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AC/DC

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AC/DC is an influential Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973.

AngusYoung1
AngusYoung1

While music critics often categorize their sound as hard rock, blues rock, or heavy metal, the band members describe their music simply as "rock and roll." Their high-energy style helped shape the new wave of British heavy metal bands. Throughout their career, the group has achieved massive global success. They have sold more than 200 million records worldwide. This total makes them one of the best-selling musical artists in history. In 2003, they were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The band's name is a direct reference to electrical power.

The founders, brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, noticed the initials "AC/DC" on a sewing machine adapter used by their sister, Margaret. The abbreviation stands for alternating current and direct current. The brothers chose this name because it symbolized the raw energy and power-driven nature of their performances. To represent this electric theme, the band uses a logo featuring a stylized lightning bolt.

Logo ACDC pwrup
Logo ACDC pwrup

This logo was designed by American typographer Gerard Huerta in 1977. It first appeared on the international version of the album *Let There Be Rock*. The font was intended to convey the sense of electricity inherent in the band's name.

The band was founded by Malcolm Young and Angus Young.

Malcolm Young at ACDC Monster of Rock Tour
Malcolm Young at ACDC Monster of Rock Tour

The original lineup included drummer Colin Burgess, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and lead vocalist Dave Evans. In the early years, the band experimented with different images. For about 18 months, members often wore glam or satin outfits. Angus Young even tried costumes such as a gorilla, Zorro, or Superman. However, the band eventually moved away from this style to pursue a "pub rock" sound. In April 1974, Angus began wearing his famous school-uniform stage outfit. This idea also came from his sister, Margaret, to portray a boy coming straight from school to play guitar.

A major turning point occurred in September 1974 when Bon Scott joined as the lead singer.

Bonscott
Bonscott

Scott was a Scottish-born vocalist who had previously performed with bands like the Valentines and Fraternity. He initially worked as a chauffeur for the group before an audition led to his promotion. His arrival helped define the band's working-class style and earthy humor. With Scott, the band released early albums like *High Voltage* and *T.N.T.* in the Australasian market. His era established the group's reputation for powerful live performances in the pub rock circuit.

Tragedy struck the band in 1979 when Bon Scott died of alcohol poisoning, seven months after the release of *Highway to Hell*.

Bonscott
Bonscott

Following this loss, the band recruited English singer Brian Johnson to serve as their new frontman.

Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson

They released the album *Back in Black* in 1980 as a tribute to Scott's memory. This record became a massive success, ranking as the second best-selling album of all time. The band continued to reach new heights with their eighth studio album, *For Those About to Rock*, which was their first to hit number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The band's lineup has seen many changes over the decades due to various reasons.

Ac-dcphil-rudd
Ac-dcphil-rudd

Drummer Phil Rudd had several different periods with the group, including a return in 1994. In 2014, Malcolm Young retired from the band due to early-onset dementia. He passed away three years later. Following Malcolm's retirement, his nephew Stevie Young joined the band on rhythm guitar.

Stevie Young with ACDC Tacoma WA Feb 2 2016
Stevie Young with ACDC Tacoma WA Feb 2 2016

During a 2016 tour, Brian Johnson was temporarily replaced by Axl Rose, the singer from Guns N' Roses, due to a risk of hearing loss. More recently, in 2024, the band announced a tour featuring Matt Laug and Chris Chaney to support their music.

AC/DC remains a significant force in the history of modern music.

Madrid-acdc 22
Madrid-acdc 22

Their ability to maintain a consistent sound across many decades has allowed them to remain commercially relevant. Even during a two-year hiatus following the retirement of bassist Cliff Williams, the band returned with the album *Power Up* in 2020. Their music continues to be celebrated for its connection to the roots of rock and roll. From small clubs in Sydney to massive worldwide stadium tours, the band has maintained its reputation for high-voltage performance.

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🖼️ Images & Media (17)
File:Logo ACDC pwrup.svg
Logo ACDC pwrup.svg
File:Bonscott.jpg
Bonscott.jpg
File:ACDC Let There Be Rock (1977 Atco publicity photo).jpg
ACDC Let There Be Rock (1977 Atco...
File:Cliffwilliams.jpg
Cliffwilliams.jpg
File:Brian Johnson.jpg
Brian Johnson.jpg
File:Ac-dcphil-rudd.jpg
Ac-dcphil-rudd.jpg
File:Stevie Young with ACDC Tacoma WA Feb 2 2016.jpg
Stevie Young with ACDC Tacoma WA Feb 2 2016.jpg
File:Malcolm Young at ACDC Monster of Rock Tour.jpg
Malcolm Young at ACDC Monster of Rock Tour.jpg
File:AngusYoung1.JPG
AngusYoung1.JPG
File:Madrid-acdc 22.JPG
Madrid-acdc 22.JPG
File:Angus Young 18-06-2010.jpg
Angus Young 18-06-2010.jpg
File:ACDC, Concierto en el Estadio Olimpico Lluís Companys - (Barcelona 2015).JPG
ACDC, Concierto en el Estadio Olimpico...

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