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Band Timeline
1973
Formation of AC/DC in Sydney, Australia
AC/DC was formed in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in Sydney. The original lineup featured drummer Colin Burgess, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and vocalist Dave Evans. Emerging from the Australian pub rock scene of the early 1970s, AC/DC developed a distinctive hard rock sound blending blues rock and heavy metal elements, though the band described their music simply as "rock and roll." This formation marked the beginning of AC/DC’s long-lasting influence on rock music globally.
1975
Release of Debut Album High Voltage (Australasian Only)
In 1975, AC/DC released their debut studio album High Voltage exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. The album captured the band’s raw energy and blues-based hard rock style, helping them establish a strong fanbase locally. With tracks showcasing Angus Young’s signature guitar work, the album was a foundational milestone laying the groundwork for their future success and international breakthroughs.
1977
Stable Lineup and Release of Let There Be Rock
By 1977, AC/DC had solidified their classic lineup: Angus and Malcolm Young, Bon Scott on vocals, Phil Rudd on drums, and Cliff Williams on bass. This lineup brought the release of Let There Be Rock, an album that further advanced the band’s hard rock sound and expanded their reputation beyond Australia. The album became essential in establishing their style and international fanbase.
1979
Commercial Breakthrough with Highway to Hell and Death of Bon Scott
In 1979, AC/DC achieved international commercial success with the album Highway to Hell, produced by Mutt Lange. The album featured enduring rock anthems that broadened their audience. Tragically, seven months after its release, lead vocalist Bon Scott died from alcohol poisoning. His passing was a critical juncture for the band, leading to uncertainty about their future direction.
1980
Brian Johnson Joins; Release of Back in Black
After Bon Scott's death, AC/DC recruited English vocalist Brian Johnson. Later in 1980, they released Back in Black, a tribute album dedicated to Scott's memory. Back in Black became one of the best-selling albums worldwide and is a rock classic, showcasing the band's resilience and ability to continue producing powerful music, which cemented their legacy in rock history.
1981
First Number One Album on Billboard: For Those About to Rock
In 1981, AC/DC released For Those About to Rock (We Salute You), which became their first album to reach number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. Continuing their tradition of hard rock anthems, the album cemented their status as a dominant global rock band and expanded their commercial success following Back in Black.
1983
Lineup Change: Drummer Phil Rudd Replaced by Simon Wright
During the recording of Flick of the Switch in 1983, drummer Phil Rudd was fired due to personal issues and replaced by Simon Wright. This marked the first major lineup change in several years. Despite the change, AC/DC maintained their signature hard rock sound and continued producing albums, navigating this period of transition.
1989
Drummer Change: Simon Wright Replaced by Chris Slade
In 1989, Simon Wright departed from AC/DC and was succeeded by drummer Chris Slade. Slade's addition came just before the release of The Razors Edge (1990). Though lineup changes were ongoing, AC/DC sustained their musical output and touring schedule, keeping their presence strong in the rock music scene.
1990
Commercial Resurgence with The Razors Edge
The Razors Edge, released in 1990, marked a commercial comeback for AC/DC. It was the only album to feature Chris Slade on drums during this era. The album included the hit song "Thunderstruck" and rejuvenated AC/DC’s popularity, engaging both longtime fans and new audiences, reaffirming their strength in the competitive early 1990s rock landscape.
1994
Phil Rudd Returns; Release of Ballbreaker
Phil Rudd rejoined AC/DC in 1994, replacing Chris Slade. Following his return, AC/DC released Ballbreaker in 1995. The album stayed true to their classic hard rock style and signaled renewed stability within the band. AC/DC continued to tour and create music throughout the mid-1990s, leveraging this momentum.
2003
Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2003, AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their extensive influence on rock music, commercial success, and longevity. Having sold over 200 million records worldwide, this accolade affirmed the band’s status as one of the greatest rock groups in history and celebrated their foundational role in shaping hard rock and heavy metal genres.
2008
Release of Black Ice and Global Commercial Success
In 2008, AC/DC released Black Ice, their fifteenth studio album. The album achieved remarkable commercial success worldwide, becoming the second highest-selling album globally that year and reaching number one in multiple countries. Black Ice was the band's highest-charting album in decades, proving their enduring relevance and ability to produce compelling rock music after more than three decades of activity.
2014
Malcolm Young’s Retirement and Lineup Challenges
In 2014, Malcolm Young retired due to early-onset dementia and passed away in 2017. Around this time, drummer Phil Rudd faced legal troubles and was temporarily replaced for touring by Chris Slade. Stevie Young, nephew of Malcolm and Angus, replaced Malcolm on rhythm guitar. In 2016, Axl Rose temporarily took over lead vocals on tour due to Brian Johnson's hearing issues. Additionally, bassist Cliff Williams retired following the tour, leading to a hiatus, marking a difficult period of adjustment for the band.
2020
Reunion and Release of Power Up
AC/DC reunited the Rock or Bust lineup and released their seventeenth studio album, Power Up, in 2020 as a tribute to Malcolm Young. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, reaffirming the band's iconic sound and legacy. This comeback connected them with both longtime fans and a new generation, underscoring their enduring impact on rock music.
2024
Announcement of Power Up Supporting Tour
In 2024, AC/DC announced a supporting tour for their album Power Up. Due to lineup adjustments, drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney were announced as touring members replacing Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams, who remain official members. The tour signifies AC/DC’s ongoing commitment to live performances and their lasting place in the rock music landscape over 50 years after their formation.
Albums
High Voltage
8 tracks
1975
T.N.T.
9 tracks
1975
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
9 tracks
1976
Let There Be Rock
8 tracks
1977
Powerage
9 tracks
1978
Highway to Hell
10 tracks
1979
Back in Black
10 tracks
1980
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
10 tracks
1981
Flick of the Switch
10 tracks
1983
Fly on the Wall
10 tracks
1985
Blow Up Your Video
10 tracks
1988
The Razors Edge
12 tracks
1990
Ballbreaker
11 tracks
1995
Stiff Upper Lip
12 tracks
2000
Black Ice
15 tracks
2008
Rock or Bust
11 tracks
2014
POWER UP
12 tracks
2020
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Cliff Williams
2018
Background vocals
Brian Johnson
2018
Lead vocals
Stevie Young
2014
Background vocals
Stevie Young
2014
Guitar
Cliff Williams
2018
Bass guitar
Phil Rudd
2018
Drums (drum set)
Angus Young
1973
Guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Rob Bailey
1974
1975
Bass guitar
Phil Rudd
1994
2015
Drums (drum set)
Chris Slade
1989
1994
Drums (drum set)
Noel Taylor
1974
1974
Drums (drum set)
Peter Clack
1974
1975
Drums (drum set)
Simon Wright
1983
1989
Drums (drum set)
Neil Smith
1974
1974
Bass guitar
Bon Scott
1974
1980
Lead vocals
Mark Evans
1975
1977
Bass guitar
Cliff Williams
1977
2016
Background vocals
Bass guitar
Larry van Kriedt
1973
1974
Bass guitar
Chris Slade
2015
2016
Drums (drum set)
Larry van Kriedt
1975
1975
Bass guitar
Paul Matters
1975
1975
Bass guitar
Malcolm Young
1973
2014
Guitar
Background vocals
Phil Rudd
1975
1983
Drums (drum set)
Brian Johnson
1980
2016
Lead vocals
Dave Evans
1973
1974
Lead vocals
Colin Burgess
1973
1974
Drums (drum set)
Story of AD/DC
AC/DC: A Thunderous History
AC/DC, the iconic Australian rock band, burst onto the scene in 1973, fueled by the electrifying energy of brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Malcolm, the rhythm guitar powerhouse, and Angus, the stage-dominating lead guitarist, laid the foundation for a sound that would shake the world.
Their raw, unadulterated style, a potent blend of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, became known simply as "rock and roll." AC/DC's signature sound not only captivated audiences but also influenced a generation of British heavy metal bands like Def Leppard and Saxon.
The band's journey wasn't without its challenges. They experienced several lineup changes before releasing their debut album, "High Voltage," in 1975, initially available only in Australia and New Zealand. Stability arrived with the release of "Let There Be Rock" in 1977, solidifying the lineup of Malcolm and Angus Young on guitars, Phil Rudd on drums, Cliff Williams on bass, and Bon Scott on vocals.
Tragedy struck in 1979 when Scott, the charismatic frontman, passed away due to alcohol poisoning. Devastated, the band considered disbanding but ultimately decided to continue in honor of Scott's memory, at the request of his parents.
AC/DC, a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, continues to electrify audiences worldwide. They were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, cementing their place as legends in the history of music.
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