“Who Would Want This?”: Angus Young on AC/DC’s ‘Filthiest’ Song

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In a candid conversation with Vulture, AC/DC guitarist Angus Young revisited some standout moments from the band’s legendary catalog. With the group reunited—including singer Brian Johnson, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd—for their latest album, PWR/UP, Young shared his thoughts on a few tracks that left a lasting impression, for better or worse.

The Song That Almost Missed the Mark

When asked about the band’s most regrettable song, Young didn’t hesitate to name “Love Song” from their 1975 debut album, High Voltage.

“That was very different for us,” Angus admitted. “I don’t know if we were trying to parody love songs of the time, but Bon [Scott] wrote the lyrics. I don’t even remember what the words are.”

The track, with lyrics like “When you smile I see stars in the sky,” was suggested as a single by a label executive hoping to ride the wave of soft music dominating local radio. But Angus wasn’t convinced.

“I remember thinking, ‘Who in their right mind would want this to go out?’”

Thankfully, radio DJs who had witnessed AC/DC’s live energy flipped the record and began playing the B-side, a cover of the blues standard “Baby, Please Don’t Go.” This gamble turned into an unexpected hit, salvaging the single release.

The “Filthiest” Track

When it comes to controversy, AC/DC has always been in the spotlight. Young chuckled when recalling how fans interpreted their songs:

“People have made our tracks filthier than they were originally intended,” he said.

One track often singled out is “Night Prowler.” Despite sinister connotations assigned to it by critics, Angus explained the song’s origins were far more innocent.

“The idea came from when I was young, growing up in suburban Australia,” he shared. “It was hot, and we didn’t have air conditioning. I’d open the window, and these animals would come around at night, jumping on the window ledge or casting shadows on the walls. For me, they were the ‘night prowlers.’”

According to Angus, the song was about nature, not menace, but fans and media had their own interpretations.

A Song That Stood the Test of Time

Angus also reflected on the enduring legacy of “Highway to Hell,” a track that stirred its fair share of controversy upon release.

“In the beginning, a lot of people thought it was satanic,” he said. “Are they trying to rewrite the Bible?”

However, the song was never about anything dark.

“It’s such a road song,” Angus clarified. “Our life on the road at the time was a lot of heavy touring. That’s how you sold and promoted records back then—you had to tour constantly.”

Despite backlash and even accusations of promoting suicide, the band stuck to their guns. The song became AC/DC’s first gold record in the U.S. and remains a fan favorite to this day.

“When we play it, the audience relaxes and sings along,” Angus noted.

AC/DC’s Legacy

Through hits, misses, and misunderstood lyrics, AC/DC’s music continues to resonate. With PWR/UP, Angus and his bandmates prove they still have the spark that made them icons of rock. Whether reflecting on a love song gone wrong or celebrating their defiance against controversy, AC/DC’s story is one of resilience and an unshakable commitment to their craft.

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