AC/DC is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, and its singers have had an indelible influence on music and popular culture. The question “How many AC/DC singers have there been?” can be answered in two ways. Firstly, there have been five primary vocalists who have taken center stage with the band, while there have also been a number of backing singers for supporting roles.
The original lead singer of AC/DC was Bon Scott, who sang with the band from 1974 until his death in 1980. During that time, AC/DC released several classic albums, such as High Voltage, Highway to Hell, and Back in Black, which featured some of the band’s most beloved songs. After Scott’s death, the band enlisted Brian Johnson to take over vocals. Johnson was with the band for almost three decades, lending his gravelly vocals to such albums as Fly on the Wall, Razor’s Edge, and Stiff Upper Lip. He left the band in 2016.
Following Johnson’s departure, Axl Rose stepped in to replace him for a time. Rose joined the band for a handful of live performances in 2016 before returning to his own Guns N’ Roses gigs. Continuing their search for a replacement, AC/DC decided to bring in soul and R&B singer, Chris Slade. Slade has been the band’s primary vocalist since 2016.
In addition to these five main vocalists, there are a few other singers who have provided backup vocals for the band. Dave Evans, the original lead vocalist of AC/DC, sang backup for the band in their early days before Bon Scott joined. Dave’s brother Harry Vanda and George Young, the band’s guitarist and older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young, have also provided backup vocals. In the later years, Cliff Williams and Malcolm Young both sang background vocal parts.
Throughout their career, AC/DC has had a rotating lineup and seen various singers come and go. However, the core of the band has always remained the same: the three Young brothers (Malcolm, Angus, and George) and long time bassist Cliff Williams. These four have been with the band since its inception and remain at the heart of their sound. AC/DC is the longest running hard rock band in history, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans.
Vocal Styles
The singing styles of the various vocalists of AC/DC have played an integral role in the band’s success. Bon Scott, for example, had an unmistakable high-pitched, raspy style of singing, which was perfect for the hard rock genre. Brian Johnson, on the other hand, adopted a more gravelly, bluesy approach, which was more restrained and laid back. Axl Rose leaned more towards a rap-like, hard rock style, and Chris Slade sticks to the tradition of a bluesy, more relaxing tone.
In addition to their individual sounds, the singers have also been able to draw on certain types of lyrics and vocal affectations throughout AC/DC’s music. Bon Scott often sang in a van style, employing some risque lyrics to great comic effect. Brian Johnson was more restrained, and seemed to prefer more serious, emotional lyrics. Axl Rose’s style combined elements of both, and Chris Slade is taking the band back to its roots with his more traditional approach.
Influence
The AC/DC vocalists have had an incredible influence on the music community. Bon Scott and Brian Johnson are both legendary figures in the rock world, and are revered by many for their distinct vocal styles. Axl Rose’s time with the band was brief, but his stamp on AC/DC’s music was profound. Rose is arguably the best vocalist the band has ever had, and his time with them was nothing short of iconic. Finally, Chris Slade is bringing AC/DC back to their bluesy, hard rock foundation, and fans of the band are thrilled to have him on board.
AC/DC has been fortunate to have had such iconic singers in their ranks, and their influence and legacy will live on for many generations to come. The band has had a long and successful career, and their music continues to resonate with music lovers all over the world.
Longevity
AC/DC has been through a lot over the years, and the need for new singers has been a constant theme throughout their career. Despite this, the band’s sound has remained largely unchanged. This is in part due to the solid foundations laid by the band’s primary vocalists, but also due to a consistent touring and recording schedule. The band has always maintained a steady presence on the music scene, and this has allowed them to keep their sound fresh and vibrant.
The longevity of the band has also helped to maintain the legacy of their various vocalists. Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, for example, both have extensive catalogs of AC/DC songs to their name, and their influence can still be heard in the band’s music today. Axl Rose had a brief tenure with the band, but his impact on them was both immediate and significant. Finally, Chris Slade is doing a fine job of taking AC/DC back to their classic sound.
Live Performances
The AC/DC singers have always been integral to the band’s live performances. Bon Scott and Brian Johnson were able to galvanize audiences and take them on a wild and wild ride of energy and emotion. The two vocalists brought a unique sense of showmanship and charisma to the stage, and the band’s live shows have always been a spectacle. Axl Rose also boasted a strong stage presence, and was able to bring a completely different dynamic to the band’s performances. Chris Slade, too, is no slouch when it comes to live shows, and his powerful, soulful singing is a joy to behold.
AC/DC has always been known for their live performances, and their various vocalists have played a key role in making them a success. Over the years, the band has adapted to the changing times, but their live shows remain as exciting as ever. From Bon Scott to Chris Slade, the vocalists of AC/DC have been one of the primary reasons for the band’s success, and their legacy will live on for many years to come.
Record Sales
Although AC/DC has always had a strong live presence, they have also been successful in the studio. The band’s albums have sold millions of copies across the globe, and their various singers have played an integral role in this success. Bon Scott and Brian Johnson both provided memorable, iconic vocal performances on many of the band’s biggest hits, and their contributions can be heard on albums such as High Voltage, Back in Black, and Highway to Hell. Axl Rose was also able to lend his own unique style to the band’s music, contributing to a handful of records before leaving the band. Chris Slade is the newest addition to the band, and his powerful voice can be heard on such songs as “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place To Be”.
AC/DC has had a successful run in the record charts over the years, and its vocalists have played a major role in this success. Each of the band’s singers has their own signature style, but all have been essential to the band’s sound and success. From Bon Scott to Chris Slade, the AC/DC vocalists have all had an incredible impact on music history and will be remembered for many years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AC/DC has had five main vocalists over the course of their long and illustrious career. Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, Axl Rose, and Chris Slade have all provided memorable vocals to some of the band’s most beloved songs. In addition, there have been a number of backing vocalists who have provided further support to the band. The various vocalists of AC/DC have all had their own distinct styles, and each has played an integral role in the band’s success. From record sales to live performances, AC/DC’s singers have played an essential role in the band’s enduring legacy.
