YOUR  AC/DC CONNECTION
 

 

1973-1975: The Beginnings

 

AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in 1973. Both had been in separate bands before, but decided to collaborate. The Youngs had trouble finding a name and spent weeks debating. One day when their sister Maragret was sewing, and saw that it said AC/DC on the cord (this refers to alternate current, direct current). They instantly knew that this was the right name. The band began performing gigs in Australia. Other than the Youngs and lead singer Dave Evans, other band members were mostly temporary. When permanent band members were secured, Phil Rudd was on drums, and Mark Evans on bassist guitar. Dave Evans was ditched in 1975 because he was "too glam". The ferocious Bon Scott was chosen as the new lead singer, and he would be the one to take them to the top of rock 'n' roll. Albums High Voltage and T.N.T. (only in Australia) were released with Scott in 1975.

 

 

1975-1980: The Bon Scott Years

 

With Bon Scott's one of a kind voice and attitude, AC/DC soared to new heights with him as front man. The band released another Australian album, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and and the international High Voltage ablum in 1976. After releasing the Let There Be Rock album in 1977, bassist Mark Evans was fired because he could not sing background vocals as well as play guitar. Cliff Williams was hired, and is still with the band today. AC/DC released Powerage and If You Want Blood in 1978. But more success was yet to come. The Highway to Hell album was released in 1979, increasing AC/DC's popularity greatly. In early 1980, AC/DC was preparing for another album, Back in Black. Success for this album came with a price, however. Lead singer Bon Scott died after a night of heavy drinking. He was unconcious in his friend's car when he vomited, but he choked on it, causing his death. The band thought about quitting, but Scott's parents urged the band to go on.

 

 

1980-1983: The New AC/DC

 

After the untimely death of Bon Scott, AC/DC chose Brian Johnson as their new lead singer. He was previously in the rock band Geordie. AC/DC recorded Back in Black with Johnson, and it became their biggest hit. Over 20 million copies were sold, making it the fouth best selling album in the world. This success ensured that AC/DC would continue on with their new lead singer. In 1981, AC/DC released the international version of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Bon Scott's vocals), and For Those About to Rock. Both albums increased AC/DC's popularity.

 

 

1983-1987: Decrease of Commercial Success

 

 

AC/DC fired drummer Phil Rudd in 1983, which caused some popularity decrease. He was replaced by Simon Wright. Also during this time, critics did not like AC/DC's albums as much as they previously had. Flick of the Switch was released in 1983. The next year, AC/DC released '74 Jailbreak, which was a Bon Scott album made back in the band's early days. This album did serve as a flashback to fans. Fly on The Wall was released in 1985, and did not do as well as previous albums had. Things began to change in 1986 with the Who Made Who album, which was also featured on Stephen King's Maximum Overdrive movie. Popularity was returning.

 

 

 

1988-1994: Back to Popularity

 

The Blow Up Your Video album was released in 1988, and was also showing improvement in the material that AC/DC was releasing. In 1989, drummer Simon Wright was replaced by Chris Slade. Their first album with Slade was 1990's The Razor's Edge, which proved that AC/DC was back in business. In 1992, they released the Live at Donington album, along with the collector's edition version. In 1994, AC/DC wanted to work with former drummer Phil Rudd once again, and he joined, replacing Slade.

 

 

 

1994-2000: Popularity Confirmed

 

After Phil Rudd was once again hired, the band was definitely popular once again. AC/DC released the successful album, Ballbreaker, in 1995. Following this was the also successful Bonfire album in '97. AC/DC marked the new millenium with the Stiff Upper Lip album.

 

 

 

2000-2008: Down Time

 

 

After releasing the successful Stiff Upper Lip album in 2000, AC/DC did not release any new albums until 2008. However, in 2003, the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

2008-Present: Back in Business

 

After seven years of inactivity, AC/DC released their extremely successful album Black Ice in 2008. This album was impressive to both fans and critics. After the release of the album, AC/DC set out on  the Black Ice world tour which ran until 2011. The band's music was featured on the Iron Man 2 movie in 2010, which I give some accreditation to for the younger generation becoming interested in AC/DC. Most recently, AC/DC released their Live at River Plate album in 2012.