AC/DC defines the sound of hard rock with their thunderous riffs and electric energy. While fans scream for "Thunderstruck," the band hides humble origins behind the volume. For instance, their name came from a household appliance label. Furthermore, they once played a concert for a specialized school of deaf students. Prepare to ride the highway to hell with the Australian giants.
AC/DC
Malcolm and Angus Young found the name AC/DC on a sewing machine. Specifically, their sister Margaret saw the label on her adapter. It stands for “Alternating Current/Direct Current,” which perfectly described their energetic performances.
Angus Young tried other costumes before the schoolboy outfit. For example, he performed as Spider-Man and a gorilla. Eventually, his sister suggested the school uniform because he came home and picked up his guitar immediately.
Bon Scott worked as the band’s chauffeur before he became the singer. He drove them to gigs until the original vocalist Dave Evans refused to go on stage. Consequently, Scott grabbed the microphone and never gave it back.
The US military used AC/DC music as a psychological weapon. In 1989, troops blasted “Hells Bells” at high volume to force General Manuel Noriega out of the Vatican Embassy in Panama.
The bronze bell for the “Hells Bells” tour weighed 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). The foundry had to make it perfectly to ring in the key of A. Thus, Danny Johnson lowered it slowly from the ceiling during shows.
Back in Black ranks as the second best-selling album in human history. It sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Only Michael Jackson’s Thriller sold more units than this rock masterpiece.
Angus Young stands only 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters) tall. However, his massive energy on stage makes him appear much larger. He uses a wireless guitar system to run across the platform constantly.
Bon Scott played the bagpipes on “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” Surprisingly, he had never played the instrument before the recording session. He learned the melody in the studio simply to impress his bandmates.
Brian Johnson worked installing vinyl roofs on cars before he joined AC/DC. He returned to the working-class life after his previous band Geordie failed. Fortunately, a fan sent a tape of his voice to the Young brothers.
Melbourne named a street “AC/DC Lane” to honor the group. The city officially changed the name of Corporation Lane in 2004. Fans often steal the street sign as a souvenir.
Operators of shark cage tours use AC/DC songs to attract sharks. Apparently, the low-frequency vibrations of “You Shook Me All Night Long” attract the Great White sharks. They respond to the heavy rock beats instantly.
The band took a massive break between Stiff Upper Lip and Black Ice. They waited eight years to release a new album. During this time, they focused on their families and personal health.
“Moneytalks” remains their highest-charting single in the United States. Surprisingly, it reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Even “You Shook Me All Night Long” did not climb that high.
Axl Rose replaced Brian Johnson for a tour. When Johnson suffered hearing loss, the Guns N’ Roses singer stepped in. He performed the shows while sitting on a throne due to a broken foot.
Their older brother George Young produced their early albums. He was famous himself as a member of The Easybeats. Therefore, he taught them how to record raw, powerful rock music.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
This AI-assisted post was rigorously curated and fact-checked for accuracy by:
