Early Years of AC/DC in Australia
The iconic Australian band AC/DC came into being in 1973. Born out of the intense blues scene in Australia where brothers Angus and Malcolm Young had grown up, the band quickly gained a following with their infectious blues-rock sound. Bouncing between various members, the band’s lineup was formally solidified when former vocalist Dave Evans was invited to join as lead singer. Although not an original founding member, Evans quickly became an integral part of the band.
Raised in the industrial south-western suburbs of Sydney, Ireland, Evans acquired his musical expertise early on. By the time he was 10 years old, he was already performing professionally in musicals, as well as playing with numerous local bands. After teenage years spent honing his stagecraft, he became a popular choice for local bands, eventually catching the eye of the members of AC/DC.
Evans’ tenure with AC/DC began strongly, with his energetic showmanship and strong vocal abilities drawing crowds in venues around Australia. His willingness to dress in flamboyant costumes endeared him to the young audience, and his powerful voice soared above the electric riffs of the seven-strong band. He searched for ways to involve the audience and made a personal point of connecting with each fan; his charismatic energy was infectious and kept people coming back for more.
Authentic Performance Style
Evans was known for his engaging style of performance, often holding the microphone out towards the audience so they could howl back the chorus. His bounding presence and huge voice complemented the sound of the band, which Angus Young described as ‘convincing and rooted in blues-rock elements’. His ability to perform spontaneously led to songs sounding different every night as he used his voice to improvise and experiment with different tempos.
Evans possessed an incredible confidence and showmanship while onstage, demonstrating himself to be an enthusiastic frontman and one of the earliest proponents of modern rock music. Throughout his time with AC/DC, he developed a massive following amongst the Australian public and is still remembered fondly by many. This was not only due to his strong vocal presence, but also his larger than life stage persona, which enabled AC/DC to grow an audience quickly and firmly establish their name in Australia.
Although Evans was not the first vocalist, it can be argued that it was his appearance on stage with AC/DC that really gave the band its breakthrough sound. His blazing vocal abilities and larger than life stage persona complemented the band’s sonic assault of sharp riffage and thunderous drum beats. He enabled them to stand out and pushed them in the direction of becoming one of Australia’s most well known and iconic bands that we know today.
Abrupt Departure & Continuing Legacy
By 1974, with the band’s profile and popularity rapidly climbing, Evans recorded vocals for a never-released single. What followed was an abrupt break from the band and an acrimonious parting of ways, and Evans subsequently returned to his native Ireland. Neither Evans nor the band have ever publicly discussed the exact reasons for the split, although Malcolm reported in a later interview that “It wasn’t a personal thing”.
Evans left the band to Bon Scott who is remembered as the legendary frontman of AC/DC. Despite this, Evans’ gargantuan presence on stage and vocal abilities that remain legendary today should not be overlooked. Since taking the reins, the large following Dave Evans had already built enabled Bon Scott to continue from where he had left off and further develop and refine the sound that Screaming Jets bassist Paul Woseen dubs ‘the quintessential AC/DC sound’.
Today, AC/DC are remembered as a timeless and evergreened rock institution. Evans played an immense role in the band’s formative years and left an indelible mark as their first lead vocalist. His time with the band may have been brief but his ferocious presence, high level of enthusiasm and incredible vocals have enabled the band to reach the dizzying heights of international success that they are known for today.
National & International Recognition
Though his time with the band was short-lived, Evans’ role in the successful development of their sound earned him considerable national and international acclaim. In 2007, he was inducted into the West Australian Music Industry (WAMI) Hall of Fame for his significant contribution to the Australian music industry.
In 2017, during his tenure with the group, he was recognised for his contributions to rock and roll when he was given a special ‘Outstanding Contribution to Rock and Roll’ award by the Australasian Performing Right Association. The award recognises a notable and distinguished contribution to Australian music and is testament to Evans’ influential role in the development of Australian rock music.
Evans remains proud of his period with AC/DC and asserts that his time with the band was “special on a different level”. In 2012, thirty years on since he first joined them, he shared the stage with AC/DC at various gigs to promote his solo album.
Farewell Gigs & Touring Memories
Evans continued to perform as a solo artist throughout the 70’s and 80’s and in 1993 embarked on a farewell tour where he promoted his latest album, titled AC/DC The Dave Evans Years. The tour saw him play tribute to his time with AC/DC and celebrate the sound that he had been part of creating.
In 2005, he wrote and released a recognition album, aptly titled AC/DC It Was The Night OfThe Long Knives, in which he paid homage to his musical journey with the group. He was also reported to have featured in their music video for Back In Black as an extra.
In 2007, when interviewed regarding the status of his time with AC/DC, Evans simply stated that: ‘It’s all done in love and respect… AC/DC forever!’ This statement speaks volumes of Evans’ conviction in the band and their music, as well as his commendable humility.
Reflection & Evaluation of AC/DC’s Early Days
Dave Evans’ time with AC/DC may have been brief but his significant impact on their early sound cannot be overstated. He proved to be a talented vocalist and a captivating performer with an ability to draw people in with passionate and enthusiastic energy. His vocal capabilities enabled the band to find their footing and develop the sound that is now renowned and respected across the world.
As a performer and a vocalist, Evans was able to blaze his own trail and create the foundation for the iconic and unforgettable sound of AC/DC. The mark he left on the early days of the band is still felt today, and AC/DC owe much of their fame and success to the significant influence of their first lead singer, Dave Evans.
The Solid Bass Backing & Enduring Vocal
Evans was also integral in bringing together a complete sound and enabled AC/DC to find a fullness in their performance. His distinctive style, powerful vocal melodies and ability to improvise on the spot provided a dynamic contrast to the sound of Malcolm and Angus’ frenetic guitar playing.
Accompanied by the solid bass playing of Robbie Williams and matched with the incredible drumming of Tony Currenti, it was through their collective talents that the band found their distinguishing sound and developed a global following. It was also with the power of Evans vocal range and improvisation that the group received their first taste of the world wide acclaim they continue to receive today.
Solidifying the Band’s Legacy
Having helped to define and ensure the longevity of the AC/DC name, Evans will always be remembered as one of the band’s most influential members. His raw energy, incredible vocal abilities, larger than life stage presence and immense presence on stage enabled the band to find direction and follow the sound that has come to be internationally recognised and famed.
In spite of his departure from the group, Dave Evans’ influence on the early days of AC/DC continue to be felt and acknowledged today. His brief time with the band certainly paved the way for their success and, in their own words, it is in “love and respect” that they continue to remember the first vocalist of their beloved band.
