AC/DC | Artist
AC/DC is an Australian Rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, whose elder brother George was in The Easybeats. In the initial lineup Malcolm and Angus recruited American Larry Van Kriedt on bass, vocalist Dave Evan, who would later go on to front Rabbit, and ex-Masters Apprentices drummer Colin Burgess. After early changes the lineup settled on Malcolm (rhythm guitar), Angus (guitar), Bon Scott (vocals), Cliff Williams (bass) and Phil Rudd (drums). Bon Scott, who was initially the band's driver and an experienced singer with bands the Valentines and Fraternity, died in 1980 having appeared on five AC/DC albums, including the classics Let There be Rock and Highway to Hell. Scott was replaced by Brian Johnson from Newcastle UK band Geordie. The band's next album, the first with Johnson, was the classic Back in Black, named as a tribute to Scott. as of 2020 AC/DC has released seventeen studio albums and some excellent live albums, making them one of the most successful hard rock acts in the world. Standout albums include Let There be Rock, Powerage, Highway to Hell, Back in Black and the live album If You Want Blood You've Got it. Recommended compilations include High Voltage (1976) and Bonfire (1997) which cover much of their best early material. From the band's very first gig Angus Young adopted his characteristic school-uniform stage outfit at the suggestion of his sister Margaret. Angus had previously tried other costumes: Spider-Man, Zorro, a gorilla, and a parody of Superman named "Super-Ang". Margaret Young was also responsible for suggesting the band name AC/DC which she saw stamped on her sewing machine. One legendary anecdote about AC/DC was when they played CBGB's in 1977. They were in NYC, opening for the Dictators and the Michael Stanley Band on August 24, at the Palladium. After their set at the Palladium the guys surprised CBGB management by showing up uninvited, plugged in and played a handful of songs including “Live Wire” and “She’s Got Balls.” At one point, Angus made his way through the crowd, while playing wild solo licks, went outside, and while still playing, began talking to the transients from the Palace Hotel milling outside CBGB. AC/DC are regarded as one of the greatest hard Rock outfits of all time.
Artist Website: acdc.com
Featured Albums: AC/DC
Related Artists: The Easybeats, Geordie, Bon Scott
