ACDC: History of the Band
ACDC is a legendary hard rock band from Australia that has been a mainstay in music since the late 1970s. Its members have included founding member Angus Young, lead singer Bon Scott (RIP), and drummer Phil Rudd. The band was first started by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in 1973 and they were initially playing blues-based material. ACDC followed this up with the release of their first album, High Voltage, which featured legendary and iconic tracks such as “T.N.T.” and “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll).”
After the release of High Voltage, ACDC gained a massive following around the world, with fans drawn by their unique and hard-hitting rock riffs. The band continued to tour extensively and released several highly successful albums including Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Let There Be Rock. This period of ACDC’s career was typified by their unique brand of hard rock, complete with Angus’ signature head-shaking solos. However, in 1980, tragedy struck when original lead singer Bon Scott died, leading to a search for a new frontman. The band eventually found Brian Johnson and his entrance into the band marked a new era of ACDC.
ACDC Releases Since then
The new lineup quickly recorded their first album together, Back in Black, which has gone down as an iconic hard rock album of all time, with classics such as “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hells Bells.” Following on from this success, the band released a further seven albums before Malcolm Young retired from the band in 2014. Since then, ACDC has continued touring, albeit without Young, with the current line-up featuring Angus’ nephew Stevie Young, drummer Chris Slade, and bassist Cliff Williams.
ACDC: Still Going Strong
Despite the various changes in the band’s lineup, ACDC has continued to be one of the most popular hard rock bands in the world. To date, the band has sold over 200 million records world and won numerous awards, including inductions into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame. They also ranked 4th in Billboard magazine’s list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. ACDC has also had a massive influence on various rock and metal bands including Guns ‘N Roses, Metallica and Motörhead.
ACDC: Different Takes
Though the band’s music has been incredibly popular for over 40 years, its sound is not for everyone. Some critics argue that the band’s simplistic riffs and arrangements have become repetitive and stale over the years, leaving them stuck in the past. However, despite the criticisms, ACDC’s music still garners a large following of fans who appreciate and continue to enjoy the band’s good time, hard rock sound.
ACDC Records and Achievements
ACDC has since released several highly successful albums, such as Highway to Hell, Back in Black, The Razors Edge, and Stiff Upper Lip. They have also been among the top selling bands of all time, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. Additionally, ACDC has won numerous awards, such as induction into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and were also ranked 4th in Billboard magazine’s list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
The ACDC Live Experience
ACDC continues to tour year to year, playing their classic anthemic and hard hitting tracks to sold out crowds all around the world. Crowds of fans sing along to classics such as “Highway to Hell”, “T.N.T.” and “Back in Black”, aware of the legacy of this iconic band. The bands live performances show why they have been popular amongst rock and metal fans for decades.
ACDC’s Future
At the time of writing, ACDC is still going strong and making music, with a highly successful recent album Rock or Bust being released in 2014. With their mix of classic anthemic hard rock and roll, as well as a proven consistency to release quality albums and continually tour, ACDC is certain to keep making music for years to come.
Social Media and ACDC
The band has also undertaken a highly successful social media strategy, having over 10 million followers on Facebook and an additional three million YouTube subscribers. This success has provided the band with the platform to reach out to fans globaly, allowing them to showcase their music, while also keeping fans up to date with all the activities of the band. Moreover, Angus Young remains the signature member of the band, still entertaining fans both on and off stage.
Final Thoughts on ACDC
ACDC have endured the changing landscapes in music since first forming in 1973. They have successfully kept the essence of their music alive, while also adapting to new trends in the industry. Truly, when it comes to classic hard rock and roll, there are very few bands who can match the success and longevity of ACDC.
