When discussing one of the world’s most classic rock bands, it’s hard to miss out on AC/DC. Their influence and legacy of hard-hitting heavy metal spans generations, and their songs can still be heard everywhere to this day. But who was the first lead singer of AC/DC? Was it founder Malcolm Young, or perhaps the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young?
The answer to this question may surprise you; the first lead singer of AC/DC was a man by the name of Dave Evans. Evans was born in Wales in 1948 and had previously been part of a local band called the Vinyl Monks. His arrival to the band in 1974 was a big moment for AC/DC, as it brought their history to a new level.
At this point, Angus and Malcolm Young had already started putting together the foundation of their music together, with Angus playing a Gibson SG and Malcolm providing rhythm on a Gretsch Jet Firebird. But according to those who knew Evans best, he was the one who helped the duo reach their true potential.
Evans brought a unique style of singing to AC/DC. His vocals were strong and passionate, a mix of melodic tones that created an atmosphere that could rally a crowd up. Evans was also renowned for his stage presence and electrifying energy, which drew fans in from the very first moments of his singing.
It did not take long for AC/DC to rise to stardom, and Evans was a consistent part of this journey. He performed with the band on their debut album, High Voltage, which was released in June 1975. He also joined the band on their first tour but—as the story goes—was fired almost immediately after, due to disagreements with Malcolm and Angus over AC/DC’s musical direction.
Evans went on to have a productive recording career, and eventually (in 2009) did a reunion tour with his former bandmates. His influence on AC/DC was unmistakable, providing them with the building blocks for their future success.
Since Evans left, AC/DC had several different lead singers. Among them were Dennis Laughlin—who performed in 1976—and Paul Matter—who joined the band in 1977 and left some years later. However, none of these singers managed to stay with the band for more than a few years each, until the arrival of Brian Johnson in 1980. Johnson helped AC/DC reach new heights of success, making them one of the most iconic bands of their era.
Relationship between AC/DC and Dave Evans
Despite the turmoil between AC/DC and Evans during the mid-1970s, the two eventually achieved a good and harmonious relationship. Some of the members of the band even stated the importance of Evans’ influence on them in interviews over the years.
In fact, the band supported Evans’ solo projects and even allowed him to open for them during their Australian tours in 2002 and 2006. Evans also sang on one of the albums released by the band in 2008, and promotion in magazines and websites of the time revealed the good relationship between him and the original members of AC/DC.
It is interesting to note that, even well after Evans left AC/DC, his influence is still present in the band’s current songs. Every member of AC/DC has acknowledged the importance of his contribution to their music, and they often give thanks to him on stage or during interviews—in fact, when he was performing again with the band in 2009, Evans called himself the “Godfather” of AC/DC.
Modern day popularity of AC/DC
AC/DC’s iconic status in the music industry stands today as strong as ever. Their influence is heard everywhere, from classic metal albums, to TV series and films. AC/DC’s hit songs can still be heard in stadiums and festivals all over the world.
Through all these years, the band kept the same style of music that made Dave Evans fall in love with them and with Angus and Malcolm Young’s vision. Their sound, that has been heavily influenced by Evans’ vocals, gets a contemporary twist from time to time to make it sound fresh and new to current music listeners.
When AC/DC was formed in the early 70s, few would have predicted the cultural impact it would have in the following decades. Wherever you go, their songs make you jump and shout, and that is something that will never change.
This uniqueness leaves AC/DC in a category nearly to themselves, and that is why the first lead singer of AC/DC, Dave Evans, still plays an important role in the history and legacy of the band.
Impact on other artists
The unique sound of AC/DC and the influence of Evans’ voice and style, has helped shape the heavy metal and hard rock genres, and prompted many other artists to try and replicate their brand of sound.
Nirvana, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses, are some of the bands that have cited AC/DC as having a major influence on their music. Other bands like Def Leppard and Iron Maiden have incorporated elements of their sound in their own work, and many solo artists have covered their songs to great success.
All of these artists have the same thing in common; they were inspired and motivated by what they heard from AC/DC. Their music has served as an example of the power of art, and the kind of everlasting cosmic energy that can be achieved through the hard work and dedication of a talented group.
Openness & Adaptability of AC/DC
The longevity of AC/DC as a band is due in large part to their open-mindedness when it comes to experimenting with new ideas. Just as Dave Evans was one that pushed them to his own creative limits, the band is always open to working with different artists and has a history of changing their sound.
Given their influence and success, it’s no surprise that AC/DC has attracted many types of collaborations with an impressive roster of artists including Cheap Trick, Steve Vai, Billy Corgan, and Slash. Each of these collaborators has brought a unique contribution to AC/DC’s music, and some of their songs have become some of the band’s biggest hits.
AC/DC has also become known for their ability to adapt to the changing times, and they have experimented with different instruments and mixing techniques. The band even released a digital single in 2018 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their hit “Rock ’n’ Roll Train”.
From its beginnings in the 70s and its heavy-hitting riffs and passionate singing, AC/DC has since evolved into a band capable of adapting to the times and showing off a variety of styles, from Rock ’n’ Roll to Country, in their music.
Summary & Impact of Dave Evans on AC/DC
From the start, Dave Evans brought a special and unique style to AC/DC, and although he was soon replaced, his influence on the band remained for years. His passionate voice and performance was exactly what the band needed to reach a new heights.
Evans’ vocal style provided AC/DC with the tools to inspire some of the biggest metal and hard rock bands of all time. Nirvana and Metallica, identify Evans’ influence in AC/DC, and their music has served as a reference for many artists in the past four decades.
But at the same time, AC/DC’s determination to keep up with the changing times has also been crucial for their success. The band has embraced different instruments, mixing techniques, and even digital singles. This flexibility has kept them relevant and attractive in the music industry.
The influence of Evans on AC/DC should not be underestimated, and his involvement in the band’s early years helped shape the iconic sound they are known for today. No matter how long they’ve been on the scene, the legacy of AC/DC and Dave Evans will remain long-lasting and timeless.
