AC/DC never aimed for an eclectic discography; their motto was simple: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This approach served them well, as fans still flocked to their music, especially albums like Power Up. During their prime, Malcolm Young believed their essence was captured in the live album If You Want Blood You’ve Got It.
While the Bon Scott era is often viewed as disposable, his raw honesty and relatable lyrics made him one of rock’s most genuine figures, someone you’d want to share a drink with.
Yet, the studio recordings barely scratched the surface of their live energy. Watching Angus Young unleash his iconic schoolboy antics alongside Scott’s whiskey-fueled lyrics was a sight to behold.
Malcolm was notorious for his intense performances, often reducing his guitar picks to powder during shows. He could smell the smoke from the burnt picks, a testament to the passion he poured into every set.
When they finally released If You Want Blood You’ve Got It, it stood out as one of the most feral live recordings of its time. Despite the imperfections, they managed to recreate the intimacy of a sweaty club, even in vast arenas.
Malcolm reflected, “If You Want Blood was exactly where we were at that stage in our career. That record summed the band up perfectly.”
Recorded at the Glasgow Apollo, he admitted he hadn’t listened to it in years, but clips reminded him of their raw power.
Even after the tragic loss of Scott to alcohol poisoning, the band pressed on. During the Back in Black tour, Brian Johnson proved to be a worthy successor, and Angus’s energy was electrifying as they performed tracks like “Hells Bells.”
However, the magic that Scott brought to live performances is irreplaceable. Listening to songs like “Let There Be Rock” during this era reveals a sense of innocence and pure rock ‘n’ roll joy that defined AC/DC’s legacy.
