INDIO, CA – APRIL 10: Musician Angus Young of AC/DC performs onstage during day 1 of the 2015 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (Weekend 1) at the Empire Polo Club on April 10, 2015 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

 

AC/DC is an Australian rock band that has been rocking stages around the world since their formation in 1973. Here’s a complete history of AC/DC:

Formation and Early Years (1973-1976): AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. They were joined by vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and drummer Colin Burgess. The band quickly gained a reputation for their high-energy performances and raw, bluesy rock sound. In 1974, they released their debut album, “High Voltage,” which showcased their signature style.

Bon Scott Era and International Success (1976-1980): In 1976, AC/DC recruited vocalist Bon Scott, and with this lineup change, they achieved international success. The band released the albums “High Voltage,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “Let There Be Rock,” and “Powerage,” solidifying their place in the rock music scene. Hits like “Highway to Hell” and “Whole Lotta Rosie” became anthems of the era.

Tragedy and Brian Johnson Era (1980-1983): In 1980, tragedy struck the band when Bon Scott passed away. AC/DC made the difficult decision to continue with a new vocalist, Brian Johnson. They released the iconic album “Back in Black” in 1980 as a tribute to Bon Scott, and it became one of the best-selling albums of all time. With Brian Johnson, AC/DC continued to produce successful albums like “For Those About to Rock We Salute You” and “Flick of the Switch.”

Changing Lineups and Continued Success (1983-2014): Over the years, AC/DC experienced lineup changes, with Malcolm Young being the only constant member alongside Angus Young. Despite these changes, the band continued to produce hit albums and perform electrifying live shows. Some notable albums during this period include “The Razors Edge,” which featured the popular track “Thunderstruck,” and “Black Ice,” which topped charts worldwide.

Rock or Bust and Lineup Changes (2014-2016): In 2014, AC/DC released their fifteenth studio album, “Rock or Bust,” which marked their first album without Malcolm Young due to his health issues. Stevie Young, Malcolm’s nephew, stepped in to replace him. The album received positive reviews and demonstrated that AC/DC’s hard-hitting rock sound remained as powerful as ever.

Later Years and Axl Rose Collaboration (2016-present): In 2016, AC/DC faced another setback when Brian Johnson had to step down from touring due to hearing issues. To continue their Rock or Bust World Tour, they enlisted Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns N’ Roses, as a guest vocalist. The collaboration was met with enthusiasm from fans, and AC/DC continued to deliver unforgettable performances.

Throughout their career, AC/DC has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Their music is characterized by Angus Young’s iconic guitar riffs, Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals, and their ability to create timeless rock anthems. With their electrifying live shows and unwavering dedication to their signature sound, AC/DC has cemented their status as rock legends, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.

Here is a list of studio albums released by AC/DC:

  1. High Voltage (Australia) (1975)
  2. T.N.T. (Australia) (1975)
  3. High Voltage (International) (1976)
  4. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
  5. Let There Be Rock (1977)
  6. Powerage (1978)
  7. Highway to Hell (1979)
  8. Back in Black (1980)
  9. For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)
  10. Flick of the Switch (1983)
  11. Fly on the Wall (1985)
  12. Blow Up Your Video (1988)
  13. The Razors Edge (1990)
  14. Ballbreaker (1995)
  15. Stiff Upper Lip (2000)
  16. Black Ice (2008)
  17. Rock or Bust (2014)
  18. Power Up (2020)

In addition to these studio albums, AC/DC has also released live albums, compilation albums, and box sets throughout their career, including notable releases like “If You Want Blood You’ve Got It” (1978) and “Live at River Plate” (2012).