Questions
Who started AC/DC and when?
Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young formed AC/DC in Sydney, Australia in November 1973.
Where did the name AC/DC come from?
Their sister Margaret spotted the "AC/DC" label on her sewing machine’s adapter. It stands for alternating current/direct current, which the brothers felt captured the band’s raw energy.
Why does Angus Young wear a schoolboy uniform on stage?
The schoolboy look was reportedly his sister Margaret’s idea, meant to show a boy going straight from school to play guitar. He first wore it on stage in April 1974 at Victoria Park in Sydney.
Who was the band’s original singer before Bon Scott?
Dave Evans was the original lead vocalist. Bon Scott joined in September 1974 after earlier stints with The Valentines and Fraternity.
How did Bon Scott die?
Scott died on February 19, 1980, in London from acute alcohol poisoning after a night of drinking. He was reportedly left in a car overnight to sleep off the effects.
How did Brian Johnson get the job as singer?
After Scott’s death, the band auditioned many candidates and chose ex-Geordie frontman Brian Johnson on March 29, 1980. He reportedly won them over singing "Nutbush City Limits" and their own "Whole Lotta Rosie."
How big is the album Back in Black?
Recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas in 1980, Back in Black is one of the best-selling albums of all time. It spent 612 weeks on the Billboard 200 and includes "Hells Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
How many records has AC/DC sold?
The band’s worldwide sales are estimated at around 200 million records, including roughly 84 million in the United States according to the RIAA.
Do they really fire a cannon during their shows?
Yes. For the 1981 album For Those About to Rock We Salute You, an actual cannon is fired during live performances of the title track. That album was their first number one on the Billboard 200.
When did Highway to Hell come out?
Highway to Hell, released in 1979, was their sixth studio album and their first to crack the top 20 on the Billboard 200, reaching number 17.
What happened with Brian Johnson’s hearing?
In March 2016, doctors ordered Johnson to stop touring immediately due to the risk of hearing loss. Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose filled in for the final 2016 dates, and Johnson returned in 2020.
Is it true AC/DC once played for over a million people?
Yes. In September 1991 they performed for a reported 1.6 million people at the Monsters of Rock festival in Moscow, the first open-air rock concert in the former Soviet Union.
When were they inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
AC/DC was inducted in 2003, honoring both Young brothers, Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, and Phil Rudd.
What happened to Malcolm Young?
Malcolm became seriously ill in 2014 and retired that September, with his nephew Stevie Young taking his place. He died on November 18, 2017, at age 64 from dementia.
Did AC/DC keep going after their reunion?
Yes. The band reunited in 2020 for the album Power Up, and their 2024 Power Up Tour featured Matt Laug on drums and Chris Chaney on bass as touring players.
