Overview
AC/DC is one of the world’s most iconic and influential rock bands, hailed by many as the greatest in the genre. Despite only forming in 1973, the band quickly gained recognition and success, and have since gone on to become a phenomenon of the music industry, collaborating with countless acclaimed artists and releasing some of the most iconic songs in history. One of the band’s most popular works is their debut album, High Voltage, released in 1975. This article will explore the release of the album, its unprecedented success and how it propelled the Australian band to become one of the most illustrious groups of all time.
Formation of AC/DC
AC/DC was formed by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young in 1973 in Sydney, Australia. The former, the more popular of the two, joined the band as the lead lead guitarist, whilst the latter played rhythm guitar. The initial lineup was completed by bassist Larry Van Kriedt, drummer Colin Burgess and vocalist Dave Evans, and after a year of playing local shows, the group released their first single, ‘Can I Sit Next To You Girl’, in 1974.
Though the track failed to chart, it caught the attention of Atlantic Records, who offered them a worldwide deal. Within weeks of signing the contract, Angus recruited Bon Scott for the lead vocalist position, and the 6-piece group began work on their first full-length studio album.
High Voltage
High Voltage was released in 1975, and despite the band’s rookie status, it was positively received by critics and fans alike. It seemed to combine energetic rock and roll sounds with raw, captivating lyricism, setting a precedent that would be hard to top.
The record reached number 3 on the Australian album chart, whilst reaching the top 40 in the UK and US. Its lead single, ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)’, was a showcase of the band’s eclectic styling and unique sound, and provided a strong base for an outpouring of successful singles.
Notably, the success of the album heralded an unprecedented global touring opportunity, which saw AC/DC travel to Canada, the UK and the United States. It was during this leg of the tour that the band gained much of its popularity outside of Australia, and after its end, Angus, Malcolm and the rest of AC/DC were household names…
Consequence of Success
The success of High Voltage soon led to the furthering of the band’s iconic reputation, and this was soon followed by the release of their second studio album T.N.T. The record furthered the group’s exploration of high adrenaline tracks, and combined the ingenious ideas of the Young brothers into something truly sensational.
High Voltage first established AC/DC as a beloved rock band, and from this, many other acts soon followed, such as Rose Tattoo, Cold Chisel and the Angels. Following the release of High Voltage, AC/DC went on to become one of the most influential groups in the music industry, and their legacy lives on to today.
Awards and Accolades
AC/DC’s debut record High Voltage won multiple awards throughout its lifetime, ultimately leading to many Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1976, and at the 1976 ARIA Awards in Australia, the rockers won Album of the Year for High Voltage. It was for this album that set a truly precedent of success for the band, and gave a sense of authority to their blend of popular culture and music.
The commercial success of High Voltage remains insurmountable even today, with the album’s elements of anthemic rock music and heady instrumentation still admired by millions of people worldwide. Thanks to the support of two generations of fans, AC/DC have since gone from strength to strength, and continue to remain relevant to this day.
Performances
The impact of High Voltage rippled through the music industry, and the performance of AC/DC soon followed suit. From high-profile sets at iconic music festivals such as Woodstock and Live Aid, to energetic overseas tours, AC/DC’s impact continued to extend further and being to reach even more listeners. Thanks to their incredible showmanship, signature riffs and captivating energy, the Australian band quickly grew into rock elites, and Bon Scott’s vocal performances become a true source of admiration among audiences.
High Voltage, and the band’s subsequent works, added a level of electrifying dynamism to the rock genre that hadn’t been seen before, and the passing of Scott in 1980 only further reiterated the power of the band. To honour his legacy, AC/DC toured the world once again, doing a selection of tribute shows in support of their late lead singer.
Legacy
Since the release of High Voltage, AC/DC have had a long and prosperous career, releasing some of rock’s most acclaimed albums and vaulting to the top of the industry. The album remains one of the most influential rock records of the 1970s, and is credited by many as having revolutionised the genre, with its hard-hitting riffs, energy and razor-sharp lyrics often emulated by contemporaries.
The legacy of High Voltage does not die with the band either, and in the present day, the album still remains highly influential. In 2020, the record was inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, and tracks from the album have been used in numerous films and television shows. It is this legacy of longevity and timelessness that have kept the band going for 4 decades, and in 2021, they remain some of the most beloved rock acts in the world.
Financial Impact
High Voltage quickly demonstrated how much of a global phenomenon AC/DC had become, and reached more people than perhaps the group ever thought it would. Many of the singles charted high in the US, Europe, Australia and the UK, with the album eventually being certified Gold in multiple countries. In relation to figures, High Voltage is estimated to have sold over seven million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful debut albums in history.
This financial reward helped the group fund and gross further international tours, and propelled the band’s fame beyond the initial hype of High Voltage. It wasn’t only the financial success that the album brought either, as the snarling guitar riffs, driving beats and rebellious attitude of AC/DC quickly gained mass appeal, and audiences around the world began to celebrate and appreciate the band more.
Influence on Others
High Voltage and AC/DC as a whole soon inspired other bands across the world, becoming an even bigger sensation in the music world. The group’s unique blend of hard rock and energetic riffing has seen them cited as influences by a countless selection of acts- notably, groups such as Guns N’ Roses, Arctic Monkeys, Metallica, The Darkness and Foo Fighters have all credited AC/DC as key influences. As well as this, the split between heavy hard rock and the chart appeal of commercial rock brought in a huge surge of new names into the world of rock and roll, further cementing the band’s gargantuan legacy.
Reception
High Voltage was AC/DC’s first studio album, and it quickly gained unprecedented recognition globally. The record quickly cemented the band’s place in rock history, and although the album as a whole stands proud and shines a light on the group’s immense talent, it was a mere introduction to the full extent of the legendary AC/DC.
Despite initial scepticism from critics, High Voltage was an undeniable success, and in the present day, it remains one of the most successful debut albums of all time, and its popularity still stands strong. The rockers gained their dedicated fan-base, and the buzz they created with High Voltage has since gone down in historic infamy.
