AC/DC, the iconic Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, has cemented its place as a powerhouse of hard rock with a signature style blending bluesy riffs, high-voltage energy, and straightforward, anthemic songwriting. Their music, often self-described simply as "rock and roll," features gritty guitar work, pounding rhythms, and themes of rebellion, excess, and everyday grit, drawing influences from legends like Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones. Emerging from the raw pub rock scene, early albums like High Voltage (1975) and Let There Be Rock (1977) showcased their unpretentious, high-octane sound under vocalist Bon Scott, while the transition to Brian Johnson after Scott's tragic death in 1980 brought enduring hits on Back in Black, solidifying their formula of catchy hooks and minimalist power that resonates across generations. The band's profound impact on rock music is undeniable, having sold over 200 million albums worldwide and inspiring countless artists from Metallica to Guns N' Roses with their riff-driven approach and electrifying live performances.
Despite line up challenges, including Malcolm Young's retirement due to dementia in 2014 and his passing in 2017, AC/DC's legacy endures through commercial triumphs like number-one albums on the Billboard 200, Grammy nominations, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
Their resilience shines in recent works like Power Up (2020), a tribute to Malcolm, and ongoing tours, proving their timeless appeal in revitalizing hard rock amid evolving music landscapes.
Interesting facts about AC/DC:
- The band's name was inspired by the "AC/DC" label on their sister Margaret's sewing machine, symbolizing alternating current/direct current and reflecting their energetic style.
- Angus Young's famous schoolboy uniform stage outfit was also suggested by Margaret, debuting in 1974 to capture a youthful, rebellious image.
- Bon Scott initially joined as the band's chauffeur before becoming lead singer, bringing his experience from prior bands and shaping their boogie-rock vibe.
- Back in Black (1980), dedicated to Scott after his death from alcohol poisoning, is the second best-selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold.
- Their 1990 hit "Thunderstruck" from The Razors Edge became a sports anthem and peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.
- AC/DC's Black Ice World Tour (2008-2010) was one of the highest-grossing tours ever, underscoring their massive live draw.
- In 2024, they embarked on the Power Up Tour, marking a return to European stages after an eight-year hiatus.