A Cloned History
AC/DC is an award-winning Australian band whose members have experienced numerous changes throughout their existence. In the mid-1970s, Malcolm Young, the present-day lead guitarist of the band, and bassist Mark Evans formed the band, with Angus Young and Phil Rudd as founding members. Since then, the line-up has changed, with vocalists and drummers coming and going, making this rock group a living-and-breathing experiment in regeneration.
Rumors have persisted since the band's inception that AC/DC is a clone-only act, with each member being a carbon-copy of its predecessor. Critics of this line of thought point out that Angus, Malcolm and their cohorts have been around for a while – Malcolm is actually longer in the band than Angus – and that they are hardly clones of each other.
The idea of cloning a musician's performance has only recently become a profile touchpoint. Indeed, some modern performers even employ software to emulate their favorite players. AC/DC, however, have not taken the decision to clone their performances. Instead, they have forged their own musical language, containing elements of blues, rock and punk – music that is undeniably theirs.
It's true that the band have recycled and reworked past riffs, solos and licks. But this is a common practice in many forms of music. Mick Jagger, for example, admitted that he 'borrowed' riffs for the Stone’s classic 'Beast of Burden' while singer-songwriter David Bowie incorporated an identical guitar solo from an earlier track 'John, I’m Only Dancing' into his hit 'Golden Years.'
Fans love Malcolm and Angus, not because they are clones, but because of their consummate skills, unique style, feel and inimitable swagger. Their powerful riffs, energy and attitude makes AC/DC a band that has that special something that transcends all trends and cliches.
It's certain that AC/DC may continue to sound the same, but even those who are clones of past members bring something fresh to the mix. Even classic numbers such as 'Back in Black' or 'Highway to Hell' sound much richer when played today due to the influence of the new members.
What Lies Ahead?
Regardless of whether AC/DC is a clone-only act, there’s no doubt that the band has achieved a huge degree of success. They have released over twenty albums, many of which have gone on to make a lasting impression on popular culture. Furthermore, they also have eleven songs in the prestigious 'Grammy Hall of Fame', and they are inductees of the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'.
Nevertheless, the band shows no intention of slowing down. In 2019 they embarked on a sold-out world tour, taking in huge venues in North America, Europe and Australia. And more recently they've been teasing details of their seventeenth studio album, suggesting that AC/DC may very well be the gift that keeps on giving.
It is with these accomplishments in mind that fans can reflect on AC/DC’s longevity, and why it is that the group can command such immense success. As Angus Young himself said, 'it's all about fun, energy and spirit, and that’s what AC/DC has’.
Do They Have What It Takes?
But can AC/DC remain a viable force in the modern music industry? Many critics and fans insist that the answer is yes, arguing that the band’s unique sound has made them stand out amongst the crowd. To a certain extent, AC/DC are an anomaly – a band that never went through the wave of reinvention that has swept through so many of their contemporaries.
Despite this, the band has still been able to command massive success. This may be due to how the band has presented themselves, from their classic albums featuring the instantly-recognisable artwork of Richard Walker, to their well-crafted live shows that put the spotlight on Angus’s incomparable guitar solos.
The fact that the band has considered performing with a wide array of guest singers in recent shows only further underlines their willingness to bring something new to their performances. Such an open-mindedness appears to have resonated with fans, even after all these years.
In general then, AC/DC remains a viable force in music circles precisely because they never compromised their principles. They draw from a virtually bottomless reservoir of fan loyalty, which is quickly passed down from generation to generation. In some places, the band is even considered a cultural institution in its own right.
What Does the Future Hold?
Despite the band’s legacy, many people will start to question whether AC/DC will be able to maintain their core fanbase in the long run. Whereas efforts to introduce a younger generation to their music have only been partially successful, it's increasingly unlikely that the band can extend themselves into the realms of modern music. For example, streams of AC/DC’s music have fallen below those of contemporary rock acts, and the outlook seems bleak for them.
In addition, the band may find it difficult to remain in the public consciousness when their members eventually retire. For instance, the departure of Angus Young was briefly mentioned in a book published back in 2017, hinting at the direction in which things may move. Moreover, the longevity of Future AC/DC is highly uncertain –- despite reports that suggest the band will soldier on regardless.
In the end, there can be no definitive answers to whether AC/DC is a clone-only act or not. Yet, the fact that the band is still able to wow fans, despite the passage of time, is testament to the hard work and dedication that the members of AC/DC have put into ensuring their continued success.
The Iconic Image of the Band
The success of AC/DC also owes much to their iconic image. Their classic leather-clad style, reminiscent of biker gangs or bad boys, has endeared themselves to the public, and the band’s collective spirit gives their live performances a thrilling energy that is hard to match.
What's more, with their tagline of 'It's a Long Way to the Top', the band has provided a rallying call for people of all ages who are passionate about music and who strive to make it big. Thus, AC/DC’s image has been embedded not just within the music scene, but also in pop culture itself.
It is thanks to these achievements that AC/DC can continue to perform to rabid crowds in arenas up and down the world, and why their song will remain in the hearts of millions.
Continued Legacy
The key to AC/DC’s longevity is the willingness of its fans to embrace the band’s musical legacy. Despite any reservations about the band being considered a clone-only act, the fact remains that AC/DC possesses an inimitable charm, and there’s no denying the fact that they have been a major influence on many modern musicians.
Because of the band’s dedication to playing the same songs night after night, and their refusal to tamper with the tried-and-tested formula, AC/DC can guarantee that a live performance will serve to reinvigorate their core fanbase, whilst leaving newcomers in a position of awe.
Ultimately, AC/DC are a stellar example of a rock band that has successfully melded years of experience and knowledge with raw energy and enthusiasm. As long as they can continue to present themselves as a living musical pioneer, AC/DC will remain an unstoppable force of nature.
