There’s truly no one like AC/DC. This iconic band reignited the fun and swagger of rock ‘n’ roll during the 1970s, a time when it had become overly self-indulgent. Instead of leaning on The Beatles or the British invasion for inspiration, AC/DC turned to pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, embracing the raw spirit of early rock.
Emerging from Australia’s club scene, AC/DC exuded confidence in their mission: delivering fast-paced rock that maintained its groove, no matter how frenetic their live shows became. They focused on having a blast, saving rock from the self-seriousness embodied by bands like Yes, King Crimson, and ELP, who prioritized technical brilliance over raw energy.
During their formative years, with the charismatic Bon Scott on vocals and Angus Young shredding on guitar, AC/DC’s potential was clear. Even in small, sweaty clubs, audiences could sense the right ingredients for greatness. Yet, could anyone have predicted the cultural impact they would achieve? Over the decades, they have played massive stadiums, with their anthems serving as soundtracks for sports and making appearances in film and TV.
AC/DC has always distinguished their brand of music as rock ‘n’ roll, not merely rock. The late Malcolm Young emphasized the rhythmic and groovy differences, noting that music should inspire movement, which it consistently has throughout the band’s evolution and various lineups.
In 1977, while still carving their niche in Europe with only two albums—Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Powerage—Angus Young made his stance on the leading acts of the day clear. In a conversation with Classic Rock, he boldly declared Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones as the two most overrated live bands.
Young recalled that the first time he heard Zeppelin play “real” rock ‘n’ roll was with the track from their fourth album. However, he criticized their lengthy live performances, stating they often bored audiences for two-and-a-half hours before finally playing rock ‘n’ roll classics, which he considered a cruel joke.
“I’ve seen that band live, and they were on for three hours. For two-and-a-half hours, they bored the audience, and then at the end they pull out old rock’n’roll numbers to get the crowd movin’. That’s sick. They’re supposed to be the most excitin’ rock’n’roll band in the world, them and The Stones, and they’re not playin’ it,” he remarked.
Young also addressed The Rolling Stones, who were at risk of becoming a parody of their former selves. He criticized their shift toward soul music, questioning how it fit into the rock ‘n’ roll genre. “The Rolling Stones get up and play soul music these days, and this is supposed to be rock’n’roll,” he said. For Young, The Stones thrived when sticking to their roots, and straying from that path only led to disappointment.
In a world where authenticity in rock is vital, AC/DC remains a testament to the power of sticking to one’s guns—delivering high-energy rock ‘n’ roll that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
