ACDC’s Formation
ACDC is a rock band formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973 when two brothers, Angus and Malcolm Young, began jamming together. After meeting and playing with bassist Mark Evans, they decided to form a full-time band with their fourth member, lead vocalist Dave Evans. The Young brothers had previously been part of a Sydney-based band called the Easybeats.
Years later, the four-piece lineup changed with the addition of Phil Rudd on drums and Bon Scott on vocals. With this lineup, ACDC released their first album ‘High Voltage’. The band’s sound – a mix of hard rock, blues, and punk – made ACDC an instant success and the album sold over a million copies.
Since its inception, ACDC has released 18 studio albums, three soundtracks, and nearly 254 songs. Spanning over 40 years, the band is well known for its iconic music and wild concerts. To this day, ACDC has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide and shows no sign of slowing down.
Current ACDC Band Members
ACDC currently consists of six members; Angus Young on lead guitar, Stevie Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass guitar, Phil Rudd on drums, Axl Rose on lead vocals and Chris Slade on percussion. Angus Young, drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams have been with the group since its beginning, and although lead singer Bon Scott passed away in 1980, the band has soldiered on.
ACDC’s most recent release,Rock or Bust,was released in late 2014 and the band has since released two singles, Play Ball andRock the Blues Away. The album went on to be certified Gold in the United States and is currently the band’s seventh Top 10 album on the Billboard charts.
Age of ACDC Members
With a successful forty-year career and countless fans worldwide, it’s easy to forget the age of band members. ACDC’s leader and long-time guitarist, Angus Young, is 63 years old, whilst their drummer, Phil Rudd, is 62. Stevie Young, Angus’s nephew, is 60 and bassist Cliff Williams is 66. Axl Rose, who stepped in for lead vocals after Bon Scott passed away, is now 57, and percussionist Chris Slade is a youthful 69.
Although ACDC’s genre of music and wild stage performances have changed remarkably little over the last four decades, their lineup has evolved in tandem with the age of its members.
Impact of Age on ACDC
The age of ACDC’s members has had a significant impact on the band’s music over the years. With members ranging in age from late 20s to mid-60s, their style of music has shifted from hard-hitting rock anthems to softer, more melodic ballads. Angus and Malcolm are veterans in the music industry and have become the main composers of the band’s most recent music.
The shift in age and experience has also impacted the live shows, as the band has become less wild and more refined in order to accommodate older fans. Put together, this has resulted in a band that continues to be successful after forty years in the music industry.
ACDC’s Future
With their long-time frontman’s retirement looming, it’s unclear what the future holds for ACDC. Whatever the outcome, their fan base will remain loyal and supportive given the amazing success the band has seen throughout its career.
Lead singer Axl Rose’s commitment to the band over the past few years has been praised amongst fans while his vocal and charismatic performances have been enjoyed by many. That being said, the recent retirement of Cliff Williams has decreased the stakes in regards to the band’s future.
In the end, ACDC’s success has come from its ability to stay true to its roots, even as its lineup changes with time. Regardless of any speculation, there is no doubt that the band will continue to make beautiful music for many years to come.
ACDC Band Leadership
Since forming ACDC in 1973, Angus Young and Malcolm Young have been the driving force behind the band’s success. Angus is known for his energetic performances and trademark schoolboy outfit, while he is also widely-recognised as one of the most talented and influential guitarists of all time. Malcolm, as the rhythm guitarist, has been regarded moments of brilliants and has received much praise from fans for his spontaneity and tendency to break out of classic structures.
Beyond their guitars, the brothers have been involved in the songwriting and production progression of almost every album released by the band. Together, the brothers have injected a creative cohesiveness that has kept ACDC’s music sounding fresh despite its many lineup changes over the years.
ACDC Inspiration
From the start, ACDC strived to make music that embraced its roots in rock and blues. Throughout the years, the band has continued to draw upon genres that have influenced their sound over the years, with Motown, funk and punk all playing a part.
More recently, the band has shifted its focus to their native Down Under, drawing inspiration from town bands, indigenous sounds and regional acts. ACDC has also stepped outside its genre by drawing from a new landscape of blues and soul, incorporating inspirations from local and global acts.
ACDC’s Appreciation of Music
ACDC’s appreciation for music has seen the band experiment with different sounds over the years, from the rock anthems of their early albums to the more melodic, harmonious ballads of their most recent albums. The band’s ability to blend styles is what has kept them relevant and fresh in the music industry for the past forty years, and they have fully embraced the opportunity to explore and experiment with different genres and styles.
The band’s respect for and appreciation of music is evident in their willingness to work with other artists, as seen in their collaborations with Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose and a variety of producers and engineers.
