AC/DC has long been associated with excess, chaos, and rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. They were labeled as harbingers of satan and dubbed the ultimate drunken highway to hell. Their wild, unfiltered antics divided audiences like no other band, but one thing both critics and fans could agree on was that AC/DC captured the unapologetic, untamed spirit of rock. Yet, amid their raucous reputation, one question remains: why did Angus Young, the heart and soul of the band, choose to dress as a schoolboy?
The answer, as always with AC/DC, is rooted in a hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt story. Uniforms in rock ‘n’ roll aren’t exactly new—Johnny Cash made black a staple, Bob Dylan had his beatnik style, and punk and metal bands would take uniformity to another level. But what on earth does a schoolboy outfit have to do with anything in this context?
At first, the choice seemed baffling. Angus experimented with different looks, including a Superman T-shirt (too corny), a Zorro cape (too impractical), and even a gorilla suit (too sweaty). None of these choices reflected his vibe, and his casual wardrobe, though comfortable, didn’t express the personality he was trying to convey.
In a moment of frustration, Angus turned to his sister Margaret for advice. Growing up in Cranhill, a tough neighborhood in Glasgow, Angus was the youngest of eight children. His family had a rough life, and as the youngest, Angus was often seen as the “little kid” by his older siblings. Margaret, who was 20 years his senior, had always viewed him as the schoolboy in the family, a role that stuck with him throughout his life.
Drawing from this family dynamic, Margaret suggested he lean into this perception and turn it into something memorable on stage. Angus was fresh out of school when he joined the band, so the idea of playing into the “schoolboy” image wasn’t that far-fetched. With that, Angus borrowed his nephew’s small uniform, exaggerated the look, and took to the stage as the mischievous schoolboy. The rest, as they say, is history.
The deeper meaning behind the schoolboy outfit reveals a more profound aspect of AC/DC’s ethos. As Angus explained in 2020, “We’re a band that still makes rock music for teenagers.” For them, rock ‘n’ roll should always retain a sense of youthful energy and rebellion. No matter how old they get, the band never intends to let go of the carefree spirit of adolescence—making their rock music as bold and carefree as ever.
In many ways, the schoolboy costume is a perfect reflection of AC/DC’s approach to music: unapologetic, fun, and always keeping the youthful energy of rock ‘n’ roll alive. It’s more than just a gimmick; it’s an integral part of who they are as a band.
