every couple of pages. Unlike other books in this genre, Johnson writes sincerely, without a mean spirited ax to grind and without enemies (except for British car markers, whom he justifiably loathes!) The major butt of his humor and crude language is himself, first, and his lovable, though chronically irresponsible band mates second. However, despite more than a few stories of the road, the book is largely a celebration of Johnson's affinity with cars and racing. While not a surprise to most AC/DC fans, the depth of influence of cars on Johnson's life is still remarkable. His earliest peak experiences, to borrow a psychological term, involved motor vehicles, in the same way others of us tie our peak memories to music, sports, or relationships. Regardless, it is enjoyable to read a rock memoir of a person who does not take himself too seriously. Johnson comes off as a guy you'd like as a neighbor, or a drinking-buddy, if you are oriented in that direction. The book, which apparently is not ghost written, does not follow strict chronology. This adds to its informality and authentic feel.Read more ›