“Let There Be Rock, for me, is the album,” Angus Young once revealed when asked to pick his favorite AC/DC record. Reflecting on the creative process behind it, he shared, “My brother, George, [asked] me and Malcolm… ‘What sort of album do you wanna do this time?’ And Malcolm just looked at me and said, ‘We just want an album that’s just gonna be pure hard rock guitar.’”
That statement perfectly encapsulates AC/DC’s ethos. While music trends have shifted over the decades, AC/DC has steadfastly championed their signature sound. They are more than just a guitar-driven band—they are the guitar band, crafting some of the most iconic riffs and solos in rock history.
Angus Young: The Face of AC/DC’s Guitar Wizardry
Renowned for his electrifying performances, Angus Young has long been celebrated as one of rock’s premier guitarists. His energy on stage—shredding solos while darting around like a man possessed—is nothing short of legendary. Yet, a significant pillar of AC/DC’s success lies in the work of his late brother, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young.
Malcolm’s riffs defined AC/DC’s instantly recognizable sound. Writing music that consistently captures attention and delivers unrelenting energy is no small feat, yet Malcolm made it seem effortless. His ability to craft timeless riffs left an indelible mark on rock music, and Angus has never hesitated to acknowledge his brother’s genius.
Angus Young’s Favorite Riffs
When asked to name his favorite AC/DC riffs, Angus highlighted three tracks that demonstrate the band’s mastery of hard rock.
1. ‘Riff Raff’ (from Powerage)
“Well, I would say just listen to our album Powerage,” Angus remarked, pointing to the track ‘Riff Raff.’ “That’s a cooking guitar riff. So that’s a good example of a guitar riff.” The song’s blistering energy and infectious guitar lines have made it a staple in AC/DC’s live performances, played on nearly every tour since its creation.
2. ‘Bad Boy Boogie’ (from Let There Be Rock)
Another standout for Angus is ‘Bad Boy Boogie,’ a track from the landmark Let There Be Rock album. “It’s got a flavor because it’s got a little bit of a twist in it,” he explained. “It sounds easy, but Malcolm had a little twist that I don’t think many could do… How clever was he to do that? I still play it just for the fact that he just changed that little note around.”
This subtle but brilliant shift exemplifies Malcolm’s unique approach to rhythm guitar, turning a simple riff into something extraordinary.
3. ‘Back in Black’ (from Back in Black)
Finally, Angus paid tribute to one of AC/DC’s most famous tracks, ‘Back in Black,’ a song that immortalized the band’s late singer Bon Scott. The album, a monumental tribute, retained the core AC/DC sound while honoring Scott’s legacy.
Reflecting on Malcolm’s contributions to the track, Angus said, “Some of the guitar pieces and the way he did them… I used to say, ‘I don’t know how you conjure them up. I really don’t.’” The song’s opening riff remains one of the most recognizable in rock history, a testament to Malcolm’s enduring brilliance.
The Genius of Malcolm Young
AC/DC’s enduring appeal lies in their unwavering dedication to their sound, with Malcolm Young serving as its heartbeat. His riffs, deceptively simple yet brilliantly complex, formed the backbone of the band’s success.
For Angus, these tracks are more than just songs—they’re a celebration of Malcolm’s creativity and the enduring spirit of AC/DC. As he continues to perform these iconic riffs, he keeps his brother’s legacy alive, ensuring that the world will never forget the genius of Malcolm Young.
