AC/DC

AC/DC. Formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young, the band is one of the most influential and best-selling hard rock acts in history. Their music, built on a foundation of driving rhythms and blues-based guitar riffs, has become synonymous with the genre itself. Despite significant lineup changes, most notably the death of original lead singer Bon Scott in 1980, the group has maintained a massive global following for over five decades.

History

The band was founded in 1973 after the Scottish-born Young family emigrated to Australia. The early lineup solidified with Dave Evans on vocals and Colin Burgess on drums, quickly gaining a reputation for energetic live shows in the Sydney pub circuit. A major turning point came in 1974 when Bon Scott, a former vocalist for The Spektors and Fraternity, replaced Evans, cementing the classic early sound. Their international breakthrough arrived with the 1979 album Highway to Hell, produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Tragedy struck in February 1980 when Scott died from acute alcohol poisoning, but the band continued with new vocalist Brian Johnson, releasing the monumental Back in Black later that year. The 1980s and 1990s saw continued success with albums like For Those About to Rock We Salute You and The Razors Edge, alongside extensive world tours. The 21st century has been marked by both triumph, such as their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and adversity, including the retirement of Malcolm Young due to dementia and his subsequent death in 2017, and the temporary departure of Brian Johnson due to hearing issues.

Musical style and influences

Their sound is fundamentally built on a loud, straightforward, and rhythmic template of blues rock and early rock and roll. The signature guitar work features Malcolm Young's tight, rhythmic riffing and Angus Young's blues-influenced guitar solos, often performed in his iconic schoolboy uniform. Key musical influences include Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and British blues pioneers like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Lyrically, their songs often explore themes of rock and roll lifestyle, rebellion, and high-voltage energy, delivered with a raunchy, good-humored swagger. This consistent, unpretentious approach has been a hallmark, with producers like Harry Vanda and George Young and later Mutt Lange helping to craft their definitive studio sound.

Band members

The core of the band for most of its history was the founding brother duo of lead guitarist Angus Young and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young. The most famous vocalists are the late Bon Scott (1974–1980) and his successor Brian Johnson (1980–2016, 2018–present). The long-standing rhythm section has featured bassist Cliff Williams (1977–present, with a brief retirement) and drummer Phil Rudd (1975–1983, 1994–2015, 2018–present), though Rudd's tenure has been interrupted by legal issues. Other significant past members include bassist Mark Evans and drummers Simon Wright and Chris Slade. Following Malcolm Young's illness and death, his nephew Stevie Young has assumed rhythm guitar duties.

Discography

Their catalog is anchored by several landmark albums that define the hard rock genre. The Bon Scott era produced classics like High Voltage (1975), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976), and the breakthrough Highway to Hell (1979). The Brian Johnson era began with the commercially and critically colossal Back in Black (1980), one of the best-selling albums of all time. Subsequent major releases include For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981), The Razors Edge (1990), and Black Ice (2008). Their most recent studio album is Power Up (2020). Their consistent chart success is evidenced by numerous multi-platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Legacy and impact

They are universally regarded as one of the greatest and most important rock bands of all time, with estimated worldwide sales exceeding 200 million records. Their influence is pervasive across hard rock and heavy metal music, inspiring countless artists from Guns N' Roses to Metallica. An entire generation of musicians learned to play guitar by emulating the riffs from albums like Back in Black. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 solidified their iconic status. The band's music remains a staple of radio airplay, film soundtracks, and sporting events worldwide, symbolizing pure, unadulterated rock and roll power. Their endurance through personal tragedy and changing musical trends stands as a testament to the primal appeal of their sound.

Category:Australian hard rock musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1973 Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees