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{{short description|Australian rock band}}
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{{Otheruses1|the band}} {{About|the band}}
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{{Use Australian English|date=January 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
| Name = AC/DC | name = AC/DC
| Img = ACDC-Hughes-long ago.jpg | image = AC DC Black Ice Tour 2009 Buenos Aires 4 de Diciembre (4238680962).jpg
| landscape = yes
| Img_capt = Former vocalist ] (centre) pictured with guitarist ] (left) and bassist ] (back), performing at the ], August 1979.
| alt = Five men perform on stage: rhythm guitarist glancing left, drummer behind his kit, bass guitarist turned to his right, lead guitarist in school boy costume and lead singer hunched over microphone turned to his left.
| Img_size =
| caption = AC/DC in ] in 2009. From left to right: Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Brian Johnson
| Background = group_or_band
| Alias = | origin = ], Australia
| genre = <!--These genres are sourced under the genres section and have been agreed after several talk page discussions. Do not change without first obtaining consensus on the talk page.--> {{flatlist|
| Genre = <!--Please discuss on the talk page before changing the genres, and please don't cite references in the infobox. Be careful not to remove heavy metal from the infobox as the verifiable reference in the article lead-in outweighs editor opinion. Thank you.--> ], ], ], ]
* ]
| Origin = ], ], ]
* ]
| Years_active = 1973 – present
* ]
| Label = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
* ]
| URL = <br/>
}}
| Associated_acts = ], ], ]
| discography = {{flatlist|
| Current_members = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]
* ]
| Past_members = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]
* ]
}}
| years_active = 1973–present {{nowrap|(hiatus from 2016–2018)}}
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| spinoff_of = ]
| current_members =
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
| past_members = See ]
| website = {{URL|acdc.com}}
}} }}
'''AC/DC''' are an ] ] band formed in ] in 1973 by brothers ] and ]. Although the band are considered pioneers of ],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | editor = Dale Hoiberg | encyclopedia = ] Ultimate Reference Suite | title = AC/DC | edition = 2008 | date = ] | volume= | id = ISBN 1-59339-292-3 | pages= }}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia | editor = Dale Hoiberg | encyclopedia = ] Ultimate Reference Suite | title = heavy metal | edition = 2008 | date = ] | volume= | id = ISBN 1-59339-292-3 | pages= }}</ref> its members have always classified their music as "]".<ref name="Bonfire">{{cite book | first = Murray | last = Engleheart | title = AC/DC - Bonfire | date = ] }}</ref>


'''AC/DC''' are<!-- Don't change "are" to "is"; in Australian English band names are treated as noun plurals. --> an Australian rock band formed in ] in 1973. Their music has been variously described as ], ] and ], although the band calls it simply "]". They are cited as a formative influence on the ] bands. The band was inducted into the ] in 2003.
AC/DC underwent several line-up changes before releasing their first album, '']'', in 1975. Membership remained stable until bassist ] was replaced by ] in 1977. In 1979, the band recorded their highly successful album '']''. Lead singer and co-songwriter ] died on 19 February 1980, after a night of heavy alcohol consumption. The group briefly considered disbanding, but soon ex-] singer ] was selected as Scott's replacement. Later that year, the band released their best-selling album, '']''.


AC/DC were founded in 1973 by brothers ] (lead guitar) and ] (rhythm guitar), with ] (drums), ] (bass guitar) and ] (lead vocals). They underwent several line-up changes before releasing their debut ]n-only album, '']'' (1975). Membership stabilised after the release of '']'' (1977), with the Young brothers, ] on drums, ] on bass guitar and ] on lead vocals. Seven&nbsp;months after the release of '']'' (1979), Scott died of ] and English singer ] was then recruited as their new frontman. Their first&nbsp;album with Johnson, '']'' (1980), dedicated to Scott's memory, became the ]. The eighth&nbsp;studio album, '']'' (1981), was their first&nbsp;album to reach number&nbsp;one on the ]. Rudd was fired partway through the '']'' sessions in 1983 and was replaced by ], who was replaced by ] six&nbsp;years later.
The band's next album, '']'', was also highly successful and was their first album to reach number one in the ]. AC/DC declined in popularity soon after the departure of drummer ] in 1983. Poor record sales continued until the release of '']'' in 1990. Phil Rudd returned in 1994 and contributed to the band's 1995 album '']''. '']'' was released in 2000 and was well-received by critics. The band's new album '']'' was announced in June 2008 and was released on 20 October 2008.<ref name="currentstatus">{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.NET/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95431 | title = AC/DC Completes Recording New Album | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-04-22 | date = ]}}</ref>


AC/DC experienced a commercial resurgence in the early 1990s with the release of album '']'' (1990); it was their only record to feature Slade, as Rudd returned in 1994. Rudd has since recorded five more albums with the band, starting with '']'' (1995). Their fifteenth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', was the second&nbsp;highest-selling record of 2008 and their highest chart peak since ''For Those About to Rock'', eventually reaching number&nbsp;one worldwide. The band's line-up remained the same for 20&nbsp;years until 2014 when Malcolm retired due to early-onset ], from which he died three&nbsp;years later; additionally, Rudd was charged with threatening to kill and possession of ] and ]. Angus and Malcolm's nephew, ], replaced Malcolm and debuted on the album '']'' (2014). On the ], Slade filled in for Rudd. In 2016, ] singer ] replaced Johnson for the rest of the tour dates due to a risk of hearing loss, Williams retired at the end of the tour and the band entered a two-year hiatus. A reunion of the ''Rock or Bust'' line-up was announced in September 2020; the band's seventeenth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', was released two months later. Their ] was announced in February 2024, with drummer ] replacing Rudd, and bass guitarist ] replacing Williams.
AC/DC have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/22/1066631502999.html | title = Back to roots for AC/DC | work = ] |accessdate = 2008-05-02}}</ref> including 69 million albums in the United States.<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web | title = Top Selling Artists | work = ] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTopArt | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> '']'' has sold an estimated 42 million units worldwide<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Breakers and Trivia: Albums | work = EveryHit | url = http://www.everyhit.co.uk/recordalb.html | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> and 22 million in the United States alone,<ref name="riaa2">{{cite web | title = Top 100 Albums | work = ] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTop100 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> making it the second highest-selling album ever in the United States. AC/DC ranked fourth on ]'s list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock"<ref>{{cite web | title = 100 Greatest artists of hard rock | work = ] | url = http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and the seventh "Greatest Heavy Metal Band Of All Time" by ].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time | work = ] | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index8.jhtml | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> In 2004, the band was ranked number 72 in the ] list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.


==History== ==History==
===Name and background=== ===1973–1974: Formation and name===
AC/DC were formed in the Australian pop music scene of the early to mid-1970s,<ref name="Kimball">{{cite web |last1=Kimball |first1=Duncan |title=AC/DC |url=http://www.milesago.com/Artists/acdc.htm |publisher=Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975. Ice Productions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117090857/http://www.milesago.com/Artists/acdc.htm |archive-date=17 January 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2024}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> which is described as the ].<ref name="Kimball 1">{{Cite web |last=Kimball |first=Duncan |title=An Overview |url=http://www.milesago.com/Overview.htm |publisher=Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975. Ice Productions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419094612/http://www.milesago.com/Overview.htm |archive-date=19 April 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2023}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Many local 1960s artists – e.g., ] and ], had attempted to gain international recognition but achieved limited commercial success overseas and disbanded after returning to Australia.{{sfn|McFarlane|1999|loc=entry for }}{{sfn|McFarlane|1999|loc=entry for }} Newer artists and veterans of the 1960s ] developed a variety of genres, which included a harder blues rock style dubbed ].<ref name="Kimball 1" /> Popular Australian bands – e.g., ] and ], played mainstream pop or adopted a ] approach.{{sfn|McFarlane|1999|loc=entry for }}{{sfn|McFarlane|1999|loc=entry for }}
Angus and Malcolm Young developed the idea for the band's name after seeing the acronym "AC/DC" on the back of a ] owned by their older sister, Margaret Young. "AC/DC" is an abbreviation for "]/]", which indicates that the electricity is being converted from alternating current (wall outlet) to direct current (sewing machine). The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band's raw energy, power-driven performances, and a love for their music.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://classicrock.about.com/od/artistsae1/p/ac_dc.htm | title = AC/DC | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = White | first = Dave | work = ] }}</ref><ref name="ddd">{{cite web | title = Band Name Origins | work = Digital Dream Door | url = http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/music0_name.html | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref><ref name="acdc.cc">{{cite web | title=AC/DC History | work=AC/DC - Bedlam in Belgium | url=http://www.ac-dc.cc | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref><ref name="ddd" /> "AC/DC" is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band is popularly known as "Acca Dacca" in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/16/1084646066908.html |title=Tracker to Acca Dacca |accessdate=2008-10-18 |accessmonthday= |accessdaymonth= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2004-05-17 |year= |month= |format= |work=The Age (theage.com.au) |publisher=Fairfax Digital |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=Tracker to Acca Dacca }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=11169 |title=AC/DC ACDC |accessdate=2008-10-18 |accessmonthday= |accessdaymonth= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2004-10-01 |year= |month= |format= |work=Only Melbourne (onlymelbourne.com.au) |publisher= |location= |pages=Melbourne, Australia |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=Its now rock'n'roll history after Melbourne discovered acca-dacca so did the rest of the world, going on to become one of the biggest bands in the world. }}</ref>


{{Multiple image|total_width=300
Brothers Angus, Malcolm, and ] were born in ], ], and moved to ] with most of their family in 1963. George was the first to learn to play the ]. He became a member of ], Australia's most successful band of the 1960s. In 1966, they became the first local rock act to have an international hit, with the song "]".<ref name=albertmusic>{{cite web | title = History of Albert Music | first = Glenn A. | last = Baker | url = http://www.albertmusic.com/history.htm | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title="Friday on my Mind" by The Easybeats | work = ] | url = http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=3046 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> Malcolm followed in George's footsteps by playing with a ] band called The Velvet Underground (not to be confused with the New York-based ]).<ref name="cwalker">{{cite book | title=Highway to Hell: The Life and Times of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott | year=2001 | id=ISBN 1-891-24113-3 | author=Walker, Clinton | pages=pp. 128–133}}</ref>
| image1 = Angus Young - Manchester Apollo - 1982.jpg
| alt1 = This photo is in black and white. Angus, aged 27, is shown playing guitar with both hands. He is seen shirtless, with shorts, and the socks-shoes combo. Brian Johnson, aged 34, is shown behind Angus, with his hands and knees on the ground. He is seen wearing an Irish hat, a tank top, jeans and shoes. Both are shown in right profile.


| image2 = 1982 Malcolm Young.jpg
===Early years: 1973–1974 (the Dave Evans era)===
| alt2 = This photo is in black and white. Malcolm, aged 29, is shown in left profile, playing guitar with both hands. He has over shoulder-length hair, and is wearing a dark T-shirt, jeans and shoes.
In November 1973, Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC and recruited ] ], ] ], and ], ex-] ].<ref>{{cite web | title= Rock Snaps | work = ] | url = http://www.abc.net.au/arts/rocksnaps/photos/s33884.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> The band played their first gig at a club named Chequers in Sydney on New Year's Eve, 1973.<ref name="longwaytimeline">{{cite web | title = Long Way to the Top | work = ] | url = http://www.abc.net.au/longway/timeline/ | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> They were later signed to the EMI-distributed ] label for Australia and ]. The early line-up of the band changed often; ] was the first member fired, and several bassists and drummers passed through the band during the next year.


| footer = AC/DC's founding members ] (''left'') and ] (''right''); both performing in ] in 1982
By this time, Angus Young had adopted his characteristic ] stage outfit. The original uniform was reputedly from his secondary school, ] in Sydney; the idea was his sister Margaret's. Angus had tried other costumes, such as ], ], a ], and a parody of ], named Super-Ang.<ref name="cwalker" /> In fact in its early days, most members of the band dressed in some form of glam or satin outfit but this approach was abandoned when it was discovered Melbourne band ] had already adopted this approach to their stage presentation.
}}
In November 1973, brothers ] and ] formed AC/DC in ] with drummer ] from the Masters Apprentices, bass guitarist ] and vocalist ].<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="McFarlane">
* 1st edition : {{harvnb|McFarlane|1999|loc=entry for }}.
* 2nd edition : {{harvnb|McFarlane|Jenkins|2017|loc=entry for AC/DC|pp=8–9}}.</ref> Earlier, Malcolm and Evans had been members of a band called Velvet Underground – not ] – based in ] for two&nbsp;years,<ref name="Kimball" /> and Angus started his own band called Tantrum – he would only jam with his friends.<ref name="Nimmervoll">{{cite web |last1=Nimmervoll |first1=Ed |author-link1=Ed Nimmervoll |title=AC/DC |url=http://www.howlspace.com.au/en/acdc/acdc.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20120726200808/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/14231/20120727-0512/www.howlspace.com.au/en/acdc/acdc.htm |archive-date=26 July 2012 |access-date=26 September 2023 |website=Howlspace – The Living History of Our Music}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} '''n.b.''' Incorrectly spells "Currenti" as "Kerrante".</ref> The Young brothers had joined ], a ], in 1973,<ref name="McFarlane 2017">{{cite web |last=McFarlane |first=Ian |author-link=Ian McFarlane |date=2017 |title=Marcus Hook Roll Band |url=https://www.thirdstonepress.com.au/archive-blog/2017/10/31/marcus-hook-roll-band |publisher=Third Stone Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301220358/https://www.thirdstonepress.com.au/archive-blog/2017/10/31/marcus-hook-roll-band |archive-date=1 March 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> which provided their first&nbsp;recordings for their debut album, '']'' (1974),{{sfn|McFarlane|1999|loc=entry for }} although the pair left before it was issued. Before formation, Malcolm teamed with ex-Velvet Underground bass guitarist Mick Sheffzick and Burgess for his proposed group. Van Kriedt took over from Sheffzick for bass guitar,{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=46}} then Evans responded to an ad in '']'' and then Angus joined after passing an audition.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|pp=46, 50}}


]. It first appeared on the international version of '']''.]]
The Young brothers decided that Evans was not a suitable frontman for the group, because they felt he was more of a ]er like ].<ref name="paulstenning">{{cite book | last=Stenning | first=Paul | coauthors=Rob Johnstone | year=2005 | month=November | title=AC/DC - Two Sides to Every Glory | publisher= Chrome Dreams | id=ISBN 1-8424-0308-7 | pages=32–34 }}</ref> On stage, Evans was occasionally replaced by the band's first ], Dennis Laughlin, who was the original lead singer with ] prior to ] joining the band. Evans had interpersonal problems with Laughlin, which also contributed to the band's ill feeling toward Evans.<ref name="paulstenning" /> Meanwhile ], an experienced vocalist and friend of George Young, was interested in becoming their vocalist.
Upon formation, Malcolm and Angus developed the band's name after their sister Margaret pointed out the symbol "AC/DC" on the ] of her sewing machine.<ref name="McFarlane" /> ] is an abbreviation for ]/] electricity. The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band's raw energy and the power-driven performances of their music.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=20}} It is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band are colloquially known as Acca Dacca in Australia.<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="AwrS5">{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=Donovan |date=17 May 2004 |title=''Tracker'' to Acca Dacca |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/16/1084646066908.html |work=] |location=Melbourne, Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218143853/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/16/1084646066908.html |archive-date=18 December 2008 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=18 October 2008}}</ref> The AC/DC band name is stylised with a lightning bolt separating the AC from DC and has been used on all studio albums, except the international version of '']''. Their logo was designed by American typographer ] in 1977 and first&nbsp;appeared on '']''. Adam Behr of ''The Bulletin<!-- not at dab page -->'' explained, " type font conveyed the sense of electricity implicit in their name."<ref name="Behr">{{cite news |last1=Behr |first1=Adam |date=31 July 2020 |title=AC/DC's ''Back in Black'' at 40 – Establishing Rock Bands as Brands |website=The Bulletin |url=https://thebulletin.net.au/news/entertainment/5012-ac-dc-s-back-in-black-at-40-establishing-rock-bands-as-brands |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20221029124801/https://thebulletin.net.au/news/entertainment/5012-ac-dc-s-back-in-black-at-40-establishing-rock-bands-as-brands |archive-date=29 October 2022 |via=]}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


AC/DC's first&nbsp;official gig was at Chequers nightclub in Sydney on 31 December 1973.<ref name="McFarlane" /> For about 18&nbsp;months, most members of the band dressed in some form of glam or satin outfit. Angus tried various costumes: ], a gorilla, and ].<ref name="AutoJ4-1">{{Cite web |last=staff writers |date=3 June 2016 |title=A Short History of Angus Young's School Uniforms |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/a-history-of-angus-young-s-school-uniforms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711183831/https://www.loudersound.com/features/a-history-of-angus-young-s-school-uniforms |archive-date=11 July 2019 |access-date=18 September 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Countdown Zorro">{{cite web |date=2011 |title=Angus Young of AC/DC |url=http://www.countdown.com.au/gallery/photo/angus-young-of-acdc |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20120324202908/http://www.countdown.com.au/gallery/photo/angus-young-of-acdc |archive-date=24 March 2012 |access-date=27 December 2023 |publisher=] (ABC) |via=]}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} '''n.b.''' Click "6" to see Angus in the Superman costume and click "10" to see him in the Zorro costume.</ref> Their performances involved ]s of ], ], ] and "smattering of old blues standards" while trialling some original songs.<ref name="McFarlane" /> Angus first&nbsp;wore his characteristic ] stage outfit in April 1974 at ]; the idea was Margaret's.<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="AutoJ4-1" /> He portrayed a boy "straight from school to play his guitar."<ref name="Nimmervoll" /> On stage, Evans was occasionally replaced on lead vocals by their first&nbsp;], Denis Loughlin from Sherbet.<ref name="Kimball" /> In ]'s book ''AC/DC: Two Sides to Every Glory'', he states that Evans and Loughlin were clashing and as a consequence, other members developed bitter feelings towards Evans.{{sfn|Stenning|Johnstone|2005|pp=32–34}}
===The Bon Scott era: 1974-1980===
<!-- ] links here -->
In September 1974, Bon Scott replaced Dave Evans. The band had recorded only one single with Evans, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl" / "Rockin' in the Parlour"; eventually, the song was re-recorded with Bon Scott as "]" (track #7 on the Australian album '']'', and #6 on the international release of '']'').


The group recorded a session in January 1974 at ] in Sydney, with ] – ] and ] – as the producers; both were former members of the Easybeats and Marcus Hook Roll Band.<ref name="McFarlane" /><ref name="Holmgren">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206234245/http://hem.passagen.se/honga/database/a/acdc.html |url=http://hem.passagen.se/honga/database/a/acdc.html |title=AC/DC |publisher=] |last1=Holmgren |first1=Magnus |archive-date=6 December 2003 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref> George is Angus and Malcolm's older brother. Several songs were recorded, including "]", "Rockin' in the Parlour" and an early version of "Rock 'n' Roll Singer".{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=21}} A week after the session, Burgess was fired due to intoxication; he was unconscious during a performance.<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="Baker Obit for Burgess">{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Glenn A. |author-link=Glenn A. Baker |date=18 December 2023 |title=Original Drummer with AC/DC Lived Rock'n'roll Lifestyle |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/original-drummer-with-ac-dc-lived-rock-n-roll-lifestyle-20231218-p5es89.html |access-date=26 December 2023 |newspaper=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218053504/https://www.smh.com.au/national/original-drummer-with-ac-dc-lived-rock-n-roll-lifestyle-20231218-p5es89.html |archive-date=18 December 2023 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Subsequently, Van Kriedt was replaced;<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="Paul Matters death">{{Cite web |url=https://themusicnetwork.com/vale-paul-matters/ |title=Australian Bassist Paul Matters, an Early Member of AC/DC, Has Died |author=staff writer |website=The Music Network |date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019231727/https://themusicnetwork.com/vale-paul-matters/ |archive-date=19 October 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=31 December 2023}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> his recorded bass lines for the January session were re-recorded by George.<ref name="Kimball" /> Their replacements, Neil Smith on bass guitar and Noel Taylor on drums, lasted six&nbsp;weeks, replaced in turn by ] and ], respectively.<ref name="McFarlane" /><ref name="AutoJ4-2">{{cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-lineup-changes/ |title=AC/DC Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide |work=] |date=18 April 2016 |access-date=19 August 2023 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104009/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-lineup-changes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band signed with ] in June 1974.<ref name="Kimball" /> "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", backed with "Rockin' in the Parlour", taken from the January session, was released on 22 July 1974 as the band's first&nbsp;single.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=60}} The song reached the top 50 on Australia's ] singles chart.{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}}
By January 1975, the Australia-only album '']'' had been recorded. It took only ten days<ref name="timeline">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdcrocks.com/TIMELINE_index.html | title = Timeline | work = AC/DC official website | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and was based on instrumental songs written by the Young brothers, with lyrics added by Scott. Within a few months, the band's line-up had stabilised, featuring Scott, the Young brothers, bassist ] and drummer ]. Later that year they released the single "]", which became their perennial rock anthem.<ref name="acdclane">{{cite news | first = Martin | last = Boulton | title = Laneway to the top for AC/DC | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/09/1094530766163.html | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> It was included on their second album, '']'', which was also released only in Australia and New Zealand. The album featured another classic song, "]".

The group had developed a strong live reputation by mid-1974, which resulted in a supporting slot on ]'s national tour in August.<ref name="McFarlane" /> During that tour, Malcolm switched to rhythm guitar, leaving Angus on lead guitar – the roles the two guitarists played from then on.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=62}} During 1974, on the recommendation of ], veteran Melbourne promoter Michael Browning booked them to play at his club, the Hard Rock Cafe.{{sfn|Browning|2014|p=108}} He was not pleased with their glam rock image and felt that Evans was the wrong singer, but he was impressed by the Young brothers' guitar playing.{{sfn|Browning|2014|p=110}} Browning then received a call weeks after the Hard Rock gig from Malcolm: Loughlin had quit and they were stuck in ] with no money.{{sfn|Browning|2014|pp=114–115}} They hired Browning as their manager in November 1974, with the cooperation of George and Harry Vanda.<ref name="Kimball" />{{sfn|Browning|2014|pp=115–120}} The Young brothers decided to abandon their glam rock image; instead, they pursued a pub rock sound.{{sfn|Cockington|2001|pp=198–201}} To this end, they agreed that Evans was no longer a suitable frontman.{{sfn|Stenning|Johnstone|2005|pp=32–34}}

===1974–1976: Bon Scott joins===
] (''pictured in 1979'') joined as the lead singer in 1974.]]
In September 1974, ], a vocalist previously with ] (1966–1970) and ] (1971–1973),<ref name="McFarlane" /> joined AC/DC after his former bandmate ] introduced him to George during their stopover in Adelaide in August.<ref name="Nimmervoll" /><ref name="Scott ADoB">{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Geoff |year=2018 |title=Ronald Belford (Bon) Scott (1946–1980) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/scott-ronald-belford-bon-27533 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323175150/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/scott-ronald-belford-bon-27533 |archive-date=23 March 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2024}}</ref> Scott worked as a chauffeur for the group until an audition promoted him to lead singer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe |date=19 February 2021 |title=Bon Scott Reveals How AC/DC Hired Him in Newly Uploaded 1976 Interview |url=https://loudwire.com/bon-scott-1976-interview-surfaces-2021/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221120217/https://loudwire.com/bon-scott-1976-interview-surfaces-2021/ |archive-date=21 February 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=3 July 2024}}</ref> Like the Young brothers, Scott was born in Scotland, emigrated to Australia in his childhood and had a passion for blues music. Scott also had experience as a songwriter and drummer.<ref name="Nimmervoll" /> Their debut single's tracks were re-written and the vocals were re-recorded by Scott. With Scott's inclusion, " working-class style, ] sound and earthy humour fell into place", according to music journalist ].<ref name="McFarlane" /> Scott's first&nbsp;concert for AC/DC was on 5 October 1974 at the Masonic Hall in ].<ref>{{cite web |last=DeRiso |first=Nick |date=5 October 2015 |orig-date=5 October 2014 |title=The Day AC/DC Played Their First Concert With Bon Scott |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-bon-scott-debut/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006012229/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-bon-scott-debut/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref>

AC/DC recorded their first&nbsp;studio album, '']'', in November 1974 with Vanda & Young producing at ] in Sydney.<ref name="Kimball" /> Bailey and Clack were still in the band during its recording, but Clack played on only one&nbsp;track, and the rest were provided by session drummer ]. George handled some bass parts and later redid others.<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="Nimmervoll" /> Recording sessions took ten&nbsp;days and were based on instrumentals written by the Young brothers with lyrics added by Scott.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|pp=91–92}} They relocated to Melbourne that month.<ref name="Kimball" /> Both Bailey and Clack were fired in January 1975.<ref name="Kimball" /> ] took over bass duties briefly before being fired in turn and replaced temporarily by George or Malcolm for live duties.<ref name="McFarlane" /> Matters had disagreements with the Young brothers' decisions.<ref name="Paul Matters death" /> Meanwhile, on drums, Ron Carpenter and Russell Coleman had brief tenures before ], from ], joined in that month.<ref name="Kimball" /> Bass guitarist ] was enlisted in March 1975, setting the line-up which lasted two&nbsp;years.<ref name="McFarlane" />


{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{Listen {{Listen
| type = music
| filename = ACDC Itsalongway.ogg
| filename = "T.N.T." song sample.ogg
| title = "It's a Long Way to the Top" (1975)
| title = "T.N.T."
| description = The second single of '']'' demonstrates a combination of ] with more traditional rock instruments while the lyrics discuss the perils of being in a rock band.}}
| description = "]", AC/DC's third&nbsp;single from the ], with lead vocals by Scott
{{sample box end}}
}}
The band were scheduled to play at the ] in January; however, they went home without performing following a physical altercation with the management and crew of headlining act ].<ref name="Kimball" /> ''High Voltage'' was released exclusively in ] on 17 February 1975 via Albert Productions/],<ref name="Holmgren" />{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=107}} and reached the top&nbsp;20 in Australia.{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}} It provided a single, their cover version of ]' "]".{{sfn|Walker|2006|p=142}}


McFarlane observed, " initial achievement was to take the raw energy of Aussie pub rock, extend its basic guidelines, serve it up to a teenybop '']'' audience and still reap the benefits of the live circuit by packing out the pubs."<ref name="McFarlane" /> They released their second&nbsp;studio album '']'' (1975), in Australasia only,<ref name="McFarlane" /> its tracks were recorded with Evans and Rudd except for two tracks, which used Currenti and George. It peaked at number&nbsp;two in Australia and the top&nbsp;40 in New Zealand.{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}}<ref name="NZ Charts">{{cite web |url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=AC%2FDC |title=Discography AC/DC |first=Steffen |last=Hung |publisher=New Zealand Charts Portal (Hung Medien) |access-date=26 September 2023 }}</ref> Its second&nbsp;single, "]" (December 1975), had a well-known promotional video made for the ] pop music programme ''Countdown'',{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=160}} featuring the band miming the song on the back of a flatbed truck.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bastow |first=Clem |date=25 March 2014 |title=Australian Anthems: AC/DC – 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/australia-culture-blog/2014/mar/25/australian-anthems-acdc-its-a-long-way-to-the-top-if-you-wanna-rocknroll |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325193600/https://www.theguardian.com/music/australia-culture-blog/2014/mar/25/australian-anthems-acdc-its-a-long-way-to-the-top-if-you-wanna-rocknroll |archive-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2024}}</ref> The single reached the top&nbsp;ten in Australia.{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}} The ] was issued as a single in March 1976 and includes the lyric "so lock up your daughter", which was modified into their first&nbsp;United Kingdom tour's name.<ref name="Fricke 2" />
Between 1974 and 1977, aided by regular appearances on ]'s '']'', a nationally broadcast pop music television show, AC/DC became one of the most popular and successful acts in Australia. Their performance on 3 April 1977 was their last live TV appearance for over twenty years.<ref name="timeline" />


====International success: 1977–1980==== ===1976–1977: Initial success and record deal===
] (''back''), performing in ] in 1979]]
In 1976, the band signed an international deal with Atlantic Records, and toured extensively throughout ]. They gained invaluable experience of the stadium circuit, supporting leading hard rock acts such as ], ], ], ] and ], and co-headlined with ].<ref name="timeline" />
Browning sent promo material to contacts in London, which came to the attention of ] of ]. AC/DC signed an international deal with Atlantic in 1976.<ref name="McFarlane" /> On their arrival in London in April,<ref name="Nimmervoll" /> their scheduled tour with ] was cancelled due to the death of that group's guitarist, ].<ref name="Kimball" /> As a result, AC/DC returned to playing smaller venues to build a local following until their label organised the Lock Up Your Daughters tour sponsored by '']'' magazine, starting in June 1976.<ref name="Fricke 2">{{cite magazine |first=David |last=Fricke |author-link=David Fricke |date=15 April 2015 |title=Flashback: AC/DC Refuses to Give Up and Rocks On |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-acdc-refuses-to-give-up-and-rocks-on-631/ |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203045623/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-acdc-refuses-to-give-up-and-rocks-on-631/ |archive-date=3 December 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2023}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> At the time, ] was breaking and came to dominate the pages of major British music weeklies, including '']'' and '']''. AC/DC were sometimes identified with the punk rock movement by the British press, but they hated punk rock, believing it to be a passing fad. Browning wrote that "it wasn't possible to even hold a conversation with AC/DC about punk without them getting totally pissed off".{{sfn|Browning|2014|p=165}}


The first AC/DC album to gain worldwide distribution was a 1976 compilation of tracks taken from the ''High Voltage'' and ''T.N.T.'' LPs. Also titled '']'', and released on the Atlantic Records label, the album sold three million copies worldwide,<ref name="BiBBillboard">{{cite web | url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000947787 | title = ''Back In Black'' tips 21M mark | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Jeckell | first = Barry A. | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> partly due to its popularity with a British punk audience.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:rmf5zfohehak | title = AC/DC - High Voltage | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | first = Steve | last = Huey | work = ] }}</ref> The track selection was heavily weighted toward the more recent ''T.N.T.'', and included only two songs from their first LP. The band's next album, ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'', was released in the same year in both ] and ] versions, like its predecessor. Track listings varied worldwide, and the international version of the album also featured "Rocker" from ''T.N.T.'' The original Australian version included "]" (now more readily available on the 1984 compilation EP '']'' or as a live version on the 1992 '']'' album). ''Dirty Deeds'' was not released in the US until 1981, by which time the band were at the peak of their popularity. The first&nbsp;AC/DC album to have worldwide distribution was a 1976 combination of tracks taken from the ''High Voltage'' and ''T.N.T.'' ].<ref name="McFarlane" /> Also titled '']'', it was released through Atlantic in May 1976,<ref name="McFarlane" /> eventually going on to sell over three&nbsp;million copies in the US by 2005.<ref name="AutoJ4-4">{{Cite web |title=American Album Certifications – AC/DC – ''High Voltage'' |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=AC%2FDC&ti=High+Voltage&format=Album&type=#search_section |publisher=] (RIAA) |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> The track selection was heavily weighted towards the more recent ''T.N.T.'', including only two&nbsp;songs from their first&nbsp;LP.{{sfn|Atlantic Records|1976a}} Their third&nbsp;studio album, ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'', was released in September–November 1976,{{refn|group=nb|The album was released on 20 September 1976 in Australasia,<ref name="Disco 4">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224142522/https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=4 |title=AC/DC Discography: ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'' (Australia) |first1=Arnaud |last1=Durieux |publisher=ac-dc.net |access-date=27 June 2024 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |url=https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=4 |url-status=live }}</ref> then it was released in Europe on 12 November 1976.<ref name="Disco 5">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224142057/http://ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=5 |title=AC/DC Discography: ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'' |first1=Arnaud |last1=Durieux |publisher=ac-dc.net |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |url=https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=5 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} in both Australian and European versions.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=56}}{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=166}} Track listings varied worldwide; the international version of the album included the ''T.N.T.'' track "Rocker", which had previously not been released internationally.{{sfn|Atlantic Records|1976b}} The original Australian version included "]". This was later more readily available on the 1984 compilation ] '']'',{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=57}} or as a live version on 1992's '']''.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=185}} ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'' was not released in North America until 2 April 1981, by which time the band were at the peak of their popularity.{{sfn|Masino|2015|p=137}}


After a brief tour of Sweden, they returned to London, where they set new attendance records during their residency at the ].<ref name="Kimball" />{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=49}} They continued to tour throughout Europe and then Australia. In January 1977, they started recording their fourth&nbsp;studio album, '']''.{{refn|group=nb|The album was released less than 2 months later on 21 March 1977 in Australasia,<ref name="Disco 6">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815061504/http://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=31 |title=AC/DC Discography: ''Let There Be Rock'' (Australia) |first1=Arnaud |last1=Durieux |publisher=ac-dc.net |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=15 August 2019 |url=https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=31 |url-status=live }}</ref> then the international version was released on 23 June 1977.{{sfn|Albert Productions|Epic Records|2003}}}} Early the same year, they returned to Britain and began a European tour with ]. While Scott and ] quickly became friends, other members of each group were less cordial. In one incident, ] allegedly pulled a ] at Malcolm during their show in Sweden in April. Accounts of the incident differ, but AC/DC were taken off the rest of the tour.<ref name="AutoJ4-5">{{Cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/let-there-be-rock-the-album-that-nearly-killed-ac-dc |title=''Let There Be Rock'': The Album that Saved AC/DC's Career |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link=Mick Wall |date=7 May 2016 |website=] |access-date=23 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024073817/https://www.loudersound.com/features/let-there-be-rock-the-album-that-nearly-killed-ac-dc |archive-date=24 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the 1977 recording '']'', bassist Mark Evans was sacked due to personal differences with Angus Young. He was replaced by ], who also provided backing vocals alongside ]. Neither of the Young brothers has elaborated on the departure of Evans, though Richard Griffiths, the CEO of ] and a booking agent for AC/DC in the mid-1970s, later commented, "You knew Mark wasn't going to last, he was just too much of a nice guy."<ref name="cwalker" />


{{clear|left}}
AC/DC were a formative influence on ] bands who emerged in the late 1970s, such as ] and ], in part as a reaction to the decline of traditional early 1970s heavy metal bands. In 2007, critics noted that AC/DC, along with ], ], ] and ], were among "the second generation of rising stars ready to step into the breach as the old guard waned."<ref>Elliott, Paul. ''"Never Mind the Bollocks"''. ] (February 2007)</ref>


===1977–1980: Cliff Williams joins and death of Bon Scott===
AC/DC's first American exposure was through the ] radio station AM 600 WTAC in 1977. The station's manager, Peter C. Cavanaugh, booked the band to play at ]'s Capitol Theater. The supporting act was ], who had just briefly reunited and agreed to play at the event. The band opened with their popular song "]" and closed with "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)".<ref>{{cite web | title = Peter Cavanaugh | work = Wild Wednesday | url = http://wildwednesday.com/index.html | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref>
] (''pictured in 1981'') joined as bass guitarist in 1977.]]
In May 1977, Mark Evans was fired. This was due to "musical differences" and personality clashes with Angus.<ref name="Kimball" /> He was replaced on bass guitar by ], a former member of the UK bands ] (1970–1974) and ] (1976).<ref name="McFarlane" /> Scott explained that Williams was more experienced, while Malcolm wanted a bass guitarist and backing vocalist.{{sfn|Walker|2006|p=200}} Evans' autobiography, ''Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC'', released in 2011, predominantly dealt with his time in AC/DC.<ref name="Evans Autobiography">{{cite web |url=http://www.mumslounge.com.au/entertainment/book-reviews/1325-review-dirty-deeds,-my-life-inside-outside-of-ac-dc,-mark-evans.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page= |title=Review: ''Dirty Deeds, My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC'', Mark Evans |first=Mandi |last=Johnston |website=Mums Lounge |date=19 November 2012 |via=] |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20130411033037/http://www.mumslounge.com.au/entertainment/book-reviews/1325-review-dirty-deeds,-my-life-inside-outside-of-ac-dc,-mark-evans.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page= |archive-date=11 April 2013 |access-date=21 September 2023 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


AC/DC's first&nbsp;American radio exposure was through Bill Bartlett at Jacksonville station ] in 1975.{{sfn|Fink|2013|pp=107–111}} Two&nbsp;years later, they played their first&nbsp;concert there, as a support act for Canadian group ] in Austin, Texas, on 27 July 1977.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=67}} From booking agent Doug Thaler of American Talent International and the management of Leber-Krebs, they experienced the country's stadium circuit, supporting rock acts ], ], ], ], ] and ]; they co-headlined with ]. AC/DC released their fifth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', on 5 May 1978.<ref name="fuEcH">{{cite web |url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/r81 |title = AC/DC – ''Powerage'' | publisher = ] |first1=Greg |last1=Prato |access-date = 2 August 2008 |archive-date = 4 September 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105024/https://www.allmusic.com/album/powerage-mw0000194999 |url-status = live }}</ref> The sole single from ''Powerage'' was "]" (June 1978).<ref name="McFarlane" /> An appearance at ], during the Powerage Tour was recorded and released as '']'' (1978).<ref name="Rivadavia 3">{{Cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |date=13 October 2023 |orig-date=13 October 2013 |title=How AC/DC Elevated Their Career with the Live ''If You Want Blood, You've Got It'' |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-if-you-want-blood-youve-got-it/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418061221/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-if-you-want-blood-youve-got-it/ |archive-date=18 April 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref>
AC/DC came to be identified with the ] movement by the British press. Their reputation, however, managed to survive the punk upheavals of the late 1970s, and they maintained a ] in the UK throughout this time.<ref name="Bonfire" /> Angus Young gained notoriety for ] the audience during live performances.


], Western Australia]]
The 1978 release of '']'' marked the debut of bassist Cliff Williams, and with its harder ], followed the blueprint set by ''Let There Be Rock''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:a2d7gjtrj6ip | title = AC/DC - Powerage | work = ] | first = Greg | last = Prato | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> Only one single was released for ''Powerage'', "]" and gave AC/DC the highest mark at the time, reaching #24. An appearance at the ] in ] during the ''Powerage'' tour was recorded and released as '']'', featuring such songs as "]", "]", and "]", as well as lesser-known album tracks like "]". The album was the last produced by ] and George Young with Bon Scott on vocals (although Vanda and Young later produced '']'') and is claimed to be AC/DC's most underrated album.<ref name="popmatters">{{cite web | url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-reissues2.shtml | title = Epic Records AC/DC Re-issues: Second Wave | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | author = Christopher, Michael | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref>
In 1979, the group recorded their sixth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', with producer ],{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=89}} which was issued on 27 July 1979.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=101}} It became their first&nbsp;album to reach the top&nbsp;20 the ], eventually peaking at number&nbsp;17,<ref name="billboard200">{{Cite magazine |title=AC/DC Chart History (''Billboard'' 200) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ac-dc/chart-history/tlp/ |magazine=] |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> and it propelled AC/DC into the top ranks of hard rock acts.{{sfn|Engleheart|1997}} ''Highway to Hell'' had lyrics that shifted away from flippant and comical towards more central rock themes, putting increased emphasis on backing vocals but still featuring AC/DC's signature sound: loud, simple, pounding riffs and grooving back-beats.<ref name="slL1m">{{cite web |url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/r82 |title = AC/DC – ''Highway to Hell'' | publisher = ] |first1=Steve |last1=Huey |access-date = 2 August 2008 |archive-date = 22 July 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722052054/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r82 |url-status = live }}</ref>


In February 1980, the members began to work on their seventh&nbsp;studio album, '']'', with Scott on drums instead of vocals.<ref name="Kielty 2">{{cite web |first=Martin |last=Kielty |date=21 August 2020 |title=Angus Young Still Suffers from Stage Fright / 40 Facts About AC/DC's ''Back in Black'' / Bon Scott Played Drums on Some of the Demos |website=] |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/angus-young-stage-fright/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926060033/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/angus-young-stage-fright/ |archive-date=26 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=22 August 2020}}</ref> On 18 February, Scott passed out in a car driven by his friend Alistair Kinnear after a night of drinking at ] in ], London.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=106}} According to police, Kinnear left Scott in the car overnight to sleep off the alcohol effects.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rock Singer, Left in Car to 'Sober Up', Found Dead |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-rock-singer-left/115890228/ |newspaper=] |date=20 February 1980 |access-date=2 November 2024 |via=]}}</ref> Unable to wake Scott early on the evening of 19 February, Kinnear rushed him to ], Camberwell, where Scott was pronounced dead on arrival.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=106}} The official cause of death was "]".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Alcohol Blamed for Singer's Death |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alcohol-blamed/137006294/ |newspaper=] |date=23 February 1980 |access-date=20 August 2024 |via=]}}</ref> Scott's family buried him in ], the area they emigrated to when he was a boy.<ref name="K4EE6">{{cite web |title=Bon's Highway Leads to the National Trust |url=http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/MCBNews/mediaRel.html |publisher=] |date=15 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116103758/http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/MCBNews/mediaRel.html |archive-date=16 November 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=9 December 2007}}</ref>
The band's sixth album, '']'', was produced by ] and released in 1979. It became the first AC/DC LP to break into the US top 100, eventually reaching #17,<ref name="timeline" /> and it propelled AC/DC into the top ranks of hard rock acts.<ref name="Bonfire" /> ''Highway to Hell'' put increased emphasis on backing vocals but still featured AC/DC's signature sound: loud, simple, pounding riffs and grooving backbeats.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:exfm968o3ep3 | title = AC/DC - Highway to Hell | work = ] | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> The final track, "]", has two breaths in quick succession at the start of the song, intended to create a tone of fear and loathing.<ref name="Bonfire" />


===1980–1983: Brian Johnson joins and rebirth===
====Scott's death: 1980====
] (''pictured in 2008'') joined as a lead singer in 1980.]]
{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
Following Scott's death, the members briefly considered quitting. Scott's parents advised the members that he would have wanted them to carry on, so they decided to continue and sought a new vocalist.{{sfn|Wall|2012|p=315}} ] vocalist Allan Fryer, ex-] vocalist ],{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=318}} and the Easybeats' singer ] were touted by the press as possible replacements.<ref name="Kimball" />{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=308}} Various other candidates were considered by the group: ex-Moxy member ], who was unable to join due to voice issues,{{sfn|Fink|2017|pp=367–368}} ] vocalist ],<ref name="YjBlL">{{cite web |url=http://www.soundchecks.co.uk/articles/noholder.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050405014451/http://www.soundchecks.co.uk/articles/noholder.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2005 |title=Straight from His Own Gob – Noddy Holder |first1=Andrew |last1=Darlington |publisher=Soundchecks.co.uk |access-date=9 April 2011}}</ref> and ex-Back Street Crawler vocalist ].{{sfn|Fink|2013|pp=211–212}} During their auditions, the group brought in ex-] singer ], who impressed the group.<ref name="Kielty 2" />{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=309}} Johnson sang ]'s "]" and then "]" from ''Let There Be Rock''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harbron |first=Lucy |date=8 February 2024 |title=The Song Brian Johnson Sang for His AC/DC Audition |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/song-brian-johnson-ac-dc-audition/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306103651/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/song-brian-johnson-ac-dc-audition/ |archive-date=6 March 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref>{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=121}} After they worked through the rest of the applicants in the following days, Johnson returned for a second&nbsp;audition.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|pp=317–318}} Angus later recalled that Scott himself had praised Johnson's singing.<ref name="rKfEU">{{cite web |date=18 February 2010 |url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/132727 |title=AC/DC Guitarist Angus Young Remembers Bon Scott – 'When I Think Back in Hindsight, He Was a Guy That I Always Knew Was Full of Life' |first1=Tim |last1=Henderson |website=] |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708091937/http://www.bravewords.com/news/132727 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Listen
| filename = ACDC NightProwler.ogg
| title = "Night Prowler" (1979)
| description = "]" contains all the new elements of '']''. The song finishes with Bon Scott saying the ]' famous catch phrase, "Shazbot, Nanu Nanu!", from the TV show ].<ref>{{cite web | title = "Night Prowler" by AC/DC | url = http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1179 | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref>}}
{{sample box end}}


On 29 March 1980, Malcolm offered Johnson a place in the band, much to the singer's surprise.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=319–320}} Out of respect for Scott, the band wanted a vocalist who would not be an imitator. In addition to his distinctive voice, demeanour and love of classic soul and blues music, the group were impressed by Johnson's engaging personality.<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="McFarlane" /> Johnson was officially announced as the lead singer of AC/DC on 1 April.<ref name="AutoJ4-8">{{Cite web |last1=Rivadavia |first1=Eduardo |date=1 April 2015 |title=How Happenstance Originally Brought Brian Johnson to AC/DC |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-johnson-joins-acdc/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903004114/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-johnson-joins-acdc/ |archive-date=3 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> With Johnson, the group completed the songwriting previously began with Scott for ''Back in Black''. Recording took place at ] in The Bahamas a few months after Scott's death. Produced by Lange and recorded by ], it became the ] and a hard rock landmark. Its singles are "]", "]", "]" and ]. The album peaked at number&nbsp;one in the UK,<ref name="OCC">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC {{!}} Official Charts |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16970/ac-dc/ |publisher=] |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> and number&nbsp;four in the US, where it spent 612&nbsp;weeks<!-- Updated on 5 July 2024 --> on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref name="billboard200" /> It also reached the top spot in Australia,{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}} Canada,<ref name="Can Black">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.0298&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.0298.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.0298 |title=Image: ''RPM'' Weekly |issue=298 |magazine=] |via=] |date=30 August 2022 |access-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> and France.<ref name="FRA">{{cite web |url=http://lescharts.com/search.asp?search=ac%2Fdc&cat=a |title=AC/DC – French Charts |publisher=Les Charts |access-date=8 November 2013}}</ref>
On 19 February 1980, Bon Scott passed out after a night of heavy drinking in ], and was left in a car owned by an acquaintance named Alistair Kinnear. The following morning, Kinnear rushed him to ] Hospital in ], where Scott was pronounced dead on arrival. Although ] claims that ] of ] was the cause of Scott's death, the official cause was listed as "]" and "death by misadventure".<ref name="BScottDeath">{{cite news | first = Richard | last = Jinman | title = 25 years on, AC/DC fans recall how wild rocker met his end | url = http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,11711,1418115,00.html | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> Scott's family buried him in ], the area to which they had emigrated when he was a child.<ref>{{cite web | title = Bon's Highway leads to the National Trust | date = ] | accessdate = 2007-12-09 | work = Metropolitan Cemeteries Board | url = http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/MCBNews/mediaRel.html }}</ref>


AC/DC released their first&nbsp;theatrical ], '']'', which was recorded on 9 December 1979 in Paris during their ] on 1 September 1980. It was produced and directed by Eric Dionysius and Eric Mistler and distributed by ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=''AC/DC: Let There Be Rock'' (1980) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080321/ |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702150719/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080321/ |archive-date=2 July 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> The band's eighth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', was released on 23 November 1981.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=153}} It was their first&nbsp;number-one album on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="billboard200" /> and it also reached the top&nbsp;three in Australia and Germany.{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}}<ref name="GER For Those">{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-7640 |title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts - ''For Those About to Rock We Salute You'' |publisher=] |language=de |access-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> It received mixed reviews from critics.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=150}} Two&nbsp;singles were issued: "]" and ], which peaked at number&nbsp;13 and number&nbsp;15 in the UK, respectively.<ref name="OCC" />
Inconsistencies in the official accounts of Scott's death have been cited in ], which suggest that Scott died of a ] overdose, or was killed by exhaust fumes redirected into the car, or that Kinnear did not exist.<ref name="BScottDeath" /> Additionally, Scott was ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/A/Acdc/1997/11/22/742716.html | title = AC/DC lights a Bonfire in tribute | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Stevenson | first = Jane | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> and the temperature was below freezing on the morning of his death.


===1983–1990: Line-up changes and commercial decline===
===The Brian Johnson era: 1980-present===
] performing in Seattle in 1996]]
Following Scott's death, the band briefly considered quitting; they eventually concluded, however, that Scott would have wanted AC/DC to continue, and various candidates were considered for his replacement including Buzz Shearman, ex-] member, who was not able to join due to vocal problems,<ref>{{cite web | title= Moxy Bio | work= CANOE JAM! MUSIC - Pop Encyclopedia |url= http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Pop_Encyclopedia/M/Moxy.html}}</ref> and ex-] vocalist ], who turned down this opportunity when he decided not to join an established band and instead started a solo career. The remaining AC/DC members finally decided on ex-Geordie singer ].
Instead of Lange, their ninth&nbsp;studio album, '']'' (1983), was produced by the group's members themselves.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|pp=158, 167}} It was a return to the rawness and simplicity of their early albums, but received mixed reviews and was considered underdeveloped and unmemorable;<ref name="flickof">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/r86 | title = AC/DC – ''Flick of the Switch'' | publisher = ] | first1 = Steve | last1 = Huey | access-date = 2 August 2008 | archive-date = 13 November 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101113060852/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r86 | url-status = live }}</ref> one critic stated that they "had made the same album nine times".<ref name="JTHjd">{{cite magazine | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/174854/review/5945613/flick_of_the_switch | title = AC/DC: ''Flick of the Switch'' | access-date = 2 August 2008 |last1=Fricke |first1=David |author-link1=David Fricke | date = 27 October 1987 | magazine=] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618141735/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/174854/review/5945613/flick_of_the_switch| archive-date=18 June 2008 | url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Flick of the Switch'' eventually reached number&nbsp;four on the UK charts,<ref name="OCC" /> and the top&nbsp;five in Australia,{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}} and Finland.<ref name="FIN">{{cite web |url=https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf#page=9 |title=Finnish Albums |website=] |page=9 |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=fi }}</ref> AC/DC had minor success with the single "]", reaching number&nbsp;84 on the ].<ref name="Hot 100">{{Cite magazine |title=AC/DC Chart History (''Billboard'' Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ac-dc/chart-history/hsi/ |magazine=] |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> Rudd has had long-term drug and alcohol addictions.<ref name="Bremner">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804041348/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/phil-rudd-warned-he-ll-go-to-jail-if-drinks-or-takes-drugs-during-home-detention-q00603.html |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/phil-rudd-warned-he-ll-go-to-jail-if-drinks-or-takes-drugs-during-home-detention-q00603.html |title=Phil Rudd Warned He'll Go to Jail if He Drinks or Takes Drugs During Home Detention |first=Nicole |last=Bremner |website=OneNewsNow |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-date=4 August 2015 }}</ref> His friendship with Malcolm had deteriorated and eventually escalated into a physical confrontation, after which Rudd was fired partway through the ''Flick of the Switch'' sessions in mid-1983.<ref name="AutoJ4-9">{{Cite web |last1=Lifton |first1=Dave |date=19 July 2015 |title=Bad Boy Boogie: A Phil Rudd Timeline |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/phil-rudd-ac-dc-timeline/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731010151/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/phil-rudd-ac-dc-timeline/ |archive-date=31 July 2015 |url-status=live |website=] |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> Rudd was replaced by ex-] drummer ] in July 1983, after they held over 700&nbsp;auditions in the US and UK.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=368}} ] and ] were two&nbsp;drummers who auditioned.{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2006|p=367}}


The band's tenth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', produced by the Young brothers in 1985,<ref name="Holmgren" /> was also regarded as uninspired and directionless.<ref name="AqoRk">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/r88 | title = AC/DC – ''Fly on the Wall'' | publisher = ] |first1=Steve |last1=Huey | access-date = 2 August 2008 | archive-date = 4 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105530/https://www.allmusic.com/album/fly-on-the-wall-mw0000192737 | url-status = live }}</ref> A concept music video of ] featured the band at a bar, playing five of the album's ten&nbsp;songs.<ref name="AutoJ4-10">{{Cite web |last1=McPadden |first1=Mike |date=28 June 2015 |title=AC/DC's ''Fly on the Wall'' Turns 30: Rock Out with 30 Album Facts |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/lel4zp/acdc-fly-on-the-wall-30-album-facts |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904113738/https://www.vh1.com/news/lel4zp/acdc-fly-on-the-wall-30-album-facts |archive-date=4 September 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref> In 1986, the group returned to the top&nbsp;20 on singles charts with the made-for-radio "]", reaching number&nbsp;nine in Australia and number&nbsp;16 in the UK.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=164}} The associated album '']'' is the soundtrack to ]'s film '']'';<ref name="popmatters">{{cite web |url = https://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-reissues2.shtml |title = Epic Records AC/DC Re-issues: Second Wave |access-date = 2 August 2008 |first1=Christopher |last1=Michael |date = 30 June 2003 |work = ] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080414132334/http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-reissues2.shtml |archive-date = 14 April 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> it brought together older hits, such as "You Shook Me All Night Long", with a few new songs – the title track and two&nbsp;instrumentals, "D.T." and "Chase the Ace".<ref name="AutoJ4-11">{{Cite web |last1=Wiederhorn |first1=Jon |date=24 May 2023 |title=37 Years Ago: AC/DC Release ''Who Made Who'' |url=https://loudwire.com/acdc-who-made-who-anniversary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608021438/https://loudwire.com/acdc-who-made-who-anniversary/ |archive-date=8 June 2023 |url-status=live |website=] |access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref>
Angus Young later recalled, "I remember Bon playing me ], and then telling me the story of when he saw Brian singing." He says about that night, "There's this guy up there screaming at the top of his lungs and then the next thing you know he hits the deck. He's on the floor, rolling around and screaming. I thought it was great, and then to top it off—you couldn't get a better encore—they came in and wheeled the guy off!'"<ref>] interview, 16 November 2003. See the transcript and . Retrieved on 2 August 2008</ref> Later that night, Johnson would be diagnosed with ], which was the cause of his writhing around on stage.<ref name="RS-HOF">{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/articles/story/5937459/rock_and_roll_hall_of_fame_2003_acdc | title = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2003: AC/DC | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Crandall | first = Bill | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref>


] (''pictured in 2016'') joined as a touring rhythm guitarist in 1988, then joined as a permanent member in 2014.]]
For the audition, Johnson sang "]" from '']'', and ]'s "]".<ref name="acdc.cc" /> He was hired a few days after the audition.
In February 1988, both AC/DC and Vanda & Young were inducted into the ]'s inaugural ].<ref name="Middleton">{{cite news |first1=Karen |last1=Middleton |author-link1=Karen Middleton (journalist) |date=3 March 1988 |title=Good Times – Music Awards: A Scratch on the Records |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101980224 |newspaper=] |volume=62 |issue=19,142 |access-date=28 September 2023 |page=23 |via=]}}</ref> The group's eleventh&nbsp;studio album, '']'', released in 1988, was recorded at ] in ], France, with Vanda & Young as producers.<ref name="Holmgren" />{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=169}} The group recorded nineteen&nbsp;songs, choosing ten for the final release; though the album was later criticised for containing excessive "]",<ref name="blowup">{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Prato |title=AC/DC – ''Blow Up Your Video'' |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r90 |publisher=] |access-date=2 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105022/https://www.allmusic.com/album/blow-up-your-video-mw0000198970 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> it was a commercial success: ''Blow Up Your Video'' reached number&nbsp;two on the UK charts and Australia, AC/DC's highest position since ''Back in Black'' in 1980.{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}}<ref name="OCC" /> It provided an Australian top-five and UK top-twenty single, "]", and "]".{{sfn|Kent|1993|p=11}}<ref name="OCC" />


]" music video in 1990]]
With Brian Johnson the band completed the songwriting that they had begun with Bon Scott for the album '']''. Recording took place at ] in the ] a few months after Scott's death. ''Back in Black'', produced by ] and recorded by ], became their biggest-selling album and a hard-rock landmark; hits include "]", "]", and the title track "]". The album was certified platinum a year after its release,<ref name="BiBBillboard" /> and by 2006 it had sold more than 22 million copies in the United States.<ref name="riaa2" /> The album reached #1 in the UK and #4 in the US, where it spent 131 weeks in the top ten<ref name="timeline" />, making it the fifth highest-selling album ever in the US.
The ] began in February 1988 in ], Australia. In April, following live appearances across Europe, Malcolm announced that he was taking time off from the North American legs of the tour, principally to deal with his alcoholism. Angus and Malcolm's nephew, ], temporarily replaced Malcolm on guitar.<ref name="McFarlane" /> In 1989, Wright left the group to work on British heavy metal band ]'s fifth&nbsp;studio album, '']'' (1990); he was replaced by drummer ], who has played with ex-] guitarist ], before joining.<ref name="McFarlane" /><ref name="Holmgren" /> Johnson was unavailable for several months while finalising his divorce, so the Young brothers wrote all the songs for the next album, a practice they continued for all subsequent releases through '']'' in 2020.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=173}}


===1990–1999: Popularity regained===
The follow-up album, 1981's '']'', also sold well and was positively received by critics. The album featured two of the band's most popular singles: "Let's Get It Up"<ref name=everyhit>{{cite web | title= EveryHit | url = http://www.everyhit.com | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and the title track, "]", which reached #13 and #15 in the UK, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1183 | title = "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" by AC/DC | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> The band split with Lange for their self-produced 1983 album, '']'', in an effort to recover the rawness and simplicity of their early albums.<ref name="flickof">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:tzaxqjkboj6a | title = AC/DC - Flick of the Switch | work = ] | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref>
The band's twelfth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', was recorded in ], Canada and was mixed and engineered by ] and produced by ], who had previously worked with Aerosmith and ].<ref name="Henderson 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-razors-edge-mw0000690074 |title=AC/DC – ''The Razors Edge'' Review |last=Henderson |first=Alex |publisher=] |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401192500/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-razors-edge-mw0000690074 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=174}} Released on 24 September 1990,{{sfn|Elliott|2018|pp=174, 184}} it was a major success for the band, reaching the top&nbsp;three in Australia,<ref name="AUS Razors">{{Cite web |url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=AC/DC&titel=The+Razors+Edge&cat=a |title=AC/DC – ''The Razors Edge'' |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |publisher=Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien) |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref> Canada,<ref name="CAN Razors">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9106&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9106.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9106 |title=Image: ''RPM'' Weekly |issue=9106 |date=8 December 1990 |magazine=] |via=] |access-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> Finland,<ref name="FIN" /> Germany,<ref name="GER Razors Edge">{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-7640 |title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts - ''The Razors Edge'' |publisher=] |language=de |access-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> Switzerland,<ref name="SWI">{{cite web |url=http://hitparade.ch/search.asp?cat=a&search=AC%2FDC |title=AC/DC Discography |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |publisher=Hung Medien |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112160501/http://hitparade.ch/search.asp?cat=a&search=AC%2FDC |access-date=28 September 2023 |archive-date=12 November 2012 }}</ref> and the US.<ref name="billboard200" /> Its ], "]" (September 1990), peaked at number&nbsp;5 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s ] chart,<ref name="mra">{{Cite magazine |title=AC/DC Chart History (Mainstream Rock Airplay) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ac-dc/chart-history/rtt/ |magazine=] |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> number&nbsp;4 on the ] chart,<ref name="AutoJ4-15">{{Cite web |url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=AC/DC&titel=Thunderstruck&cat=s |title=AC/DC – 'Thunderstruck' |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |publisher=Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien) |access-date=20 September 2023}}</ref> and number&nbsp;13 on the ]'s ].<ref name="OCC" /> Its second&nbsp;single, "]" (12 November 1990),<ref name="aus disco">{{Cite web |first=Steffen |last=Hung |title=AC/DC Discography |url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=AC%2FDC |publisher=Hung Medien |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032610/http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=AC%2FDC |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref> peaked at number&nbsp;23 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="Hot 100" /> By 2006, the album had achieved 5× Platinum status in the US.<ref name="AutoJ4-16">{{Cite web |title=American Album Certifications – AC/DC – ''The Razors Edge'' |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=AC%2FDC&ti=The+Razors+Edge&format=Album&type=#search_section |publisher=] (RIAA) |access-date=20 September 2023}}</ref>


Several shows on the 1991 ] were recorded for the 1992 live album, '']''. It was produced by Fairbairn and was called one of the best live albums of the 1990s by Barry Weber of ].<ref name="nUjzh">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/r53486 | title = AC/DC – ''AC/DC Live'' | publisher = ] |first1=Barry |last1=Weber | access-date = 2 August 2008 | archive-date = 4 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105529/https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-mw0000616074 | url-status = live }}</ref> AC/DC headlined the ] show during this tour, which was released as a video album, '']'', in 1992. During the tour, three fans were killed at a concert at the ] in ] on 18 January 1991, when they were crushed and fell to the floor at the beginning of the show.<ref name="deathinarena">{{cite news |last1=Carter |first1=Mike |title=AC/DC Says Band Stopped |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q2ZGAAAAIBAJ&dq=ac%2Fdc+concert&pg=PA1&article_id=1306,5192839 |access-date=4 September 2023 |work=] |date=24 January 1991 |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |page=D14 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104010/https://books.google.com/books?id=q2ZGAAAAIBAJ&dq=ac%2Fdc+concert&pg=PA1&article_id=1306,5192839 |url-status=live }}</ref> It took 26&nbsp;minutes before venue security and group members understood the severity of the situation and halted the concert. AC/DC settled out of court with the victims' families.<ref name="ibYKb">{{cite news |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/146127/SL-COUNTY-FINDS-NO-NEGLIGENCE-IN-CONCERT-DEATHS.html |title=S.L. County Finds no Negligence in Concert Deaths |work=] |date=9 February 1991 |access-date=16 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417091451/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/146127/SL-COUNTY-FINDS-NO-NEGLIGENCE-IN-CONCERT-DEATHS.html?pg=all |archive-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="knYih">{{cite news |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/265054/FAMILIES-SETTLE-SUITS-OVER-ACDC-CONCERT-DEATHS.html |title=Families Settle Suits Over AC/DC Concert Deaths |work=] |date=17 December 1992 |access-date=16 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306192726/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/265054/FAMILIES-SETTLE-SUITS-OVER-ACDC-CONCERT-DEATHS.html?pg=all |archive-date=6 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 1991, AC/DC performed in Moscow for the Monsters of Rock festival in front of 1.6&nbsp;million people. It was the first&nbsp;open-air rock concert to be held in the former ].<ref name="AutoJ4-17">{{cite news |title=List of the Most Crowded Music Concerts in History |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/list-of-the-most-crowded-music-concerts-in-history/articleshow/49702777.cms?from=mdr |work=] |date=8 November 2015 |access-date=22 May 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111231049/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/list-of-the-most-crowded-music-concerts-in-history/articleshow/49702777.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref>
====Departure of Rudd and commercial decline: 1983–1987====
{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{multi-listen start}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename =ACDC - Back In Black-sample.ogg
| title = "Back in Black" (1980)
| description = "]'s ] is one of the most recognised in hard rock history.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-back.shtml | title = Back in Black (remastered edition) | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Williams | first = Adam | date = ] | work = ]}}</ref> The song ranked #187 on '']'''s list of ] and reached #37 in the US}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename = ACDC LetsGetItUp.ogg
| title = "Let's Get it up" (1981)
| description = '']'' received criticism for ]d lyrics, slower tempos, and an ] sound.<ref name="popmatters" /> However, it was one of the band's biggest hits, reaching #13 on the UK charts and #44 in the US}}
{{multi-listen end}}
{{sample box end}}


AC/DC recorded "]" in 1993 for the soundtrack of ]'s film '']''. Released as a single, it reached number&nbsp;one on the US Mainstream Rock chart, the band's first&nbsp;number-one single on that chart.<ref name="mra" /> Pacific Gameworks proposed a ] video game for the ] in 1994, ''AC/DC: Defenders of Metal'', which would have featured the group's crew; however, production never started.<ref name="AutoJ4-18">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Jay |url=http://archives.insertcredit.com/news/122003.html |title=News: ''AC/DC - Defenders of Metal'' |website=insertcredit.com |date=30 December 2003 |access-date=19 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228061039/http://archives.insertcredit.com/news/122003.html |archive-date=28 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Angus and Malcolm invited Rudd to several ]s during 1994; he was eventually rehired due to Slade resigning.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giles |first=Jeff |date=24 July 2014 |title=Chris Slade Reveals the Reason He Quit AC/DC, Hints at Firm Reunion |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-chris-slade-quit/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003225004/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-chris-slade-quit/ |archive-date=3 October 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2024}}</ref> Recording began in October 1994 at ] in New York City. After 10&nbsp;weeks of recording, they moved to ] in Los Angeles, in February 1995,<ref name="Disco 19">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224142712/http://ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=22 |title=AC/DC Discography: ''Ballbreaker'' |first1=Arnaud |last1=Durieux |publisher=ac-dc.net |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |url=https://ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=22 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=183}} and finished recording in May.<ref name="Disco 19" /> On 22 September, their thirteenth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', was released,{{sfn|Elliott|2018|pp=183, 186}}<ref name="Disco 19" /> which reached number&nbsp;one in Australia,<ref name="AUS Ballbreaker">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC – ''Ballbreaker'' |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=AC/DC&titel=Ballbreaker&cat=a |publisher=Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien) |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref> Sweden,<ref name="SWE" /> and Switzerland.<ref name="SWE">{{cite web |url=http://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=AC%2FDC |title=Discography AC/DC |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |publisher=] (Hung Medien) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103172729/http://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=AC%2FDC |access-date=28 September 2023 |archive-date=3 November 2012 }}</ref>
Amid rumours of ] and drug-induced ], drummer ]'s friendship with Malcolm Young deteriorated and, after a long period of unfriendliness, the men's dislike for each other grew so strong that they fought. Rudd was fired two hours after the fight.<ref name="acdc.cc" /> Although Rudd had finished most of the drum tracks for their next album, he was replaced by ] after the band held an anonymous audition.


In November 1997, a box set, '']'', was released.{{sfn|Elliott|2018|pp=184, 186}} It contained four albums: a ]ed version of ''Back in Black'', '']'' – a disc with alternative takes, outtakes and stray live cuts recorded with Scott – and two live albums, '']'' and '']''. ''Live from the Atlantic Studios'' was recorded on 7 December 1977 at the ] in New York. ''Let There Be Rock: The Movie'' was a double album recorded in December 1979 at the ] and was the soundtrack of ''AC/DC: Let There Be Rock'' (1980).<ref name="Erlewine Bonfire">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614131908/http://www.allmusic.com/album/bonfire-mw0000028954 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/bonfire-mw0000028954 |title=''Bonfire'' – AC/DC: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |first=Stephen Thomas |last=Erlewine |publisher=] |archive-date=14 June 2012 |access-date=28 December 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Elliott|2018|p=184}}
With the new line-up, the band released a less successful album, the self-produced '']'', which was considered underdeveloped and unmemorable.<ref name="flickof" /> One critic stated that the band "had made the same album nine times".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/174854/review/5945613/flick_of_the_switch | title = AC/DC: Flick of the Switch | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Fricke | first = David | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> AC/DC was voted the eighth-biggest disappointment of the year in the 1984 '']'' readers' poll. However, ''Flick of the Switch'' eventually reached #4 on the UK charts,<ref name="acdc.cc" /> and AC/DC had minor success with the singles "]" and "]". '']'', produced by the Young brothers in 1985, was also regarded as uninspired and directionless.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:e2jp7iajg7dr | title = AC/DC - Fly on the Wall | work = ] | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> A music concept video of ] featured the band at a bar, playing five of the album's ten songs.


===1999–2014: Popularity confirmed and ''Black Ice''===
In 1986, the group returned to the charts with the made-for-radio "]". The album '']'' was the soundtrack to ]'s film '']'', and is the closest the band has come to releasing a "]" collection, which AC/DC has always refused to do.<ref name="popmatters" /> It brought together older hits, such as "]" and "]", with newer songs such as title track "Who Made Who", and two new instrumentals, "D.T." and "Chase the Ace".
] in 2001]]
AC/DC recorded their fourteenth&nbsp;studio album, '']'', in 1999, which was produced by George at ] in Vancouver. Released in February 2000, it was better received by critics than ''Ballbreaker'' but was considered lacking in new ideas.<ref name="wpYhs">{{cite magazine | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/198241/review/5941859/stiff_upper_lip | title = AC/DC: ''Stiff Upper Lip'' | access-date = 2 August 2008 |last1=Wild |first1=David | date = 30 March 2000 | magazine=] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727012816/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/198241/review/5941859/stiff_upper_lip| archive-date=27 July 2008 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="fYAUO">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/r465726 | title = AC/DC – ''Stiff Upper Lip'' | publisher = ] |first1=Stephen Thomas |last1=Erlewine |author-link1=Stephen Thomas Erlewine | access-date = 2 August 2008 | archive-date = 4 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105529/https://www.allmusic.com/album/stiff-upper-lip-mw0000053121 | url-status = live }}</ref> The ] was issued as a single in January 2000, which remained at number&nbsp;one on the US Mainstream Rock charts for four&nbsp;weeks.<ref name="mra" /> The other singles, "]" and "]", reached number&nbsp;one and number&nbsp;seven, respectively, on the same chart.<ref name="mra" /> The band signed a long-term, multi-album deal with ] in December 2002,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |date=21 December 2002 |title=Epic Signs AC/DC; Deal Includes Catalog Rerelease |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2002/BB-2002-12-21.pdf |magazine=] |volume=114 |issue=51 |page=54 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125060557/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2002/BB-2002-12-21.pdf |archive-date=25 January 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=17 June 2024}}</ref> which issued their remasters series.<ref name="EZXaW">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p3496/discography | title = AC/DC – Discography | publisher = ] |first1=Eduardo |last1=Rivadavia | access-date = 2 August 2008 | archive-date = 4 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105645/https://ssum-sec.casalemedia.com/usermatch?us_privacy=1NNY&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allmusic.com%2F&s=184674&cb=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.indexww.com%2Fht%2Fhtw-pixel.gif%3F | url-status = live }}</ref> In 2003, the entire back catalogue – except ''Ballbreaker'' and ''Stiff Upper Lip'' – was remastered and reissued.<ref name="AutoJ4-21">{{cite magazine |title=Epic Rolls Out First AC/DC Reissues |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/72503/epic-rolls-out-first-acdc-reissues |access-date=18 February 2021 |magazine=] |date=30 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705050228/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/72503/epic-rolls-out-first-acdc-reissues |archive-date=5 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ballbreaker'' and ''Stiff Upper Lip'' were reissued in the UK in 2004.<ref name="AutoJ4-22">{{cite web |title=AC/DC: Sony/Epic Reissues Due This Month |url=https://bravewords.com/news/ac-dc-sony-epic-reissues-due-this-month |website=] |access-date=3 June 2024 |date=2 June 2004 |archive-date=3 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603091659/https://bravewords.com/news/ac-dc-sony-epic-reissues-due-this-month |url-status=live}}</ref> Later in 2003, AC/DC were inducted into the ]. The band's 2003 lineup (Johnson, Williams, Rudd, Angus Young, and Malcolm Young), in addition to Scott, were the inductees. Notably, former bassist Mark Evans (who appeared on four albums in the 1970s) was initially announced as an inductee, but six weeks after the announcement, his inclusion was quietly omitted.<ref name="BB RnRHoF" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-ac-dc-bassist-mark-evans-knocks-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-after-snub |title=Former AC/DC Bassist MARK EVANS Knocks ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME After Snub |website=] |date=2 November 2022 |access-date=29 October 2024}}</ref>


The group performed at ], supporting the Rolling Stones, with ] and other artists, on 30 July 2003. The benefit concert assisted the city's tourism industry, which was negatively impacted by the 2003 ] (SARS) outbreak. The audience of 450,000 set a record for the largest paid music event in Canadian history.<ref name="gSyaE">{{cite news |date=31 July 2003 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/stones-rock-out-at-toronto-s-biggest-party-1.385413 |title=Stones Rock Out at Toronto's 'Biggest Party' |publisher=] (CBC) |access-date=2 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630093945/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/07/30/concert_opener030730.html |archive-date=30 June 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> The band came second&nbsp;in a list of Australia's highest-earning entertainers for 2005,<ref name="kEd0Z">{{cite news |first1=Daniel |last1=Ziffer | title = Wiggles Wriggle Back into Top Spot | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/wiggles-wriggle-back-into-top-spot/2006/04/12/1144521401699.html | work = ] | date = 13 April 2006 | access-date = 2 August 2008 | location = Melbourne | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080616035429/http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/wiggles-wriggle-back-into-top-spot/2006/04/12/1144521401699.html | archive-date = 16 June 2008 | url-status = live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> and sixth&nbsp;in the following year.<ref name="PVgSY">{{cite news | url = https://www.smh.com.au/news/people/a-wobble-but-the-wiggles-still-rule/2007/07/17/1184559786837.html | title = A Wobble, but the Wiggles Still Rule | work = ] | date = 18 July 2007 |first1=Emily |last1=Dunn | access-date = 17 August 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071015064126/http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/a-wobble-but-the-wiggles-still-rule/2007/07/17/1184559786837.html | archive-date = 15 October 2007 | url-status = live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> ] made all the albums, including the ''Live at Donington'' video, available for digital download in 2007.<ref name="XTI07">{{cite news | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0136768220070802 | title = AC/DC Goes Digital via Verizon Wireless | work = ] | date = 1 August 2007 |first1=Antony |last1=Bruno | access-date = 17 August 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071229234803/http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0136768220070802 | archive-date = 29 December 2007 | url-status = live}}</ref> AC/DC released video compilations '']'' on 28 March 2005,<ref name="FJ Release">{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227005758/http://ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=232 |title=AC/DC Discography: ''Family Jewels'' |first1=Arnaud |last1=Durieux |publisher=ac-dc.net |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url=https://ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=232 |url-status=live }}</ref> and '']'' on 16 October 2007.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=8 September 2007 |title=Latest Buzz – High Voltage |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2007/BB-2007-09-08.pdf |magazine=] |volume=119 |issue=36 |page=46 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121031543/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2007/BB-2007-09-08.pdf |archive-date=21 January 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=17 June 2024}}</ref> ''No Bull: The Directors Cut'', a newly edited, comprehensive ] and DVD of the band's July 1996 ] concert in Madrid, Spain, was released on 9 September 2008.<ref name="No Bull: The Directors Cut">{{cite magazine |last1=Cohen |first1=Jonathan |date=18 August 2008 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/acdc-sets-date-track-list-for-black-ice-1044421/ |title=AC/DC Sets Date, Track List for ''Black Ice'' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904075503/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/acdc-sets-date-track-list-for-black-ice-1044421/ |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live |magazine=] |access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref>
In February 1988, AC/DC were inducted into the ]'s ].<ref>{{cite web | title = ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame | work = ] | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/hall-of-fame.htm |accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref>


], performed in ] in 2009]]
====Renewed popularity: 1987–2000====
'']'', their fifteenth&nbsp;studio album, was released in Australia on 18 October 2008,<ref name="Black Ice AUS Release">{{cite web |last1=Cashmere |first1=Paul |author-link1=Paul Cashmere |date=3 October 2008 |url=http://www.undercover.fm/news/6405-ac-dc-black-ice-vinyl-goes-exclusive-to-indies|title=AC/DC ''Black Ice'' Vinyl Goes Exclusive to Indies |website=Undercover News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320084825/http://www.undercover.fm/news/6405-ac-dc-black-ice-vinyl-goes-exclusive-to-indies |archive-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=13 October 2023}}</ref> and issued worldwide two days later.<ref name="Black Ice">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/acdc-135-1336377 |title=AC/DC to Release First New Album in Eight Years |website=] |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=18 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128051135/https://www.nme.com/news/music/acdc-135-1336377 |archive-date=28 November 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Produced by ] and mixed and engineered by Mike Fraser, its 15&nbsp;tracks were their first&nbsp;studio recordings in eight years. Like ''Stiff Upper Lip'', it was recorded at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver.<ref name="AutoJ4-25">{{Cite web |last1=Tingen |first1=Paul |date=January 2009 |title=Inside Track: AC/DC ''Black Ice'' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-acdc-black-ice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809110649/https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-acdc-black-ice |archive-date=9 August 2022 |url-status=live |website=] |access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref> It was sold in the US exclusively at Wal-Mart, ] and the band's official website.<ref name="Black Ice" /> ''Black Ice'' reached number&nbsp;one in 29&nbsp;countries,<ref name="AutoJ4-26">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC Top Sales in 29 Countries |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/acdc-139-1326164 |date=28 October 2008 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923005541/https://www.nme.com/news/music/acdc-139-1326164 |archive-date=23 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref> including Australia,<ref name="AUS Black Ice">{{Cite web |url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=AC/DC&titel=Black+Ice&cat=a |title=AC/DC – ''Black Ice'' |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |publisher=Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien) |access-date=20 September 2023}}</ref> the UK,<ref name="OCC" /> and the US.<ref name="billboard200" /> "]", the album's first&nbsp;single, was released to radio on 28 August.<ref name="AutoJ4-28">{{Cite web |last1=Bosso |first1=Joe |date=28 August 2008 |title=AC/DC Debut New Single, 'Rock 'N Roll Train' |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/ac-dc-debut-new-single-rock-n-roll-train-171173 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624003434/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/ac-dc-debut-new-single-rock-n-roll-train-171173 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |url-status=live |website=] |access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref>
AC/DC's 1988 album, '']'', was recorded at Miraval Studio in Le Val, France, and reunited the band with their original producers, ] and ]. The group recorded nineteen songs, choosing ten for the final release; though the album was later criticised for containing excessive "]",<ref name="blowup">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:tye097b7kr5t | title = AC/DC - Blow Up your Video | work = ] | first = Greg | last = Prato | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> it was a commercial success. ''Blow Up Your Video'' sold more copies than the previous two studio releases combined, and reached #2 on the UK charts—AC/DC's highest position since "Back in Black" in 1980. The album featured the UK top-twenty single "]",<ref name=everyhit /> and popular songs such as "That's the Way I Wanna Rock and Roll". The ''Blow Up Your Video'' World Tour began in February 1988, in ], Australia. That April, following live appearances across Europe, ] announced that he was taking time off from touring, principally to begin recovery from his alcoholism. Another member of the Young family, ], temporarily took Malcolm's place.


The ] was announced on 11 September 2008 and began on 28 October in ].<ref name="Black Ice World Tour">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/acdc-planning-24-date-tour-119004/ |title=AC/DC Planning 24-Date Tour |publisher=] |magazine=] |via=] |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=11 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128024031/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/acdc-planning-24-date-tour-119004/ |archive-date=28 November 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> It then concluded with its final show in ], Spain, on 28 June 2010, after 20&nbsp;months in which the band went to 108&nbsp;cities in over 28&nbsp;countries, with an estimated total audience of over 4.9&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Francisco |last=Rendon |date=31 July 2019 |title=Ed Sheeran Concludes 'Divide' Tour, Sets All-Time Touring Record at $775.6M |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2019/07/31/ed-sheeran-concludes-divide-tour-sets-all-time-touring-record-at-775-6m-2/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002063712/https://news.pollstar.com/2019/07/31/ed-sheeran-concludes-divide-tour-sets-all-time-touring-record-at-775-6m-2/ |archive-date=2 October 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> On 15 September 2008, AC/DC Radio debuted on ] Channel 19 and XM Channel 53, which plays their music along with band member interviews.<ref name="AutoJ4-30">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC Radio to Launch on Sirius |url=https://bravewords.com/news/ac-dc-radio-to-launch-on-sirius |website=] |date=16 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603094351/https://bravewords.com/news/ac-dc-radio-to-launch-on-sirius |archive-date=3 June 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="2jL0m">{{cite web|url=http://www.sirius.com/acdcradio |title=AC/DC to Host Their Own Exclusive Music Channel on Sirius and XM |publisher=] |access-date=12 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121044926/http://www.sirius.com/acdcradio |archive-date=21 November 2008}}</ref>
{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{multi-listen start}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename = ACDC BigGun.ogg
| title = "Big Gun" (1993)
| description = "]" was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie '']'' and was produced by ], giving AC/DC the characteristic hard rock sound with harder riffs than the last albums. It reached #65 in the US and was the first AC/DC single to reach #1 in the ] ].}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename = ACDC StiffUpperLip.ogg
| title = "Stiff Upper Lip" (2000)
| description = The title track of their last studio album, '']'', sounds simpler than the previous tracks, in part because of the work of producer George Young.}}
{{multi-listen end}}
{{sample box end}}


On 29 September 2009, the band announced a collection of studio and live rarities, '']'', which was released on 10 November as a 2×CD and DVD standard edition, or 3×CD, 2×DVD and LP deluxe edition box set.<ref name="AutoJ4-32">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC Announce ''Backtracks'' Rarities and Collectors' Edition Set |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/acdc-120-1305985 |date=29 September 2009 |website=] |access-date=29 August 2023 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701090650/https://www.nme.com/news/music/acdc-120-1305985 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 November, AC/DC were announced as the '']'' top Australian earner in entertainment for 2009, with earnings of $105&nbsp;million. This displaced ] from the number-one spot for the first&nbsp;time in four&nbsp;years.<ref name="Rqlrv">{{cite web |url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/acdc-tops-brw-entertainment-rich-list-ahead-of-kylie-minogue-and-the-wiggles/story-e6frf7jo-1225794320822 |title = AC/DC Tops ''BRW'' Entertainment Rich List, Ahead of Kylie Minogue and the Wiggles |work =] |date = 11 April 2009 |access-date = 13 November 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614064954/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/acdc-tops-brw-entertainment-rich-list-ahead-of-kylie-minogue-and-the-wiggles/story-e6frf7jo-1225794320822 |archive-date = 14 June 2011 |url-status = dead |url-access=subscription }}</ref> On 19 April 2010, AC/DC released '']'', the soundtrack for the ], which compiled earlier tracks from the band's studio albums.<ref name="jH3Z9">{{cite web |url=https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-to-release-soundtrack-to-iron-man-2-ng-ya-223612 |title=AC/DC to Release Soundtrack to ''Iron Man 2'' |website=] |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=4 October 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004043809/https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-to-release-soundtrack-to-iron-man-2-ng-ya-223612 |archive-date=4 October 2023}}</ref>
Following the tour, Wright left the group to work on the upcoming ] album '']'', and was replaced by session veteran ]. Johnson was unavailable for several months while finalising his divorce,<ref name="acdc.cc" /> so the Young brothers wrote all the songs for the next album, a practice they continued for all subsequent releases until ] in 2008. The new album, '']'', was recorded in ], Canada and produced by ], who had previously worked with ] and ]. Released in 1990, it was a major comeback for the band, and included the hits "]" and "]", which reached #5 and #16 respectively on ]'s ] Chart, and "]", which peaked at #23 on the ].<ref name=everyhit /> The album went ] and reached the US top ten. Several shows on the Razors Edge tour were recorded for the 1992 live album, titled '']''. ''Live'' was produced by Fairbairn, and is considered one of the best live albums of the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kcfixqw5ld0e | title = AC/DC - AC/DC Live | work = ] | first = Barry | last = Weber | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> A year later, AC/DC recorded "]" for the soundtrack of the ] movie '']'', and was released as a single, reaching #1 on the US ] chart, the band's first #1 single on that chart.<ref name="timeline" />


]
In 1994, Angus and Malcolm invited Rudd to several ]s. He was eventually rehired to replace Slade, whose amicable departure arose in part due to the band's strong desire to again work with Rudd. In 1995, with the 1980-83 line-up back together, the group released '']'', recorded at the ] in ], and produced by ]. The first single from the album was "]". Two more singles were released from the album: "]" and "]".
The band headlined the ] at ] in June 2010.<ref name="AutoJ4-33">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC to Headline UK Download Festival |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ac-dc-to-headline-uk-download-festival-5519907.html |date=27 January 2010 |website=] |access-date=29 August 2023 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829104940/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ac-dc-to-headline-uk-download-festival-5519907.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Three concerts in December 2009 at the ] in Argentina were released on a video album, '']'' via DVD on 10 May 2011.<ref name="8S4Et">{{cite magazine |last1=Somaiya |first1=Ravi |date=6 May 2011 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-talk-epic-concert-dvd-live-at-the-river-plate-238090/ |title=AC/DC Talk Epic Concert DVD ''Live at the River Plate'' |magazine=] |access-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823053152/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-talk-epic-concert-dvd-live-at-the-river-plate-238090/ |archive-date=23 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> An exclusive single from the DVD, featuring the songs "]" and "War Machine", was issued on ], April 2011.<ref name="OVw1Q">{{cite web |last1=Stickler |first1=Jon |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/164728/9 |title=Sony Music Supports UK Record Store Day 2011 |website=Stereoboard |date=6 April 2011 |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920061535/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/164728/9 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> AC/DC released their first&nbsp;live audio album in 20&nbsp;years, '']'', on 19 November 2012.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=16 November 2012 |title=AC/DC Rip It Up on ''Live at River Plate'' – Album Premiere |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-rip-it-up-on-live-at-river-plate-album-premiere-248866/ |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128084919/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-rip-it-up-on-live-at-river-plate-album-premiere-248866/ |archive-date=28 January 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref>


In June 2011, AC/DC reissued their concert film, ''AC/DC: Let There Be Rock'', on DVD and Blu-ray.<ref name="Vbqlc">{{cite web |last=Wilkening |first=Matthew |date=11 February 2011 |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-let-there-be-rock-dvd/ |title=AC/DC: ''Let There Be Rock'' Concert Film to Receive Blu-Ray Release in June |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201200426/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-let-there-be-rock-dvd/ |archive-date=1 February 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> The entire catalogue – excluding ''T.N.T.'' (1975) and the Australian versions of ''High Voltage'' (1975), ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'' (1976) and ''Let There Be Rock'' (1977), became available on the ] the same day.<ref name="tYjOi">{{cite news|last=Sisario|first=Ben|title=AC/DC Joins iTunes, as Spotify Emerges as Music's New Disrupter|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/acdc-joins-itunes-as-spotify-emerges-as-musics-new-disrupter/|access-date=21 November 2012|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121003526/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/acdc-joins-itunes-as-spotify-emerges-as-musics-new-disrupter/|archive-date=21 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the Black Ice World Tour in 2010, Malcolm had been diagnosed with lung cancer. It was treated at an early stage and surgery was successful with cancerous tissue removed. He also had an unspecified heart problem and had a ] fitted.<ref name="blackicehealth">{{cite web |last=Wilkening |first=Matthew |date=8 January 2015 |title=Lung Cancer, Pacemaker: More Malcolm Young Health Woes Detailed |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/malcolm-young-lung-cancer-pacemaker/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708172838/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/malcolm-young-lung-cancer-pacemaker/ |archive-date=8 July 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=25 May 2024}}</ref>
In 1997, a ] named '']'' was released. It contained four albums; a ]ed version of ''Back in Black''; '']'' (a disc with alternate takes, outtakes, and stray live cuts) and two live albums, '']'' and '']''. ''Live from the Atlantic Studios'' was recorded on 7 December 1977 at the Atlantic Studios in ]. ''Let There Be Rock: The Movie'' was a ] recorded in 1979 at The Pavillon in ], and was the soundtrack of a motion picture, '']''. The US version of the box set included a colour booklet, a two-sided poster, a sticker, a temporary tattoo, a keychain bottle opener, and a guitar pick.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc-discography.com/CDBoxSets.html | title = Boxsets | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | work = AC/DC discography }}</ref>


===2014–2018: Malcolm Young retires and hiatus===
====Recent events: 2000–2008====
], performed in ] in 2015]]
In 2000, the band released their fourteenth studio album, '']'', produced by brother ] at the Warehouse Studio, again in Vancouver. The album was better received by critics than ''Ballbreaker'', but was considered lacking in new ideas.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/198241/review/5941859/stiff_upper_lip | title = AC/DC: Stiff Upper Lip | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Wild | first = David | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:ls90s35la3zg | title = AC/DC - Stiff Upper Lip | work = ] | first = Stephen Thomas | last = Erlewine | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> The Australian release included a bonus disc with three promotional videos and several live performances recorded in ] in 1996. ''Stiff Upper Lip'' reached #1 in five countries, including ] and Germany; #2 in three countries, Spain, France and ]; #3 in Australia; #5 in Canada and ]; and #7 in ], the US and ]. The first single, "]", remained at #1 on the US Mainstream Rock charts for four weeks.<ref name="timeline" /> The other singles released also did very well; "]" and "]" reached #7 and #31 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, respectively.
Malcolm became seriously ill in April 2014 and was unable to continue performing; fans speculated that the group could disband.<ref name="aibA9">{{Cite web |first1=Peter |last1=Vincent |first2=Martin |last2=Boulton |date=16 April 2014 |title=AC/DC to Split Over Sick Band Member, According to Rumours |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-to-split-over-sick-band-member-according-to-rumours-20140415-36puy.html |newspaper=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418065545/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-to-split-over-sick-band-member-according-to-rumours-20140415-36puy.html |archive-date=18 April 2014 |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=16 April 2014}}</ref> However, Johnson stated that despite Malcolm's absence, they would return to Vancouver to record their sixteenth&nbsp;studio album, '']''.<ref name="AutoJ4-34">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC Are Not Retiring, Though Malcolm Young is 'Taking a Break' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/16/acdc-not-retiring-brian-johnson |date=16 April 2014 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416224144/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/16/acdc-not-retiring-brian-johnson |archive-date=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> In July, AC/DC announced that they had finished recording it and that Stevie had replaced Malcolm in the studio.<ref name="YOIkv">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/07/10/acdc-finishes-album-malcolm-young-hospitalized/12472559/|title=AC/DC Finishes Album; Malcolm Young Hospitalized |first1=Korina|last1=Lopez|date=10 July 2014|website=]|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715045435/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/07/10/acdc-finishes-album-malcolm-young-hospitalized/12472559/|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 September, AC/DC members confirmed that Malcolm had officially retired from performing.<ref name="smhrockorbust">{{Cite web |last1=Vincent |first1=Peter |date=24 September 2014 |title=AC/DC Confirm Malcolm Young's Retirement, ''Rock or Bust'' Album and World Tour |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-confirm-malcolm-youngs-retirement-rock-or-bust-album-and-world-tour-20140924-10lmlf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925010417/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-confirm-malcolm-youngs-retirement-rock-or-bust-album-and-world-tour-20140924-10lmlf.html |archive-date=25 September 2014 |url-status=live |website=] |access-date=3 September 2023 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Malcolm's last show with the group had been on 28 June 2010 in Bilbao, Spain;<ref name="AutoJ4-35">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-malcolm-youngs-last-ever-gig-acdc-2160766 |title=Watch Malcolm Young's Last Ever Gig with AC/DC |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=18 November 2017 |website=] |access-date=18 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019041338/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-malcolm-youngs-last-ever-gig-acdc-2160766 |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> he died on 18 November 2017 at the age of 64 due to his ].<ref name="F8ig3">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/malcolm-young-acdc-guitarist-and-co-founder-dead-at-64-w512164|title=Malcolm Young, AC/DC Guitarist and Co-Founder, Dead at 64|first1=Daniel|last1=Kreps|date=18 November 2017|magazine=]|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118224850/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/malcolm-young-acdc-guitarist-and-co-founder-dead-at-64-w512164|archive-date=18 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Rudd confirmed that there would be another AC/DC tour and that they had no intention of retiring.<ref name="AutoJ4-37">{{Cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Cameron |date=22 August 2014 |title=AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Says the Band and Angus Young Will Never Retire |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-drummer-phil-rudd-says-the-band-and-angus-young-will-never-retire/news-story/3bb28144b012da69fd1508ab7cbc4611 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320031127/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-drummer-phil-rudd-says-the-band-and-angus-young-will-never-retire/news-story/3bb28144b012da69fd1508ab7cbc4611 |archive-date=20 March 2016 |url-status=live |publisher=] |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref>


On 23 September 2014, The band revealed that ''Rock or Bust'', featuring eleven&nbsp;tracks, would be released on 28 November as the first&nbsp;AC/DC album in the band's history without Malcolm on the recordings,<ref name="smhrockorbust" /> nevertheless all its compositions were credited to Angus and Malcolm.{{sfn|Columbia Records|2014}} The album reached number&nbsp;one in Australia,<ref name="AUS RoB">{{Cite web |first1=Steffen |last1=Hung |title=AC/DC – ''Rock or Bust'' |url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=AC/DC&titel=Rock+Or+Bust&cat=a |publisher=Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien) |access-date=25 May 2024}}</ref> Canada,<ref name="CAN">{{Cite magazine |title=AC/DC Chart History (Canadian Albums) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ac-dc/chart-history/cna/ |magazine=] |access-date=25 May 2024}}</ref> Germany,<ref name="GER RoB">{{cite web |title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts - ''Rock or Bust'' |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-255378 |publisher=] |language=de |access-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> and the UK.<ref name="OCC" /> The band also announced their ], with Stevie as Malcolm's replacement.<ref name="23b5t">{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/acdc-to-release-new-album-rock-or-bust-as-guitarist-malcolm-young-retires-from-band/story-e6frfmq9-1227069572711|title=AC/DC to Release New Album ''Rock or Bust'' as Guitarist Malcolm Young Retires from Band |date=24 September 2014 |publisher=] |access-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202070207/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/acdc-to-release-new-album-rock-or-bust-as-guitarist-malcolm-young-retires-from-band/story-e6frfmq9-1227069572711|archive-date=2 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2002, AC/DC signed a long-term, multi-album deal with ],<ref>{{cite web | date = ] | title = AC/DC Sign big contract with Sony | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | work= ] | url = http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2002/12/0608.cfm }}</ref> who went on to release a series of ]ed albums as part of their ] series. Each release contained an expanded ], featuring rare photographs, memorabilia, and notes.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:bx8m963o3epc~T2 | title = AC/DC - Discography | work = ] | first = Ed | last = Rivadavia | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> In 2003, the entire back-catalogue (except '']'' and ''Stiff Upper Lip'') was remastered and re-released. ''Ballbreaker'' was eventually re-released in October 2005; ''Stiff Upper Lip'' was later rereleased in April 2007.


Rudd was charged with threatening to kill, possession of ] and possession of ] following a police raid on his home on 6 November 2014.<ref name="yPSCa">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29928698|title=AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd on New Zealand Murder Plot Charge|publisher=]|date=6 November 2014|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112021452/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29928698|archive-date=12 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> AC/DC's members issued a statement clarifying that the tour promoting ''Rock or Bust'' would continue but did not indicate whether or not Rudd would participate or whether he was still a member.<ref name="5QBWO">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/nov/06/what-now-for-acdc-phil-rudd-arrest-malcolm-young-retirement |title=What Now for AC/DC, After Phil Rudd's Arrest and Malcolm Young's Retirement? |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=6 November 2014 |newspaper=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106194218/http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/nov/06/what-now-for-acdc-phil-rudd-arrest-malcolm-young-retirement |archive-date=6 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> At a charity signing before the ]s, the band were photographed together with Slade. It was later confirmed that he had rejoined for the Grammys and tour.<ref name="Sh8CW">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/feb/13/acdc-confirm-chris-slade-will-replace-phil-rudd-2015-tour |title=AC/DC Confirm Chris Slade Will Replace Phil Rudd on Their 2015 Tour |newspaper=] |access-date=14 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041846/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/feb/13/acdc-confirm-chris-slade-will-replace-phil-rudd-2015-tour |archive-date=7 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2015, Rudd pleaded guilty to drug and threatening to kill charges.<ref name="YTP8b">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-drummer-phil-rudd-pleads-guilty-to-drugs-threatening-to-kill-charges-20150421 |title=AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Pleads Guilty to Drugs, Threatening to Kill Charges |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |date=21 April 2015 |magazine=] |access-date=29 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424234240/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-drummer-phil-rudd-pleads-guilty-to-drugs-threatening-to-kill-charges-20150421 |archive-date=24 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, the band's website showed that Rudd was replaced by Slade on drums.<ref name="CZI9i">{{cite web |last1=Schaffner |first1=Lauryn |date=7 October 2020 |url=https://loudwire.com/acdc-photo-timeline-career/ |title=AC/DC: A Photo Timeline of Their Legendary Career |website=] |access-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010074218/https://loudwire.com/acdc-photo-timeline-career/ |archive-date=10 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 July 2015, Rudd was sentenced to eight&nbsp;months of ].<ref name="notsocheap">{{Cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Jason |date=9 July 2015 |title=AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Sentenced to Eight Months Home Detention |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-drummer-phil-rudd-sentenced-to-eight-months-home-detention-45048/ |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822201620/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-drummer-phil-rudd-sentenced-to-eight-months-home-detention-45048/ |archive-date=22 August 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref>
On 30 July 2003 the band performed with ] and ] at ]. The concert, held before an audience of half a million, was intended to help the city overcome the negative publicity stemming from the effects of a 2003 ] ]. The concert holds the record for the largest paid ] in North American history.<ref>{{cite news | date = ] | url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/07/30/concert_opener030730.html | title = Stones rock out at Toronto's 'biggest party' | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> The band came second in a list of Australia's highest-earning entertainers for 2005,<ref>{{cite news | first = Daniel | last = Ziffer | title = Wiggles wriggle back into top spot | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/wiggles-wriggle-back-into-top-spot/2006/04/12/1144521401699.html | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> and sixth for 2006,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/a-wobble-but-the-wiggles-still-rule/2007/07/17/1184559786837.html | title = A wobble, but the Wiggles still rule | work = ] | date = ] | first = Emily | last = Dunn | accessdate = 2007-08-17}}</ref> despite having neither toured since 2003 nor released an album since 2000. ] has gained the rights to release AC/DC's full albums and the entire '']'' concert to download in 2008.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0136768220070802 | title = AC/DC goes digital via Verizon wireless | work = ] | date = ] | first = Antony | last = Bruno | accessdate = 2007-08-17}}</ref>


] (''centre and top left''), performing in Washington, D.C., in 2016]]
On 16 October 2007, ] released a double and triple DVD titled '']''. The set consists of 5 and 7 hours of rare footage, and even a recording of AC/DC at a high school performing "]", "]", "]", and "]". As with '']'', disc one contains rare shows of the band with Bon Scott, and disc two is about the Brian Johnson era. The collector's edition contains an extra DVD with 21 more rare performances of both Scott and Johnson and more interviews.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/08-24-2007/0004650891&EDATE=FRI+Aug+24+2007,+08:05+AM | date = ] | title = ''Plug Me In'' press release | work = ] | accessdate = 2007-09-02}}</ref>
On 7 March 2016, the band announced that the final ten&nbsp;dates of the Rock or Bust World Tour would be rescheduled as Johnson's doctors had ordered him to stop touring immediately; he risked complete deafness if he persisted. The ten&nbsp;cancelled dates were to be rescheduled, "likely with a guest vocalist" later in the year, leaving Johnson's future in touring with the group uncertain.<ref name="vhozI">{{cite magazine |last=Roffman |first=Michael |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-ordered-to-stop-touring-immediately-or-risk-total-hearing-loss/ |title=AC/DC Frontman Brian Johnson Ordered 'to Stop Touring Immediately or Risk Total Hearing Loss' |magazine=] |date=7 March 2016 |access-date=14 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315075949/http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-ordered-to-stop-touring-immediately-or-risk-total-hearing-loss/ |archive-date=15 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 April 2016, ] frontman ] was announced as the lead vocalist for the remainder of their 2016 tour dates.<ref name="YMYPd">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-confirm-axl-rose-is-new-lead-singer-joining-band-on-tour-20160416|title=AC/DC Confirm Axl Rose Is New Lead Singer, Joining Band on Tour|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=16 April 2016|magazine=]|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417151941/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-confirm-axl-rose-is-new-lead-singer-joining-band-on-tour-20160416|archive-date=17 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>


Williams indicated he was leaving AC/DC during an interview with ''Gulfshore Life''{{'}}s Jonathan Foerste on 8 July 2016. "It's been what I've known for the past 40&nbsp;years, but after this tour I'm backing off of touring and recording. Losing Malcolm, the thing with and now with , it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing."<ref name="onbvU">{{cite web|url=http://www.gulfshorelife.com/July-2016/Still-Rockin-in-Southwest-Florida-ACDC-Cliff-Williams-Brian-Howe-Steve-Luongo/|title=Still Rockin' in Southwest Florida|work=Gulfshore Life|first=Jonathan|last=Foerste|access-date=8 September 2016|date=July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612011918/http://www.gulfshorelife.com/July-2016/Still-Rockin-in-Southwest-Florida-ACDC-Cliff-Williams-Brian-Howe-Steve-Luongo/|archive-date=12 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the end of the Rock or Bust World Tour, he released a video statement confirming his departure.<ref name="WilliamsRetirementRS">{{cite magazine|last1=Blistein|first1=Jon|title=AC/DC Bassist Cliff Williams Confirms Retirement in Heartfelt Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/acdc-bassist-cliff-williams-confirms-retirement-w441119|magazine=]|date=20 September 2016|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829051136/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/acdc-bassist-cliff-williams-confirms-retirement-w441119|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> His last show with AC/DC before the hiatus was in ] on 20 September 2016.<ref name="AutoJ4-39">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-ac-dc-salute-cliff-williams-at-bassists-final-show-121606/ |title=Watch AC/DC Salute Cliff Williams at Bassist's Final Show |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=21 September 2016 |magazine=] |access-date=18 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910204024/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-ac-dc-salute-cliff-williams-at-bassists-final-show-121606/ |archive-date=10 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> After completing the tour in 2016, AC/DC went on hiatus. George Young died on 22 October 2017, aged 70.<ref name="Carmody">{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-musician-george-young-dead-at-71-20171023-gz6f8n.html |title=AC/DC Producer and Easybeats Musician George Young Dead at 70 |last=Carmody |first=Broede |date=23 October 2017 |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023174003/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-musician-george-young-dead-at-70-20171023-gz6f8n |archive-date=23 October 2017 |access-date=31 December 2023 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>
AC/DC made their video game debut on '']'', with "]" included as a playable track.<ref>http://www.rockband2.com/song-list</ref> It has been confirmed that the setlist from their ''Live at Donington'' live album will be released as playable songs for the ''Rock Band'' series by means of a retail disc titled '']''.


===2018–present: Reunion and ''Power Up''===
''No Bull: The Directors Cut'', a newly edited, comprehensive Blu-Ray and DVD of the band's July 1996 Plaza De Toros de las Ventas concert in ], Spain, was released on 9 September 2008.<ref name="No Bull:The Directors Cut">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=22 | title = AC/DC Releases 'No Bull: The Directors Cut | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-09-17 | date = ]}}</ref>
In August 2018, speculation grew that former members Johnson and Rudd were back working with the band. A fan living near The Warehouse Studio, Vancouver claimed to have observed them in the outdoor area of the studio from an apartment window.<ref name="AutoJ4-40">{{Cite web |date=8 August 2018 |title=Brian Johnson tilbake som vokalist i AC/DC |trans-title=Brian Johnson Back as Vocalist in AC/DC |url=https://www.nettavisen.no/meninger/rockman/siste-brian-johnson-tilbake-som-vokalist-i-acdc/3423522794.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808171356/https://www.nettavisen.no/meninger/rockman/siste-brian-johnson-tilbake-som-vokalist-i-acdc/3423522794.html |archive-date=8 August 2018 |access-date=8 August 2018 |language=no}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, a photograph of Johnson with Williams at the gymnasium of the ] hotel in Vancouver in December 2018 surfaced, indicating that Williams had also rejoined.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Spencer |date=11 February 2019 |title=Bassist Cliff Williams May Also Be Back in AC/DC: Report |url=https://consequence.net/2019/02/report-bassist-cliff-williams-back-in-ac-dc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409112038/https://consequence.net/2019/02/report-bassist-cliff-williams-back-in-ac-dc/ |archive-date=9 April 2021 |access-date=8 February 2024 |website=]}}</ref> AC/DC then confirmed on 30 September 2020 the return of Johnson, Rudd and Williams to the line-up alongside Angus and Stevie, reuniting the ''Rock or Bust'' line-up.<ref name="AutoJ4-43">{{cite web |first1=Sam |last1=Moore |date=30 September 2020 |title=AC/DC Confirm Comeback and Return of Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-confirm-comeback-and-return-of-brian-johnson-phil-rudd-cliff-williams-2765684 |website=] |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008091336/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-confirm-comeback-and-return-of-brian-johnson-phil-rudd-cliff-williams-2765684 |url-status=live |access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>


On 28 September 2020, the band updated their social media accounts posting a teaser video, which led to speculation of their "comeback, possibly as early as this week or next week."<ref name="AutoJ4-42">{{cite web |title=AC/DC Drop Their Biggest Hint of a Comeback with New Social Media Video |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-drop-their-biggest-hint-at-comeback-with-new-social-media-video-2763413 |website=] |date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929032925/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-drop-their-biggest-hint-at-comeback-with-new-social-media-video-2763413 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> On 1 October, AC/DC released a snippet of their new song "]".<ref name="AutoJ4-44">{{Cite web |first1=Richard |last1=Bienstock |date=2 October 2020 |title=The First Snippet of AC/DC's Very AC/DC-Sounding New Single, 'Shot in the Dark', Is Here |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/the-first-snippet-of-acdcs-very-acdc-sounding-new-single-shot-in-the-dark-is-here |website=] |access-date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403062712/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/the-first-snippet-of-acdcs-very-acdc-sounding-new-single-shot-in-the-dark-is-here |url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 October, the band confirmed the upcoming release on 13 November of their next studio album, '']'' and issued "Shot in the Dark" as its lead single from the album.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=7 October 2020 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-shot-in-the-dark-song-power-up-1072031/ |title=AC/DC Unleash 'Shot in the Dark', Announce ''Power Up'' LP Release Date |magazine=] |access-date=3 June 2024 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601000702/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-shot-in-the-dark-song-power-up-1072031/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's track listing was revealed on their website the same day.<ref name="AutoJ4-45">{{Cite web |last1=Lifton |first1=Dave |date=7 October 2020 |title=AC/DC's ''Power Up'': Track List, Release Date, Cover Art Revealed |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-power-up-album-details/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007111358/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-power-up-album-details/ |archive-date=7 October 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref> They had recorded it in August–September 2018 with O'Brien producing at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, with some tweaking in Los Angeles in 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/acdc-interview-brian-johnson-angus-young-power-up-1070834/ |title=Exclusive: Angus Young, Brian Johnson, and Cliff Williams on the Resurrection of AC/DC |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=6 October 2020 |magazine=] |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006150324/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/acdc-interview-brian-johnson-angus-young-power-up-1070834/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118130632/https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=32 |title=AC/DC Discography: ''Power Up'' |first1=Arnaud |last1=Durieux |publisher=ac-dc.net |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=18 November 2023 |url=https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=32 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 18 August 2008, ] announced the 18 October Australian release, and 20 October worldwide release, of AC/DC's sixteenth studio album '']''. The 15-track album is the band's first studio release in eight years, and was produced by ]. Like ''Stiff Upper Lip'', it was recorded at the Warehouse Studio in ], ]. ''Black Ice'' will be sold in the US exclusively at ] and ] and the band's official website.<ref name="Black Ice">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=19 | title = AC/DC's 'Black Ice' Set For Release 20 October | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-08-18 | date = ]}}</ref>


] (''pictured in 2022'') replaced Williams on bass guitar for the ].<ref name="Kaufman 1" />]]
"Rock 'n' Roll Train", the album's first single, was released to radio on 28 August. On 15 August, AC/DC recorded a video for a song from the new album in London with a special selection of fans getting the chance to be in the video.<ref name="New video shoot">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=18 | title = AC/DC wants YOU for their new video | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | date = ]}}</ref> The video premiered on AC/DC.com on 18 September 2008. AC/DC are set to kick off their first world tour since 2001 in late October 2008. The single is now the background music to the band's website.
AC/DC launched a ] on 2 October 2023, located at Club 5 Bar in Indio, called the High Voltage Dive Bar.<ref name="AutoJ4-85">{{Cite web |last1=Hadusek |first1=Jon |date=2 October 2023 |title=AC/DC to Open Pop-Up Dive Bar in Celebration of Power Trip Gig |url=https://consequence.net/2023/10/ac-dc-dive-bar-power-trip/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003015327/https://consequence.net/2023/10/ac-dc-dive-bar-power-trip/ |archive-date=3 October 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=4 October 2023}}</ref> AC/DC performed a co-headlining act for the ] music festival at the ] in ], on 7 October, which was their first&nbsp;show in seven&nbsp;years,<ref name="AutoJ4-86">{{Cite magazine |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |date=8 October 2023 |title='How Cool Is This? Lovely to See You!': AC/DC Have Completed Their First Show in Seven Years at the Power Trip Festival |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-power-trip-setlist |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008093405/https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-power-trip-setlist |archive-date=8 October 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=8 October 2023}}</ref> with Williams being part of the line-up after coming out of retirement,<ref name="AutoJ4-47">{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=9 September 2023 |title=AC/DC Reveal Retired Bassist Cliff Williams Will Return for Power Trip Fest |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-bassist-cliff-williams-return-power-trip-fest-1234821635/ |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910060817/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ac-dc-bassist-cliff-williams-return-power-trip-fest-1234821635/ |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=10 September 2023}}</ref> and American drummer ], who had previously played for ] and ], replacing Rudd.<ref name="AutoJ4-48">{{Cite web |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |date=9 September 2023 |title=AC/DC Share Rehearsal Clip Ahead of Power Trip – and It's Not Phil Rudd in the Drum Seat |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-share-rehearsal-clip-ahead-of-power-trip |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910060840/https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-share-rehearsal-clip-ahead-of-power-trip |archive-date=10 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=10 September 2023}}</ref> The band hinted at another tour to occur in 2024;<ref name="AutoJ4-49">{{Cite web |last1=Potter |first1=Jordan |date=12 September 2023 |title=Are AC/DC Plotting a World Tour for 'Next Year'? |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ac-dc-plotting-world-tour-next-year/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915153855/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ac-dc-plotting-world-tour-next-year/ |archive-date=15 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=15 September 2023}}</ref> the ], ], confirmed that they had booked a show in the ] for 12 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diallo |first=Nehne |date=10 November 2023 |title=AC/DC: Gerüchte über Tour 2024, München-Konzert soll feststehen |url=https://www.musikexpress.de/acdd-geruechte-ueber-tour-muenchen-konzert-soll-geplant-sein-2453309/ |trans-title=AC/DC: Rumors About Tour 2024, Munich Concert Should Be Confirmed |language=de |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110233200/https://www.musikexpress.de/acdd-geruechte-ueber-tour-muenchen-konzert-soll-geplant-sein-2453309/ |archive-date=10 November 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref> Founding drummer Colin Burgess died on 16 December 2023, aged 77.<ref name="Kreps">{{Cite magazine |first=Daniel |last=Kreps |date=16 December 2023 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/colin-burgess-ac-dc-original-drummer-dead-obit-1234931220/ |title=Colin Burgess, AC/DC's Original Drummer, Dead at 77 |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216160225/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/colin-burgess-ac-dc-original-drummer-dead-obit-1234931220/ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2023}}</ref>


On 6 February 2024, the band published a teaser on their social media accounts, showing the band's lightning bolt symbol flickering before the words "Are You Ready" appear and their ] plays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunworth |first=Liberty |date=6 February 2024 |title=AC/DC Tease Their Return to Touring: 'Are You Ready?' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-tease-their-return-to-touring-are-you-ready-3583196 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206121242/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-tease-their-return-to-touring-are-you-ready-3583196 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=6 February 2024}}</ref> This led to fans speculating that they would come back to touring after eight years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robets |first=Rachael |date=10 February 2024 |title='Are You Ready?': AC/DC Are Teasing Something, and It Looks Like an Announcement Is Coming Very Soon |url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/acdc-teasing-tour-announcement/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225110808/https://guitar.com/news/music-news/acdc-teasing-tour-announcement/ |archive-date=25 February 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> On 12 February, the ] was announced, with former ] bass guitarist ] replacing Williams.<ref name="PWRUP Tour">{{Cite news |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |date=12 February 2024 |title=AC/DC Announce 21-Date Power Up Tour – and a New Bass Player |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-announce-2024-tour-dates |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212090258/https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-announce-2024-tour-dates |archive-date=12 February 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> The European leg of the tour began on 17 May and concluded on 17 August, with American band ] as their support act for all twenty-four performances.<ref name="Kaufman 1">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/pretty-reckless-opening-act-ac-dc-2024-european-tour-1235640377/ |title=Pretty Reckless to Support AC/DC on 2024 PWR Up European Tour |first=Gil |last=Kaufman |magazine=] |date=25 March 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325141427/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/pretty-reckless-opening-act-ac-dc-2024-european-tour-1235640377/ |archive-date=25 March 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref> AC/DC reissued their entire catalogue on gold ] for their 50th&nbsp;anniversary on 15 March 21 June and 27 September 2024, as part of the ''AC/DC 50'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadusek |first=Jon |date=20 February 2024 |title=AC/DC Reissuing Classic Albums on Gold Vinyl for 50th Anniversary |url=https://consequence.net/2024/02/ac-dc-gold-vinyl-50th-anniversary-reissues/amp/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220212550/https://consequence.net/2024/02/ac-dc-gold-vinyl-50th-anniversary-reissues/amp/ |archive-date=20 February 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AC/DC – Next Wave of 50th Anniversary Gold Vinyl Editions Available for Pre-Order |url=https://bravewords.com/news/ac-dc-next-wave-of-50th-anniversary-gold-vinyl-editions-available-for-pre-order |website=] |date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509043756/https://bravewords.com/news/ac-dc-next-wave-of-50th-anniversary-gold-vinyl-editions-available-for-pre-order |archive-date=9 May 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iahn |first=Buddy |date=12 August 2024 |title=AC/DC Announces Final Wave of Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Vinyl Reissues |url=https://themusicuniverse.com/ac-dc-announces-final-wave-of-limited-edition-50th-anniversary-vinyl-reissues/ |website=The Music Universe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815004413/https://themusicuniverse.com/ac-dc-announces-final-wave-of-limited-edition-50th-anniversary-vinyl-reissues/ |archive-date=15 August 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=15 August 2024}}</ref> They have also reissued two Australasia-only albums – ''High Voltage'' and ''T.N.T.'' (both 1975), only available at the High Voltage Dive Bar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |date=15 May 2024 |title=AC/DC to Reissue Original Australian Versions of ''High Voltage'' and ''T.N.T.'', But There's a Catch |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-high-voltage-tnt-reissues |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515073545/https://www.loudersound.com/news/acdc-high-voltage-tnt-reissues |archive-date=15 May 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=15 May 2024}}</ref> On 2 December 2024, the band announced a second leg of the Power Up Tour in North America for thirteen shows, with The Pretty Reckless as their support act.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rolli |first1=Bryan |title=AC/DC Announces 2025 North American Stadium Tour |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-2025-north-american-tour/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=en |date=2 December 2024}}</ref>
The 18 month ] supporting the new album was announced on September 11 and will begin on October 28 in ].<ref name="Black Ice World Tour">{{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=24 | title = AC/DC Announce 'Black Ice' World Tour | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-09-17 | date = ]}}</ref> They have announced 42 dates in North America between October and end in Nashville, TN on January 31, 2009. Dates for South America, Australia, Europe and Asia are expected to be announced later this year.


==Musical style==
On 15 September 2008, AC/DC Radio debuted on ] channel 29 and ] channel 53. The exclusive 24/7, limited engagement channel plays classics like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black”, preview tracks from their upcoming release, ''Black Ice'', and feature exclusive interviews with the band members, who share their personal insights into their music and careers, spanning more than 30 years. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sirius.com/acdcradio | title = AC/DC TO HOST THEIR OWN EXCLUSIVE MUSIC CHANNEL ON SIRIUS AND XM | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-09-12 }}</ref>
Aside from an early flirtation with glam rock, the group's sound and performance style are based on ].<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="McFarlane" />{{sfn|Cockington|2001|pp=189–190}} That style was pioneered by ] of ]'s early 1970s group, ].<ref name="Donovan 2006">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619044522/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/lobby-just-wants-to-play-a-couple-more-times-with-mates/2006/06/09/1149815316635.html |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/lobby-just-wants-to-play-a-couple-more-times-with-mates/2006/06/09/1149815316635.html |title=Lobby Just Wants 'to Play a Couple More Times with Mates' – National |first=Patrick |last=Donovan |newspaper=] |date=10 June 2006 |access-date=25 September 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2006 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live }}</ref> Vanda noted "the pub crowd as an audience demanded blood—'or else'." He described wanting to "recreate the real Australian pub sound—'not like that American sound, smooth and creamy, nicey, nicey.'"{{sfn|Cockington|2001}} ] felt they played "rib-crushing, blood-curdling, brain damaging, no bullshit, thunder rock".{{sfn|Baker|2010|p=22}}


'']''{{'}} Tony Catterall reviewed ''T.N.T.'', in which " wallow in the lumpen proletarianism that's the home of punk rock" while comparing them with rivals Buster Brown, which are "more imaginative and musically better".<ref name="Catterall">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110801728 |title=Rock Music – AC/DC: Australia's Best Punk-Rockers |first1=Tony |last1=Catterall |newspaper=] |volume=50 |issue=14,296 |date=9 February 1976 |access-date=25 September 2023 |page=13 |via=] }}</ref> Music journalist ] summarised, "If we tried to isolate what has characterised Australian rock and roll from the rest of the world's it would be music that's made to be played live, and gets right down to basics with a minimum of distraction. AC/DC captured that essence not long after it crystallised, and they have continued to carry that creed around the world as their own."<ref name="Nimmervoll" />
With the North American release of ''Black Ice'' on October 20th 2008, Columbia Records and Walmart created "Rock Again AC/DC Stores" with the album ''Black Ice'' holding centre stage. It was the first time in the history of Walmart that such a large area of floor space was designated to celebrate the release of a new album. In October 2008, MTV along with Wal Mart and Columbia Records created "AC/DC Rock Band Stores" in ], at ], and ]. "Black Ice" trucks were also dispatched on the streets of these two cities after the release of ''Black Ice'', playing AC/DC music aloud and making various stops each day to sell merchandise.<ref>http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2008/10/17/acdcs_black_ice_rocks_into_walmart.htm</ref>


Stephen Thomas Erlewine of ] said AC/DC utilizes "dirty" ], "snarling" singing, and "catchy, ]" ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AC/DC Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More {{!}} All... |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ac-dc-mn0000574772#biography |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref> According to '']'' music journalist ], the instrumental foundation of the band's simple sound was the drummer—Rudd, Wright, or Slade—striking the ] on the first&nbsp;and third&nbsp;] of every ] and the ] on the second&nbsp;and fourth&nbsp;beat; bass guitarist Williams consistently ] an ]; Angus performing lead parts that possessed "a clear architecture and even sort of swing, in a frenzied, half-demented way"; and Malcolm's "propulsive" yet nuanced rhythm guitar featuring "little ''chuks'', stutters, and silences that give the monstrous riffs life."<ref name="Marchese">{{cite magazine|last=Marchese|first=David|author-link=David Marchese|date=16 September 2016|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/acdc-axl-rose-tour-retire.html|title=AC/DC Has Improbably Become the Most Poignant Story in Rock|magazine=]|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810205129/http://www.vulture.com/2016/09/acdc-axl-rose-tour-retire.html|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Recognition===
]


For the majority of Malcolm's tenure in AC/DC, he used a ] Super Bass head to amplify his rhythm guitar while recording in the studio. According to Chris Gill of '']'', this amplifier helped define his signature guitar tone: "clean but as loud as possible to ride on the razor's edge of power amp distortion and deliver the ideal combination of grind, twang, clang and crunch, with no distorted preamp 'hair,' fizz or compression", as heard on songs such as "Let There Be Rock", "Dirty Deeds", "For Those About to Rock" and "Thunderstruck". During 1978 to 1980, Malcolm used a Marshall 2203 100-watt master volume head, which Gill speculates may have contributed to a "slightly more distorted and dark" guitar tone on the albums from that period, including ''Powerage'' and ''Back in Black''.<ref name="AutoJ4-50">{{cite magazine|last=Gill|first=Chris|date=2 January 2018|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/acdc-thunderstruck-secrets-behind-malcolm-young-guitar-sound-tonal-recall|title=The Secrets Behind Malcolm Young's Guitar Sound on AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck'|magazine=]|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810072525/https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/acdc-thunderstruck-secrets-behind-malcolm-young-guitar-sound-tonal-recall|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
AC/DC were inducted into the ] in March 2003. During the ceremony the band performed "]" and "]", with guest vocals provided by host ] of ]. He described the band's ]s as "the thunder from down under that gives you the second-most-powerful surge that can flow through your body."<ref>{{cite news | title = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame open doors | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/11/rock.hall.fame.ap/index.html }}</ref> During the acceptance speech, ] quoted their 1977 song "Let There Be Rock".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12027761 | title = AC/DC, The Clash, The Police And Others Inducted Into Hall Of Fame | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Johnson| first = Billy | date = ] | work = ]}}</ref>


In a comparison of AC/DC's vocalists, ] said Scott exhibited a "blokelike croak" and "charm", often singing about sexual aggression under the guise of fun: "Like ] or ] though without their panache, he has fun being a dirty young man".{{sfn|Christgau|1990}} Johnson, in his opinion, possessed "three times the range and wattage" of a vocalist while projecting the character of a "] as fantasy-fiction demigod".{{sfn|Christgau|1990}} By the time Johnson had fully acclimated himself to 1981's ''For Those About to Rock We Salute You'', Christgau said he defined "an anthemic grandiosity more suitable to precious-metal status than 's old-fashioned raunch", albeit in a less intelligent manner.{{sfn|Christgau|1990}}
In May 2003, Malcolm Young accepted a Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the 2003 Music Winners Awards, during which he paid special tribute to Bon Scott.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.apra.com.au/awards/music/media_releases/03-music_award_winners_announced.asp | title = 2003 Music Winners Awards Announced | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref>


===Influences===
On 1 October 2004, a central ] thoroughfare, Corporation Lane, was renamed in honour of the band. However, the ] forbade the use of the ] character in street names, so the four letters were combined.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=228&pg=715&st=191 | title = Next stage in AC/DC Lane proposal wins in-principle support | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> The lane is near ] where, on the back of a truck, the band recorded their video for the 1975 hit "]".<ref name="acdclane" /> Additionally, a street in ] (Comunidad de Madrid), Spain was named "Calle de AC/DC" on 2 March 2000.<ref name="acdclane" /><ref>{{cite news | first = Iván | last = Estarás | title = AC/DC trajo 'de calle' a centenares de fans | work = ] | date = ] | language = Spanish }}</ref>
AC/DC's influences include the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Billy Thorpe, the Easybeats and Vanda & Young.<ref name="Kimball" /><ref name="McFarlane" /><ref name="Torres News">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article255509185 |title=ABC TV - ''A Long Way to the Top'' |newspaper=] |issue=460 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=24 August 2001 |access-date=25 September 2023 |page=28 |via=] }}</ref> The impact of Australian pub rock on AC/DC was documented on ABC's '']'' (2001).<ref name="LWttT 4">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015221720/http://www.abc.net.au/longway/episode_4/ |url=http://www.abc.net.au/longway/episode_4/ |title=''Long Way to the Top'', Episode 4: 'Berserk Warriors' |publisher=] (ABC) |access-date=25 September 2023 |archive-date=15 October 2002 }}</ref> Angus reflected on his playing style: "A lot of it was nerves at first. It was George that told me if you get on stage and play guitar you want to let people know you are doing something. When I started in the band I was shy and had to push myself forward. would be throwing beer cans and I thought 'just keep moving' and that's how it all started."<ref name="LWttT 4" /> George had taught both Malcolm and Angus "how to play guitar, and playing them classic rock and roll and blues records until that music was like blood in their veins."<ref name="Nimmervoll" /> According to ''Long Way to the Top''{{'}}s writers, "he hardships of the Australian road would complete AC/DC's training. revelled in the lifestyle. Somehow he rose above all the substance abuse to become the ultimate rock and roll front man."<ref name="LWttT 4" />


===Genres===
Since ] began to track music sales in ], AC/DC has sold over 26.4 million albums, making their sales figures second only to ], outselling both ] and ]. Over the last five years, as ] sales have declined in general, AC/DC albums have sold just as well or better. They have sold over 1.3 million CDs in the United States during ], despite not releasing any new material since 2000. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html?pagewanted=print</ref>
AC/DC's music has been variously described as ],<ref name="Baker History of">{{cite journal |first1=Glenn A. |last1=Baker |author-link1=Glenn A. Baker |editor-last=Heatley |editor-first=Michael |editor-link=Michael Heatley |year=1984 |journal=] |title=''High Voltage'': The Positive Charge of AC/DC |publisher=Orbis Publishing |location=London |volume=10 |page=2227}}</ref> ],{{sfn|McParland|2018|pp=57–58}} and ],<ref name="Morse">{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Morse |date=6 January 1982 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126869893 |title=AC-DC, the Biggest Seller |newspaper=] |volume=56 |issue=16,902 |page=11 |access-date=6 February 2024 |via=]}}</ref> but they have referred to themselves as "a ] band, nothing more, nothing less".{{sfn|Engleheart|1997}} Malcolm recalled honing their craft. "We'd been playing up to four gigs a day. That really shaped the band... It was a mix of screw you, Jack, and having a good time and all being pretty tough guys... The training ground was Melbourne."{{sfn|Jenkins|Meldrum|2007}} In the opinion of ] of ], they are "one of the defining acts of '70s hard rock" and reactionary to the period's ] and ] excesses. "AC/DC's rock was minimalist – no matter how huge and bludgeoning their guitar chords were, there was a clear sense of space and restraint."<ref name="AutoJ4-66">{{cite web|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|author-link1=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|date=n.d.|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ac-dc-mn0000574772/biography|title=AC/DC|publisher=]|access-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619163125/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ac-dc-mn0000574772/biography|archive-date=19 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ], their music is "hard-edged, wilfully basic blues-rock," featuring humorous sexual innuendo and lyrics about rock and roll.<ref name="AutoJ4-67">{{cite news|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|date=26 October 2008|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/27/acdc-music-recession|title=Things Really Must Be Bad – AC/DC Are No 1 Again|newspaper=]|access-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116093704/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/27/acdc-music-recession|archive-date=16 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Music academic Robert McParland described the band's sound as being defined by the heavy rock guitar of the Young brothers, layered ]s and forceful vocals.{{sfn|McParland|2018|pp=57–58}} "For some, AC/DC are the ultimate heavy metal act," ] wrote in '']'', "but for others, AC/DC aren't a heavy metal act at all, they're a classic rock band – and calling them heavy metal is an act of treachery."<ref name="AutoJ4-68">{{cite news|last=Jonze|first=Tim|author-link=Tim Jonze|date=14 April 2009|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/apr/15/heavy-metal-music|title=A Handy Guide to Heavy Metal|newspaper=]|access-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808051647/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/apr/15/heavy-metal-music|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On the controversy of categorising their music, McParland wrote:{{sfn|McParland|2018|pp=57–58}}


{{blockquote|AC/DC will assert that they are not specifically a metal band. Their music—loud, hard, and guitar-driven—may best be described as hard rock. However, there are people who will say that they are indisputably metal. Therein lies the ongoing problem of categorisation. While AC/DC has referenced the underworld and they have given their listeners 'Highway to Hell' and 'Hell's Bells,' their songs are constructed on straightforward major and minor power chords. They are not modally developed as are a good deal of heavy metal compositions. Their sound is loud and crisp, not muddy or down-tuned.}}
In 2005, the ] upgraded the group's US sales figures from 63 million to 69 million, making AC/DC the fifth-best-selling band in US history and the tenth best selling artist, selling more albums than ], ] and ].<ref name="riaa1" /> The RIAA also certified ''Back in Black'' as double Diamond (twenty million) in US sales, and by 2007 the album had sold 22 million copies, which moved it into fifth place.<ref name="riaa2" />


With the recording of ''Back in Black'' in 1980, rock journalist Joe S. Harrington believed the band had departed further from the blues-oriented rock of their previous albums and toward a more dynamic attack that adopted punk rock's "high-energy implications" and transmuted their hard rock/heavy metal songs into "more pop-oriented blasts". The band would remain faithful to this "impeccably ham-handed" musical style for the remainder of their career: "the guitars were compacted into a singular statement of rhythmic efficiency, the rhythm section provided the thunderhorse overdrive and vocalist Johnson bellowed and brayed like the most unhinged practitioner of bluesy top-man dynamics since vintage ]."{{sfn|Harrington|2003}}
==Band members==

==Legacy==
] in 2024]]
Several musicians have credited AC/DC for reasserting hard rock's popularity after it had ceded mainstream attention to other musical genres in the late 1970s.<ref name="AutoJ4-51">{{cite news |last=Alexander |first=Phil |date=22 July 2020 |title=How AC/DC's ''Back in Black'' Changed Rock Music Forever |url=https://www.kerrang.com/how-ac-dcs-back-in-black-changed-rock-music-forever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710132811/https://www.kerrang.com/how-ac-dcs-back-in-black-changed-rock-music-forever |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref><ref name="Elliott">{{cite news |last=Elliott |first=Paul |date=22 July 2020 |title=The Inside Story of AC/DC's ''Back in Black'', the Biggest-Selling Rock Album of all Time |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/the-inside-story-of-acdcs-back-in-black |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104055/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/the-inside-story-of-acdcs-back-in-black |archive-date=4 September 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=10 July 2023}}</ref> ] of ] and ] noted of ''Back in Black''{{'}}s release: "Disco was huge and punk and new wave were ascendant, and along came this AC/DC record which just destroyed everybody. It put hard rock music back on the throne, where it belongs!"<ref name="Elliott" />

AC/DC's music was a formative influence on the ] bands that emerged in the late 1970s, such as ] and ], in part as a reaction to the decline of traditional early 1970s hard rock bands. In 2007, critics noted that AC/DC, along with ], UFO, ] and ], were among "the second&nbsp;generation of rising stars ready to step into the breach as the old guard waned."<ref name="ZiNzy">{{Cite magazine |last=Elliott |first=Paul |date=February 2007 |title=Never Mind the Bollocks |magazine=]}}</ref> Over the years, many prominent rock musicians have cited AC/DC as an influence, including ] of Megadeth,<ref name="AutoJ4-52">{{cite news |last=Mustaine |first=Dave |date=14 January 2014 |title=The Record that Changed My Life: Dave Mustaine Discusses AC/DC's ''Let There Be Rock'' |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/album-changed-my-life-dave-mustaine-discusses-acdcs-let-there-be-rock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710163925/https://www.guitarworld.com/gw-archive/album-changed-my-life-dave-mustaine-discusses-acdcs-let-there-be-rock |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] of Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss,<ref name="AutoJ4-53">{{cite news |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=21 November 2017 |title=Josh Homme on How AC/DC's Malcolm Young Inspired the Start of Queens of the Stone Age |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/josh-homme-acdcs-malcolm-young-inspired-start-queens-stone-age-2161987 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710022656/https://www.nme.com/news/music/josh-homme-acdcs-malcolm-young-inspired-start-queens-stone-age-2161987 |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] of Nirvana and Foo Fighters,<ref name="AutoJ4-54">{{cite news |last=Young |first=Alex |date=18 November 2017 |title=Dave Grohl Pays Tribute to AC/DC's Malcolm Young, Who Inspired Him to Start a Band |url=https://consequence.net/2017/11/dave-grohl-pays-tribute-to-ac-dcs-malcolm-young-who-inspired-him-to-start-a-band/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710022656/https://consequence.net/2017/11/dave-grohl-pays-tribute-to-ac-dcs-malcolm-young-who-inspired-him-to-start-a-band/ |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] of Anthrax,<ref name="AutoJ4-55">{{cite news |date=23 July 2020 |title=Anthrax's Scott Ian: AC/DC's ''Back in Black'' 'Fucking Blew My Mind' |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/anthraxs-scott-ian-acdcs-back-black-fucking-blew-my-mind |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104630/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/anthraxs-scott-ian-acdcs-back-black-fucking-blew-my-mind |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] of Testament,<ref name="AutoJ4-56">{{cite news |date=14 October 2013 |title=Interview: Testament's Eric Peterson |url=https://spotlightreport.net/on-the-spot-2/interview-testaments-eric-peterson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104520/https://spotlightreport.net/on-the-spot-2/interview-testaments-eric-peterson |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=Spotlight Report}}</ref> ] of the Offspring;<ref name="AutoJ4-57">{{cite news |date=8 March 2014 |title=Celebrating the Offspring's Enduring Impact |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/03/08/celebrating-the-offsprings-enduring-impact/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104519/https://www.ocregister.com/2014/03/08/celebrating-the-offsprings-enduring-impact/ |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] of Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Dag Nasty and Junkyard,<ref name="AutoJ4-58">{{cite news |last=Mullins |first=Dave |date=7 March 2023 |title=Brian Baker - Fake Names Interview |url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2023/03/07/brian-baker-one-of-the-missions-of-fake-names-is-to-have-the-entire-world-understand-how-important-michael-hampton-is/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104521/https://wallofsoundau.com/2023/03/07/brian-baker-one-of-the-missions-of-fake-names-is-to-have-the-entire-world-understand-how-important-michael-hampton-is/ |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=Wall of Sound}}</ref> and bands such as ],<ref name="Standard">{{cite web |title=Brothers Airborne |url=http://www.swtafe.edu.au/lrc/music/okeefair.htm |website=The Standard |publisher=] |location=] |date=13 March 2003 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030730003850/http://www.swtafe.vic.edu.au/lrc/music/okeefair.htm |archive-date=30 July 2003 |url-status=dead |access-date=16 July 2024 |via=]}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} '''n.b.''' Band name is known as "Airborne".</ref> ],<ref name="AutoJ4-59">{{cite news |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=10 November 2020 |title=AC/DC's ''Back in Black'' Inspired Metallica's ''Black Album'' Not Just in Color |url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-black-album-acdc-back-in-black-inspiration/ |website=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827102650/https://loudwire.com/metallica-black-album-acdc-back-in-black-inspiration/ |archive-date=27 August 2021 |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> ],<ref name="Slayer">{{cite web |author=Full Metal Jackie |date=26 May 2015 |title=Kerry King Talk New Slayer Album, Fans + More |url=https://loudwire.com/kerry-king-talks-new-slayer-album-fans-more/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405011951/https://loudwire.com/kerry-king-talks-new-slayer-album-fans-more/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> ],<ref name="AutoJ4-60">{{cite news |last=Stefanis |first=Josh |year=2004 |title=Get Ready to Rock! Interview with Tom Hunting and Gary Holt of Thrash Metal Rock Band |url=https://www.getreadytorock.com/pure_metal/exodus.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904104518/https://www.getreadytorock.com/pure_metal/exodus.htm |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=Get Ready to Rock}}</ref> ],<ref name="thecult">{{Cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |date=6 April 2017 |title=How the Cult Reinvented Themselves on ''Electric'' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/the-cult-electric/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112192347/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/the-cult-electric/ |archive-date=12 January 2024 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=]}}</ref> and ].<ref name="AutoJ4-61">{{cite news |date=14 September 2021 |title=Australian Guitar x Bluesfest 2022: The Living End |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/australian-guitar-x-bluesfest-2021-the-living-end |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810115901/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/australian-guitar-x-bluesfest-2021-the-living-end |archive-date=10 August 2022 |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=]}}</ref> Australian acts formed in AC/DC's footsteps are ] and ].<ref name="LWttT 4" /> ] of Australian rockers ] acknowledged Angus' schoolboy outfit as the inspiration for her performing in a schoolgirl's uniform.<ref name="Laffan">{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/lists/a-history-of-australian-music-in-6-objects/10343512 |title=A History of Australian Music in 6 Objects |first=Carolyn |last=Laffan |author-link=Carolyn Laffan |publisher=] (] (ABC)) |date=19 December 2017 |access-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109194454/https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/lists/a-history-of-australian-music-in-6-objects/10343512 |archive-date=9 November 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

] of hard rock contemporaries Kiss remarked, "a lot of people look the same and act the same and do the same thing. Every once in a while you see a band like AC/DC. Nobody's like them. We'd like to think we're unique in that way too."<ref name="AutoJ4-62">{{cite news |last=Monroe |first=Scott |date=9 November 2018 |title=Gene Simmons: There's Nobody Like AC/DC |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/gene-simmons-theres-nobody-like-acdc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105021/https://www.loudersound.com/news/gene-simmons-theres-nobody-like-acdc |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] of Guns N' Roses called them "with the exception of the Stones, the greatest rock 'n' roll band ever."<ref name="AutoJ4-63">{{cite news |last=Aubrey |first=Elizabeth |date=20 April 2019 |title='Where Do I Start?' Guns N' Roses' Slash Responds to Reports of a New AC/DC Album |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/start-guns-n-roses-slash-responds-reports-ac-dc-reunion-2479035 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904105028/https://www.nme.com/news/music/start-guns-n-roses-slash-responds-reports-ac-dc-reunion-2479035 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=]}}</ref> "I always liked them," said Australian compatriot and singer-songwriter ]. "We had this TV show called ''Countdown'' and they were often on and they were always a riot and absolutely unique. They were a heavy rock band, but Bon Scott would go on ''Countdown'' dressed as a schoolgirl and stuff like that. They were always very anarchic and never took the thing too seriously."<ref name="AutoJ4-64">{{cite podcast |host=] |title=Episode 403 - Nick Cave |url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_403_-_nick_cave |date=4 July 2013 |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=] |time=15:10}}</ref>

AC/DC and other artists (see ]) ran afoul of the ] of the 1980s. This general fear of modern hard rock and heavy metal was greatly increased in the band's case when serial killer ] was arrested. Ramirez, nicknamed the "Night Stalker" by the press, told police that "]" from ''Highway to Hell'' had driven him to commit murder.<ref name="AutoJ4-69">{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Russell |date=31 August 1985 |title=Police Saturday Arrested the Aalleged Night Stalker, Accused of... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/08/31/Police-Saturday-arrested-the-alleged-Night-Stalker-accused-of/5705494308800/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029232411/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/08/31/Police-Saturday-arrested-the-alleged-Night-Stalker-accused-of/5705494308800/ |archive-date=29 October 2018 |access-date=29 October 2018 |publisher=] (UPI)}}</ref> Police also claimed that Ramirez was wearing an AC/DC shirt and left an AC/DC hat at one of the crime scenes.<ref name="AutoJ4-70">{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Bob |date=2 September 1985 |title=Other Serial Slayings Tinged by Satanism: Elements of Devil Worship in Stalker Case May Not Be Factors in Motivation, Experts Caution |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-09-02-mn-22957-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124175840/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-02/news/mn-22957_1_satanic-ritual |archive-date=24 November 2018 |access-date=29 October 2018 |website=]}}</ref> Accusations that AC/DC were devil worshippers were made, the lyrics of "Night Prowler" were analysed and some newspapers attempted to link Ramirez's Satanism with AC/DC's name,<ref name="Can Times Prowler">{{cite news |date=3 September 1985 |title=Suspected Killer 'Obsessed by Devil' |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128253062 |access-date=29 December 2023 |newspaper=] |page=5 |via=] |volume=60 |issue=18,235 |agency=]}}</ref> concluding that AC/DC stood for Anti-Christ/Devil's Child or Devil's Children.<ref name="AutoJ4-72">{{Cite web |last=Hilburn |first=Robert |date=8 September 1985 |title=The Devil, You Say? No Way: AC/DC's Message: Rebellion, Not Satan Worship |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-09-08-ca-2746-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003065213/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-08/entertainment/ca-2746_1_heavy-metal |archive-date=3 October 2018 |access-date=29 October 2018 |website=]}}</ref>

===Lyrics assessment===
Throughout the band's career, their songs have been criticised as simplistic,<ref name="Donoughue">{{Cite web |first=Paul |last=Donoughue |date=22 November 2017 |title=What Learning 70 AC/DC Riffs Taught Lindsay McDougall About Malcolm Young |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-20/malcolm-young-lindsay-mcdougall-guitar-riffs-legacy/9167796 |publisher=] (] (ABC)) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325040049/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-20/malcolm-young-lindsay-mcdougall-guitar-riffs-legacy/9167796 |archive-date=25 March 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2024}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> monotonous,<ref name="Diepstraten">{{Cite magazine |last=Mitchell |first=Matt |date=2 March 2024 |title=Time Capsule: AC/DC: Highway to Hell |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ac-dc/time-capsule-ac-dc-highway-to-hell |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323172936/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ac-dc/time-capsule-ac-dc-highway-to-hell |archive-date=23 March 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> deliberately lowbrow and sexist.<ref name="McCabe">{{Cite web |first=Kathy |last=McCabe |date=12 November 2014 |title=New AC/DC Music Video for 'Play Ball' Is Big on Sports and Sexist Shots. And Minus Phil Rudd |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/new-acdc-music-video-for-play-ball-is-big-on-sports-and-sexist-shots-and-minus-phil-rudd/news-story/90a1351915fc582c46df631552119317 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127085004/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/new-acdc-music-video-for-play-ball-is-big-on-sports-and-sexist-shots-and-minus-phil-rudd/news-story/90a1351915fc582c46df631552119317 |archive-date=27 January 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2024}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> David Marchese from ''Vulture'' wrote that "regardless of the lyricist, whether it was Scott (who was capable of real wit and colour), Johnson, or the Young brothers, there's a deep strain of ] in the band's output that veers from feeling terribly dated to straight-up reprehensible."<ref name="Marchese" /> According to Christgau in 1988, "the brutal truth is that sexism has never kept a great rock-and-roller down—from ] to ], lots of dynamite music has objectified women in objectionable ways. But rotely is not among those ways", in regards to AC/DC.{{sfn|Christgau|1990}}

Fans of the band have defended their music by highlighting its "bawdy humour",<ref name="Sturges">{{cite news|last=Sturges|first=Fiona|date=2 October 2017|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/02/songs-that-hate-women-and-the-women-who-love-them-why-im-still-a-fan-of-acdc|title=Songs that Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them: Why I'm Still a Fan of AC/DC|newspaper=]|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810210457/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/02/songs-that-hate-women-and-the-women-who-love-them-why-im-still-a-fan-of-acdc|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> while members of the group have generally been dismissive of claims that their songs are sexist, arguing that they are meant to be in jest.<ref name="Marchese" /> In an interview with ] for '']'', Angus called the band "pranksters more than anything else," while Malcolm said, "We're not like some macho band. We take the music far more seriously than we take the lyrics, which are just throwaway lines."<ref name="Sturges" /> Marchese regarded the musical aspect of the Youngs' songs as "strong enough to render the words a functional afterthought" as well as "deceptively plain, devastatingly effective, and extremely lucrative."<ref name="Marchese" />

For the book ''Under My Thumb: Songs That Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them'', ''The Guardian'' arts critic Fiona Sturges contributed an essay evaluating her love for AC/DC. While acknowledging she is a feminist and that the band's music is problematic for her, she believed it would be "daft as opposed to damaging" for female listeners if they could understand the band to be "a bunch of archly sex-obsessed idiots with sharp tunes and some seriously killer riffs". Despite the "unpleasant sneering quality" of "Carry Me Home"{{'}}s claims about a woman who "ain't no lady", the "rape fantasy" of "Let Me Put My Love into You" and the generally one-dimensional portrayals of women, Sturges said songs such as "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "You Shook Me All Night Long" demonstrated that the female characters "are also having a good time and are, more often than not, in the driving seat in sexual terms. t's the men who come over as passive and hopeless, awestruck in the presence of sexual partners more experienced and adept than them."<ref name="Sturges" />

==Awards and achievements==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by AC/DC}}
], ]]]
The band's first&nbsp;ever nomination at an award show was from the ] for ].<ref name="AutoJ4-74">{{cite web|access-date=7 October 2023|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1982/amas.htm|title=9th American Music Awards|publisher=Rock on the Net|archive-date=23 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923001151/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1982/amas.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1988, AC/DC were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.<ref name="Middleton" /> The municipality of ], near ], named a street in honour of the band "Calle de AC/DC" (English: "AC/DC Street") on 22 March 2000. Malcolm and Angus attended the inauguration with many fans.<ref name="TGAM">{{Cite web |title=AC/DC Gets Street Name |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/acdc-gets-street-name/article4162056/ |date=24 March 2000 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828110715/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/acdc-gets-street-name/article4162056/ |archive-date=28 August 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref> The plaque had since been stolen numerous times, forcing the municipality of Leganés to begin selling replicas of the official street plaque.<ref name="El Mundo venta">{{cite news |last1=S. Valera |first1=Ana |url=http://www.elmundo.es/2000/04/05/madrid/05N0046.html |title=Las placas de la 'calle AC/DC' se pondrán a la venta a partir del próximo lunes |language=es |trans-title=The 'AC/DC Street' Plates Will Go on Sale from Next Monday |work=El Mundo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114214011/http://www.elmundo.es/2000/04/05/madrid/05N0046.html |archive-date=14 November 2007 |url-status=dead |date=5 April 2000 |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref>

On 1 October 2004, a central Melbourne thoroughfare, Corporation Lane, was renamed ] in honour of the band. The ] forbade the use of the ] character in street names, so the four letters were combined.<ref name="efstC">{{cite web|url=http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=228&pg=715&st=191 |title=Next Stage in AC/DC Lane Proposal Wins in-Principle Support |access-date=2 August 2008 |date=8 July 2004 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016110316/http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=228&pg=715&st=191 |archive-date=16 October 2008}}</ref> The lane is near ], where, on the back of a truck, the band recorded their video for "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)".<ref name="acdclane">{{cite news | first = Martin | last = Boulton | title = Laneway to the Top for AC/DC | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/09/1094530766163.html | work = ] | date = 10 September 2004 | access-date = 2 August 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080522085904/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/09/1094530766163.html | archive-date = 22 May 2008 | url-status = live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on 10 March 2003.<ref name="BB RnRHoF">{{Cite magazine |last=Wes |first=Orshoski |date=22 March 2003 |title=U.K. '70s Punk Prevails at 18th Hall of Fame |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2003/BB-2003-03-22.pdf |magazine=] |volume=115 |issue=12 |page=6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121044827/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2003/BB-2003-03-22.pdf |archive-date=21 January 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref> During the ceremony, the band performed "]" and "You Shook Me All Night Long", with guest vocals provided by host ] of Aerosmith. He described the band's power chords as "the thunder from down under that gives you the second&nbsp;most powerful surge that can flow through your body."<ref name="DCiA3">{{cite news | title = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Opens Doors to Clash, Police, Costello, AC/DC |publisher=] |date=11 March 2003 |access-date=2 August 2008 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/11/rock.hall.fame.ap/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031003075850/http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/11/rock.hall.fame.ap/index.html |archive-date=3 October 2003}}</ref> During the acceptance speech, Johnson quoted their 1977 song "Let There Be Rock".<ref name="gZ0YU">{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12027761 |title=AC/DC, the Clash, the Police and Others Inducted into Hall of Fame |access-date=2 August 2008 |last=Johnson Jr. |first=Billy |date=11 March 2003 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704170535/http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12027761 |archive-date=4 July 2007}}</ref> In May 2003, the Young brothers accepted a ] Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the ], during which Malcolm paid special tribute to Scott, who was also a recipient of the award.<ref name="aNUQH">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra.com.au/awards/music/media_releases/03-music_award_winners_announced.asp | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080723033156/http://apra.com.au/awards/music/media_releases/03-music_award_winners_announced.asp | archive-date = 23 July 2008 | title = 2003 Music Winners Awards Announced | publisher=] (APRA) | access-date = 2 August 2008}}</ref>

In 2003, ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s ] list included ''Back in Black'' at number&nbsp;73,<ref name="AutoJ4-77">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/back-in-black-ac-dc-19691231|title=''Back in Black'' Ranked No. 73|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902124015/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/back-in-black-ac-dc-19691231 |access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=2 September 2011 }}</ref> and ''Highway to Hell'' at number&nbsp;199.<ref name="AutoJ4-78">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/highway-to-hell-ac-dc-19691231|title=Highway Ranked No. 199|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902081102/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/highway-to-hell-ac-dc-19691231 |access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=2 September 2011 }}</ref> They also ranked number&nbsp;72 on the ], as American record producer ] wrote an essay calling them the "greatest rock & roll band of all time."<ref name="thegreatest">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/ac-dc-20110420 |title=AC/DC – 100 Greatest Artists |magazine=] |access-date=6 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008151937/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/ac-dc-20110420 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, on their ] list, ''Rolling Stone'' included "Back in Black" at number&nbsp;187<ref name="AutoJ4-79">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/2|title=''Rolling Stone'': 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 101-200|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620035744/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/2 |access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=20 June 2008 }}</ref> and "Highway to Hell" at number&nbsp;254.<ref name="AutoJ4-80">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/3|title=''Rolling Stone'': 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 201-300|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619105433/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/3 |access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=19 June 2008 }}</ref> They ranked number&nbsp;four on '']''{{'}}s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock,<ref name="ncQS2">{{cite web|title=100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock |work=] |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81 |access-date=2 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913223620/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=%2Fshows%2Fdynamic%2Fincludes%2Fwildcards%2Fthe_greatest%2Fhardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81 |archive-date=13 September 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and number&nbsp;seven on ]'s Greatest Heavy Metal Band of All Time.<ref name="eVbFY">{{cite web|title=The Greatest Metal Bands of All Time |publisher=MTV |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index8.jhtml |access-date=2 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726214945/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index8.jhtml |archive-date=26 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> They ranked number&nbsp;23 on ''VH1''{{'}}s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2010.<ref name="ODQCW">{{cite web |url=https://stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/list/ |title=The Greatest Artists of All Time |date=3 September 2010 |work=] |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917145032/http://stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/list/ |archive-date=17 September 2011 |url-status=live |via=]}}</ref> On 20 November 2015, the band were inducted into the ] 10th&nbsp;Anniversary Hall of Fame. Angus offered a statement, in which he declared it was "an absolute honour" to be recognised in the tenth&nbsp;year of the Hall of Fame.<ref name="AutoJ4-82">{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=20 November 2015 |title=AC/DC Inducted into ''The Age'' Music Victoria Awards Hall of Fame |url=https://loudwire.com/acdc-inducted-the-age-music-victoria-awards-hall-of-fame/ |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829104942/https://loudwire.com/acdc-inducted-the-age-music-victoria-awards-hall-of-fame/ |archive-date=29 August 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref>

They sold over 1.3&nbsp;million CDs in the US during 2007.<ref name="53cw7">{{Cite news |last=Levine |first=Robert |date=10 October 2008 |title=Ageless and Defiant, AC/DC Stays on Top Without Going Digital |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html |url-access=subscription |work=] |access-date=19 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102213918/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html |archive-date=2 November 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 50 years of the band's career, they have sold over 200&nbsp;million albums worldwide,<ref>{{Cite web |title=AC/DC: Rock's 'Kick in the Guts' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29932369 |publisher=] |date=6 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821235126/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29932369 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=10 September 2024}}</ref> and 84&nbsp;million in the US, according to the ] (RIAA),<!-- Updated on 10 September 2024 --> which AC/DC the fourth&nbsp;best-selling band in US history and the eighth&nbsp;best-selling artist, selling more albums than ] and ].<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web |title = Top Selling Artists |publisher = ] (RIAA) |url = https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=TAA#search_section |access-date = 2 August 2008}}</ref> The RIAA also certified ''Back in Black'' as 27× Platinum, for 27&nbsp;million in US sales, which made it the fourth&nbsp;best-selling album of all time in the US.<ref name="AutoJ4-81">{{Cite web|title=Gold & Platinum|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=T1A&col=certified_units&ord=desc#search_section|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913200358/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=T1A&col=certified_units&ord=desc#search_section|archive-date=13 September 2021|access-date=1 December 2021|publisher=] (RIAA) }}</ref>

==Band members==<!-- Do not add Mike Sheffzick to this section without reaching a consensus on the talk page first. -->
{{main|List of AC/DC members}} {{main|List of AC/DC members}}


===Current members===
*] – lead vocals (1980–present)
*] – lead guitar (1973–present) * ] – lead guitar, occasional backing vocals (1973–present)
* ] – drums (1975–1983, 1994–2015, 2018–present; {{small|not touring since 2023}})
*] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1973–present)
*] – bass guitar, backing vocals (1977–present) * ] – bass guitar, backing vocals (1977–2016, 2018–present; {{small|not touring since 2024}})
*] – drums, percussion (1975–1983, 1994–present) * ] – lead vocals (1980–2016, 2018–present)
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2014–present; {{small|touring 1988}})

===Touring musicians===
'''Current touring musicians'''
* ] – drums (2023–present)
* ] – bass guitar, backing vocals (2024–present)

'''Former touring musicians'''
* ] – bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums, backing vocals (1974–1975; {{small|died 2017}})
* Denis Loughlin – lead vocals (1974; {{small|died 2019}})
* Bruce Howe – bass guitar (1975){{sfn|Wall|2012}}
* Paul Greg – bass guitar (1991){{sfn|Masino|2009|p=150}}
* ] – lead vocals (2016)


===Former members=== ===Former members===
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1973–2014; {{small|died 2017}})
*] – lead vocals (1973–1974)
* ] – drums (1973–1974; {{small|substituted 1975; died 2023}})
*] – lead vocals (1974–1980)
*] – bass guitar, backing vocals (1975–1977) * ] – bass guitar (1973–1974, 1975)
*] – drums, percussion (1983–1989) * ] – lead vocals (1973–1974)
* Neil Smith – bass guitar (1974; {{small|died 2013}})
*] – drums, percussion (1989–1994)
* Ron Carpenter – drums (1974)
* Russell Coleman – drums (1974)
* Noel Taylor – drums (1974)
* ] – bass (1974–1975)
* ] – drums (1974–1975)
* ] – lead vocals (1974–1980; {{small|his death}})
* ] – bass guitar (1975; {{small|died 2020}})
* ] – bass guitar (1975–1977)
* ] – drums (1983–1989)
* ] – drums (1989–1994; {{small|touring 2015–2016}})


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{main|AC/DC discography}} {{main|AC/DC discography|List of songs recorded by AC/DC}}
<!-- ONLY studio albums belong here. See AC/DC's full discography at its own article. -->
{{colbegin|colwidth=30em}}

* '']'' (1975)
'''Studio albums'''
* '']'' (1975)
* '']'' (1976) * '']'' (1975) (] only)
* '']'' (1975) (Australasia only)
* '']'' (1976)
* '']'' (1976) * '']'' (1976) (international version)
* '']'' (1977) * '']'' (1976)
* '']'' (1977) * '']'' (1977)
* '']'' (1978) * '']'' (1978)
* '']'' (1979) * '']'' (1979)
* '']'' (1980) * '']'' (1980)
* '']'' (1981) * '']'' (1981)
* '']'' (1983) * '']'' (1983)
* '']'' (1985) * '']'' (1985)
* '']'' (1986)
* '']'' (1988) * '']'' (1988)
* '']'' (1990) * '']'' (1990)
* '']'' (1992)
* '']'' (1995) * '']'' (1995)
* '']'' (2000) * '']'' (2000)
* '']'' (2008) * '']'' (2008)
* '']'' (2014)
{{colend}}
* '']'' (2020)


==Concert tours==
==Awards and nominations==
* T.N.T./Lock Up Your Daughters Summer Vacation Tour (1975–1976)<ref name="Fricke 2" /><ref name="boweber">{{Cite web |last=Weber |first=Bo |date=11 November 2022 |title=Success, Death and Rock & Roll: Facts About the Legendary Australian Band, AC/DC |url=https://www.musicinminnesota.com/success-death-and-rock-roll-facts-about-the-legendary-australian-band-ac-dc/ |website=Music in Minnesota |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117053245/https://www.musicinminnesota.com/success-death-and-rock-roll-facts-about-the-legendary-australian-band-ac-dc/ |archive-date=17 January 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref>
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by AC/DC}}
* Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap/Giant Dose of Rock 'n' Roll Tour (1976–1977)<ref name="boweber" />
* Let There Be Rock Tour (1977)<ref name="boweber" />
* Powerage Tour (1978)<ref name="boweber" />
* If You Want Blood Tour (1978–1979)<ref name="boweber" />
* ] (1979–1980)
* ] (1980–1981)
* ] (1981–1982)
* ] (1983–1985)
* ] (1985–1986)
* ] (1986)
* ] (1988)
* ] (1990–1991)
* ] (1996)
* ] (2000–2001)
* ] (2008–2010)
* ] (2015–2016)
* ] (2024–2025)


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Australia|Biography|Rock music}}
*], an ] AC/DC ]
* ]
*], a ] AC/DC ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}

===Sources===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite AV media notes |author1=] |author2=] |date=25 March 2003 |title=] |others=AC/DC |type=liner notes |id=5-099751-076124 |ref={{harvid|Albert Productions|Epic Records|2003}}}}
* {{Cite AV media notes |author1=] |date=30 April 1976 |title=] |others=AC/DC |type=liner notes |id=K 50257 |ref={{harvid|Atlantic Records|1976a}}}}
* {{Cite AV media notes |author1=] |date=12 November 1976 |title=] |others=AC/DC |type=liner notes |id=K 50323 |ref={{harvid|Atlantic Records|1976b}}}}
* {{Cite book |last=Baker |first=Glenn A. |author-link=Glenn A. Baker |year=2010 |title=Best of Baker: Music |chapter=1988: No Ballads, or Anything Stupid Like That |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-74257-058-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Browning |first=Michael |year=2014 |title=Dog Eat Dog |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IgEVBAAAQBAJ |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-74343-900-5 |via=]}}
* {{cite book |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |year=1990 |chapter=AC/DC |chapter-url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=AC/DC |title=Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s |title-link=Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s |publisher=] |isbn=067973015X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729171335/https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=AC%2FDC |archive-date=29 July 2018 |url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last=Cockington |first=James |year=2001 |title=Long Way to the Top: Stories of Australian Rock & Roll |publisher=ABC Books for the ] |isbn=978-0-7333-0750-8}}
* {{Cite AV media notes |author1=] |title=] |others=AC/DC |type=LP booklet |date=28 November 2014 |id=8-88750-34841 |ref={{harvid|Columbia Records|2014}}}}
* {{Cite book |last=Elliott |first=Paul |year=2018 |title=AC/DC: For Those About to Rock |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Nq4tAEACAAJ |edition=hardcover |publisher=Hardie Grant Books |isbn=978-174379488-3 |via=]}}
* {{Cite AV media notes |last=Engleheart |first=Murray |title=Bonfire |title-link=Bonfire (album) |type=booklet |date=18 November 1997 |publisher=]}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Engleheart |first1=Murray |last2=Durieux |first2=Arnaud |title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll |url=https://archive.org/details/acdcmaximumrockr0000engl |url-access=registration |publisher=] |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-06-113391-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=Fink |first=Jesse |author-link=Jesse Fink |year=2013 |title=The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-74275-979-1}}
* {{Cite book |last=Fink |first=Jesse |author-link=Jesse Fink |year=2017 |title=Bon: The Last Highway: The Untold Story of Bon Scott and AC/DC's ''Back in Black'' |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-77305-113-0}}
* {{Cite book |last=Harrington |first=Joe S. |year=2003 |chapter=''Back in Black'' |title=VH-1's 100 Greatest Albums |editor-last=Hoye |editor-first=Jacob |publisher=] |isbn=0743448766}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Jenkins |first1=Jeff |last2=Meldrum |first2=Ian |author-link2=Molly Meldrum |year=2007 |chapter=AC/DC |title=Molly Meldrum Presents 50 Years of Rock in Australia |pages=140–142 |publisher=Wilkinson Publishing |location=Melbourne |isbn=978-1-921332-11-1}}
* {{Cite book |last=Kent |first=David |author-link=David Kent (historian) |year=1993 |title=] |edition=illustrated |publisher=Australian Chart Book |location=] |isbn=0-646-11917-6}} '''n.b.''' The Kent Report chart was licensed by ] (ARIA) from mid-1983 until 19 June 1988.
* {{Cite book |last=Masino |first=Susan |year=2009 |orig-date=2006 |title=Let There Be Rock: The Story of AC/DC |url=https://archive.org/details/letthereberockst0000masi |url-access=registration |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-8256-3701-8}}
* {{Cite book |last=Masino |first=Susan |year=2015 |title=AC/DC FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's True Rock 'n' Roll Band |url=https://archive.org/details/acdcfaqallthatsl0000masi |url-access=registration |publisher=Backbeat Books |isbn=978-1-4803-9450-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=McFarlane |first=Ian |author-link1=Ian McFarlane |title=] |year=1999 |publisher=] |location=] |isbn=1-86508-072-1}}
* {{Cite book |last1=McFarlane |first1=Ian |author-link1=Ian McFarlane |last2=Jenkins |first2=Jeff (Foreword) |title=] |year=2017 |location=] |publisher=Third Stone Press |edition=2nd |isbn=978-0-9953856-0-3}}
* {{Cite book |last=McParland |first=Robert |year=2018 |title=Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal Music |publisher=] |isbn=978-1476673356}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Stenning |first1=Paul |author-link1=Paul Stenning |first2=Rob |last2=Johnstone |year=2005 |title=AC/DC&nbsp;– Two Sides to Every Glory |url=https://archive.org/details/acdctwosidestoev0000sten |url-access=registration |publisher=Chrome Dreams |isbn=1-84240-308-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Walker |first=Clinton |author-link=Clinton Walker |year=2006 |orig-date=1994 |title=Highway to Hell: The Life and Times of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott |url=https://archive.org/details/highwaytohelllif0000walk |url-access=registration |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-330-44913-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link=Mick Wall |year=2012 |title=AC/DC: Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be |url=https://archive.org/details/acdchellaintbadp0000wall/mode/2up |url-access=registration |publisher=] |location=London |isbn=978-1-4091-1535-9}}
{{Refend}}


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
*{{cite book | last = Dome | first = Malcolm | year = 1982 | title = AC/DC | publisher = Proteus Books | id = ISBN 0-862-76011-9 }}
*{{cite book | last = Bunton | first = Richard | year = 1983 | title = AC/DC: Hell Ain't No Bad Place to Be | publisher = Omnibus Books | id = ISBN 0-711-90082-5 }} * {{cite book |last=Bunton |first=Richard |year=1983 |title=AC/DC: Hell Ain't No Bad Place to Be |publisher=] |isbn=0-7119-0082-5}}
*{{cite book | last = Holmes | first = Tim | year = 1986 | title = AC/DC (Monsters of Metal) | publisher = Ballantine | id = ISBN 0-345-33239-3 }} * {{cite book |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |year=1982 |title=AC/DC |publisher=Proteus Books |isbn=0-86276-011-9}}
*{{cite book | last = Huxley | first = Martin | year = 1996 | title = AC/DC: The World's Heaviest Rock | publisher = Lightning Source Inc. | id = ISBN 0-312-30220-7 }} * {{cite book |last=Holmes |first=Tim |year=1986 |title=AC/DC (Monsters of Metal) |publisher=Ballantine |isbn=0-345-33239-3}}
*{{cite book | last = Stenning | first = Paul | year = 2005 | title = AC/DC: Two Sides to Every Glory | publisher = Chrome Dreams | id = ISBN 1-842-40308-7}} * {{cite book |last=Huxley |first=Martin |year=1996 |title=AC/DC: The World's Heaviest Rock |publisher=] |isbn=0-312-30220-7}}
* {{cite book |last1=Lageat |first1=Philippe |last2=Brelet |first2=Baptiste |title=AC/DC Tours De France 1976–2014 |url=http://acdclelivre.fr/en |date=2014 |publisher=Éditions Point Barre |isbn=978-2-7466-7071-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=Marshall |first=Victor |title=Fraternity: Pub Rock Pioneers |publisher=Brolga |year=2021 |isbn=978-1920785109 |edition=1st |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages=443–458 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last=Prato |first=Greg |year=2020 |title=A Rockin' Rollin' Man: Bon Scott Remembered |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-65198-063-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Putterford |first=Mark |year=1992 |title=AC/DC: Shock to the System |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-71192-823-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Sutcliffe |first=Phil |year=2010 |title=AC/DC High-Voltage Rock 'n' Roll: The Ultimate Illustrated History |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-7603-3832-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/acdchighvoltager0000sutc}}
{{Refend}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Sister project links |wikt=yes |c=yes |n=no |q=yes |s=no |b=no |v=no |d=Q27593}}
{{commons|AC/DC}}
* * {{Official website}}
* {{AllMusic}}
*
* {{Discogs artist}}
*
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{dmoz|/Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/A/AC-DC|AC/DC}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist|id=66c662b6-6e2f-4930-8610-912e24c63ed1|name=AC/DC}} * {{MusicBrainz artist}}
*
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{{AC/DC}} {{AC/DC|state=uncollapsed}}
{{2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
{{featured article}}
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Latest revision as of 15:46, 27 December 2024

Australian rock band This article is about the band. For other uses, see AC/DC (disambiguation).

AC/DC
Five men perform on stage: rhythm guitarist glancing left, drummer behind his kit, bass guitarist turned to his right, lead guitarist in school boy costume and lead singer hunched over microphone turned to his left.AC/DC in Buenos Aires in 2009. From left to right: Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Brian Johnson
Background information
OriginSydney, Australia
Genres
Discography
Years active1973–present (hiatus from 2016–2018)
Labels
Spinoff ofMarcus Hook Roll Band
Members
Past membersSee list of AC/DC members
Websiteacdc.com

AC/DC are an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973. Their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock and heavy metal, although the band calls it simply "rock and roll". They are cited as a formative influence on the new wave of British heavy metal bands. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

AC/DC were founded in 1973 by brothers Angus (lead guitar) and Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), with Colin Burgess (drums), Larry Van Kriedt (bass guitar) and Dave Evans (lead vocals). They underwent several line-up changes before releasing their debut Australasian-only album, High Voltage (1975). Membership stabilised after the release of Let There Be Rock (1977), with the Young brothers, Phil Rudd on drums, Cliff Williams on bass guitar and Bon Scott on lead vocals. Seven months after the release of Highway to Hell (1979), Scott died of alcohol poisoning and English singer Brian Johnson was then recruited as their new frontman. Their first album with Johnson, Back in Black (1980), dedicated to Scott's memory, became the second best-selling album of all time. The eighth studio album, For Those About to Rock (1981), was their first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200. Rudd was fired partway through the Flick of the Switch sessions in 1983 and was replaced by Simon Wright, who was replaced by Chris Slade six years later.

AC/DC experienced a commercial resurgence in the early 1990s with the release of album The Razors Edge (1990); it was their only record to feature Slade, as Rudd returned in 1994. Rudd has since recorded five more albums with the band, starting with Ballbreaker (1995). Their fifteenth studio album, Black Ice, was the second highest-selling record of 2008 and their highest chart peak since For Those About to Rock, eventually reaching number one worldwide. The band's line-up remained the same for 20 years until 2014 when Malcolm retired due to early-onset dementia, from which he died three years later; additionally, Rudd was charged with threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. Angus and Malcolm's nephew, Stevie Young, replaced Malcolm and debuted on the album Rock or Bust (2014). On the accompanying tour, Slade filled in for Rudd. In 2016, Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose replaced Johnson for the rest of the tour dates due to a risk of hearing loss, Williams retired at the end of the tour and the band entered a two-year hiatus. A reunion of the Rock or Bust line-up was announced in September 2020; the band's seventeenth studio album, Power Up, was released two months later. Their supporting tour was announced in February 2024, with drummer Matt Laug replacing Rudd, and bass guitarist Chris Chaney replacing Williams.

History

1973–1974: Formation and name

AC/DC were formed in the Australian pop music scene of the early to mid-1970s, which is described as the third wave of rock music. Many local 1960s artists – e.g., the Easybeats and the Masters Apprentices, had attempted to gain international recognition but achieved limited commercial success overseas and disbanded after returning to Australia. Newer artists and veterans of the 1960s beat boom developed a variety of genres, which included a harder blues rock style dubbed pub rock. Popular Australian bands – e.g., Sherbet and Skyhooks, played mainstream pop or adopted a glam rock approach.

This photo is in black and white. Angus, aged 27, is shown playing guitar with both hands. He is seen shirtless, with shorts, and the socks-shoes combo. Brian Johnson, aged 34, is shown behind Angus, with his hands and knees on the ground. He is seen wearing an Irish hat, a tank top, jeans and shoes. Both are shown in right profile.This photo is in black and white. Malcolm, aged 29, is shown in left profile, playing guitar with both hands. He has over shoulder-length hair, and is wearing a dark T-shirt, jeans and shoes.AC/DC's founding members Angus Young (left) and Malcolm Young (right); both performing in Manchester in 1982

In November 1973, brothers Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC in Sydney with drummer Colin Burgess from the Masters Apprentices, bass guitarist Larry Van Kriedt and vocalist Dave Evans. Earlier, Malcolm and Evans had been members of a band called Velvet Underground – not the American group of the same name – based in Newcastle for two years, and Angus started his own band called Tantrum – he would only jam with his friends. The Young brothers had joined Marcus Hook Roll Band, a studio-only band, in 1973, which provided their first recordings for their debut album, Tales of Old Grand-Daddy (1974), although the pair left before it was issued. Before formation, Malcolm teamed with ex-Velvet Underground bass guitarist Mick Sheffzick and Burgess for his proposed group. Van Kriedt took over from Sheffzick for bass guitar, then Evans responded to an ad in the Sydney Morning Herald and then Angus joined after passing an audition.

AC/DC's logo is shown in orange lettering with the AC separated from DC by a stylised lightning bolt.
The band's logo was designed in 1977 by Gerard Huerta. It first appeared on the international version of Let There Be Rock.

Upon formation, Malcolm and Angus developed the band's name after their sister Margaret pointed out the symbol "AC/DC" on the AC adapter of her sewing machine. A.C./D.C. is an abbreviation for alternating current/direct current electricity. The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band's raw energy and the power-driven performances of their music. It is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band are colloquially known as Acca Dacca in Australia. The AC/DC band name is stylised with a lightning bolt separating the AC from DC and has been used on all studio albums, except the international version of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. Their logo was designed by American typographer Gerard Huerta in 1977 and first appeared on Let There Be Rock. Adam Behr of The Bulletin explained, " type font conveyed the sense of electricity implicit in their name."

AC/DC's first official gig was at Chequers nightclub in Sydney on 31 December 1973. For about 18 months, most members of the band dressed in some form of glam or satin outfit. Angus tried various costumes: Zorro, a gorilla, and Superman. Their performances involved cover versions of the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, the Beatles and "smattering of old blues standards" while trialling some original songs. Angus first wore his characteristic school-uniform stage outfit in April 1974 at Victoria Park, Sydney; the idea was Margaret's. He portrayed a boy "straight from school to play his guitar." On stage, Evans was occasionally replaced on lead vocals by their first manager, Denis Loughlin from Sherbet. In Paul Stenning's book AC/DC: Two Sides to Every Glory, he states that Evans and Loughlin were clashing and as a consequence, other members developed bitter feelings towards Evans.

The group recorded a session in January 1974 at EMI Studios in Sydney, with Vanda & YoungGeorge Young and Harry Vanda – as the producers; both were former members of the Easybeats and Marcus Hook Roll Band. George is Angus and Malcolm's older brother. Several songs were recorded, including "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", "Rockin' in the Parlour" and an early version of "Rock 'n' Roll Singer". A week after the session, Burgess was fired due to intoxication; he was unconscious during a performance. Subsequently, Van Kriedt was replaced; his recorded bass lines for the January session were re-recorded by George. Their replacements, Neil Smith on bass guitar and Noel Taylor on drums, lasted six weeks, replaced in turn by Rob Bailey and Peter Clack, respectively. The band signed with Albert Productions in June 1974. "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", backed with "Rockin' in the Parlour", taken from the January session, was released on 22 July 1974 as the band's first single. The song reached the top 50 on Australia's Kent Music Report singles chart.

The group had developed a strong live reputation by mid-1974, which resulted in a supporting slot on Lou Reed's national tour in August. During that tour, Malcolm switched to rhythm guitar, leaving Angus on lead guitar – the roles the two guitarists played from then on. During 1974, on the recommendation of Michael Chugg, veteran Melbourne promoter Michael Browning booked them to play at his club, the Hard Rock Cafe. He was not pleased with their glam rock image and felt that Evans was the wrong singer, but he was impressed by the Young brothers' guitar playing. Browning then received a call weeks after the Hard Rock gig from Malcolm: Loughlin had quit and they were stuck in Adelaide with no money. They hired Browning as their manager in November 1974, with the cooperation of George and Harry Vanda. The Young brothers decided to abandon their glam rock image; instead, they pursued a pub rock sound. To this end, they agreed that Evans was no longer a suitable frontman.

1974–1976: Bon Scott joins

Scott, aged about 33, is shown in right profile, he holds his microphone in his left hand, while his right hand, with tattoos visible, is clenched near his bare chest.
Bon Scott (pictured in 1979) joined as the lead singer in 1974.

In September 1974, Bon Scott, a vocalist previously with the Valentines (1966–1970) and Fraternity (1971–1973), joined AC/DC after his former bandmate Vince Lovegrove introduced him to George during their stopover in Adelaide in August. Scott worked as a chauffeur for the group until an audition promoted him to lead singer. Like the Young brothers, Scott was born in Scotland, emigrated to Australia in his childhood and had a passion for blues music. Scott also had experience as a songwriter and drummer. Their debut single's tracks were re-written and the vocals were re-recorded by Scott. With Scott's inclusion, " working-class style, boogie-rock sound and earthy humour fell into place", according to music journalist Ian McFarlane. Scott's first concert for AC/DC was on 5 October 1974 at the Masonic Hall in Brighton-Le-Sands, New South Wales.

AC/DC recorded their first studio album, High Voltage, in November 1974 with Vanda & Young producing at Albert Studios in Sydney. Bailey and Clack were still in the band during its recording, but Clack played on only one track, and the rest were provided by session drummer Tony Currenti. George handled some bass parts and later redid others. Recording sessions took ten days and were based on instrumentals written by the Young brothers with lyrics added by Scott. They relocated to Melbourne that month. Both Bailey and Clack were fired in January 1975. Paul Matters took over bass duties briefly before being fired in turn and replaced temporarily by George or Malcolm for live duties. Matters had disagreements with the Young brothers' decisions. Meanwhile, on drums, Ron Carpenter and Russell Coleman had brief tenures before Phil Rudd, from Buster Brown, joined in that month. Bass guitarist Mark Evans was enlisted in March 1975, setting the line-up which lasted two years.

"T.N.T." "T.N.T.", AC/DC's third single from the album of the same name, with lead vocals by Scott
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The band were scheduled to play at the 1975 Sunbury Pop music festival in January; however, they went home without performing following a physical altercation with the management and crew of headlining act Deep Purple. High Voltage was released exclusively in Australasia on 17 February 1975 via Albert Productions/EMI Music Australia, and reached the top 20 in Australia. It provided a single, their cover version of Big Joe Williams' "Baby, Please Don't Go".

McFarlane observed, " initial achievement was to take the raw energy of Aussie pub rock, extend its basic guidelines, serve it up to a teenybop Countdown audience and still reap the benefits of the live circuit by packing out the pubs." They released their second studio album T.N.T. (1975), in Australasia only, its tracks were recorded with Evans and Rudd except for two tracks, which used Currenti and George. It peaked at number two in Australia and the top 40 in New Zealand. Its second single, "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" (December 1975), had a well-known promotional video made for the ABC-TV pop music programme Countdown, featuring the band miming the song on the back of a flatbed truck. The single reached the top ten in Australia. The title track was issued as a single in March 1976 and includes the lyric "so lock up your daughter", which was modified into their first United Kingdom tour's name.

1976–1977: Initial success and record deal

Angus, about 24, in mid-leap, right leg cocked, back arched while playing guitar. Scott holds microphone above his head, another tattoo partly visible.
Scott (centre) pictured with Angus (left) and bass guitarist Cliff Williams (back), performing in Belfast in 1979

Browning sent promo material to contacts in London, which came to the attention of Phil Carson of Atlantic Records. AC/DC signed an international deal with Atlantic in 1976. On their arrival in London in April, their scheduled tour with Back Street Crawler was cancelled due to the death of that group's guitarist, Paul Kossoff. As a result, AC/DC returned to playing smaller venues to build a local following until their label organised the Lock Up Your Daughters tour sponsored by Sounds magazine, starting in June 1976. At the time, punk rock was breaking and came to dominate the pages of major British music weeklies, including NME and Melody Maker. AC/DC were sometimes identified with the punk rock movement by the British press, but they hated punk rock, believing it to be a passing fad. Browning wrote that "it wasn't possible to even hold a conversation with AC/DC about punk without them getting totally pissed off".

The first AC/DC album to have worldwide distribution was a 1976 combination of tracks taken from the High Voltage and T.N.T. LPs. Also titled High Voltage, it was released through Atlantic in May 1976, eventually going on to sell over three million copies in the US by 2005. The track selection was heavily weighted towards the more recent T.N.T., including only two songs from their first LP. Their third studio album, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, was released in September–November 1976, in both Australian and European versions. Track listings varied worldwide; the international version of the album included the T.N.T. track "Rocker", which had previously not been released internationally. The original Australian version included "Jailbreak". This was later more readily available on the 1984 compilation extended play '74 Jailbreak, or as a live version on 1992's Live. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap was not released in North America until 2 April 1981, by which time the band were at the peak of their popularity.

After a brief tour of Sweden, they returned to London, where they set new attendance records during their residency at the Marquee. They continued to tour throughout Europe and then Australia. In January 1977, they started recording their fourth studio album, Let There Be Rock. Early the same year, they returned to Britain and began a European tour with Black Sabbath. While Scott and Ozzy Osbourne quickly became friends, other members of each group were less cordial. In one incident, Geezer Butler allegedly pulled a switchblade at Malcolm during their show in Sweden in April. Accounts of the incident differ, but AC/DC were taken off the rest of the tour.

1977–1980: Cliff Williams joins and death of Bon Scott

Williams, about 31, shown in upper body shot. He sings into microphone on a stand while strumming his guitar. He wears a singlet top and has shoulder length hair.
Cliff Williams (pictured in 1981) joined as bass guitarist in 1977.

In May 1977, Mark Evans was fired. This was due to "musical differences" and personality clashes with Angus. He was replaced on bass guitar by Cliff Williams, a former member of the UK bands Home (1970–1974) and Bandit (1976). Scott explained that Williams was more experienced, while Malcolm wanted a bass guitarist and backing vocalist. Evans' autobiography, Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC, released in 2011, predominantly dealt with his time in AC/DC.

AC/DC's first American radio exposure was through Bill Bartlett at Jacksonville station WPDQ-FM/WAIV-FM in 1975. Two years later, they played their first concert there, as a support act for Canadian group Moxy in Austin, Texas, on 27 July 1977. From booking agent Doug Thaler of American Talent International and the management of Leber-Krebs, they experienced the country's stadium circuit, supporting rock acts Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Kiss, Styx, UFO and Blue Öyster Cult; they co-headlined with Cheap Trick. AC/DC released their fifth studio album, Powerage, on 5 May 1978. The sole single from Powerage was "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" (June 1978). An appearance at The Apollo, Glasgow, during the Powerage Tour was recorded and released as If You Want Blood You've Got It (1978).

Scott's life-sized statue shown in upper body shot. He sings into a hand held microphone, his chest partly exposed beneath a vest.
A bronze statue of Bon Scott in Fremantle, Western Australia

In 1979, the group recorded their sixth studio album, Highway to Hell, with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, which was issued on 27 July 1979. It became their first album to reach the top 20 the Billboard 200, eventually peaking at number 17, and it propelled AC/DC into the top ranks of hard rock acts. Highway to Hell had lyrics that shifted away from flippant and comical towards more central rock themes, putting increased emphasis on backing vocals but still featuring AC/DC's signature sound: loud, simple, pounding riffs and grooving back-beats.

In February 1980, the members began to work on their seventh studio album, Back in Black, with Scott on drums instead of vocals. On 18 February, Scott passed out in a car driven by his friend Alistair Kinnear after a night of drinking at The Music Machine in Camden Town, London. According to police, Kinnear left Scott in the car overnight to sleep off the alcohol effects. Unable to wake Scott early on the evening of 19 February, Kinnear rushed him to King's College Hospital, Camberwell, where Scott was pronounced dead on arrival. The official cause of death was "acute alcohol poisoning". Scott's family buried him in Fremantle, Western Australia, the area they emigrated to when he was a boy.

1980–1983: Brian Johnson joins and rebirth

Johnson, aged 61, shown in left profile. He sings into a cordless microphone while wearing a newsboy cap and a Harley Davidson sleeveless vest.
Brian Johnson (pictured in 2008) joined as a lead singer in 1980.

Following Scott's death, the members briefly considered quitting. Scott's parents advised the members that he would have wanted them to carry on, so they decided to continue and sought a new vocalist. Fat Lip vocalist Allan Fryer, ex-Rick Wakeman vocalist Gary Pickford-Hopkins, and the Easybeats' singer Stevie Wright were touted by the press as possible replacements. Various other candidates were considered by the group: ex-Moxy member Buzz Shearman, who was unable to join due to voice issues, Slade vocalist Noddy Holder, and ex-Back Street Crawler vocalist Terry Slesser. During their auditions, the group brought in ex-Geordie singer Brian Johnson, who impressed the group. Johnson sang Ike & Tina Turner's "Nutbush City Limits" and then "Whole Lotta Rosie" from Let There Be Rock. After they worked through the rest of the applicants in the following days, Johnson returned for a second audition. Angus later recalled that Scott himself had praised Johnson's singing.

On 29 March 1980, Malcolm offered Johnson a place in the band, much to the singer's surprise. Out of respect for Scott, the band wanted a vocalist who would not be an imitator. In addition to his distinctive voice, demeanour and love of classic soul and blues music, the group were impressed by Johnson's engaging personality. Johnson was officially announced as the lead singer of AC/DC on 1 April. With Johnson, the group completed the songwriting previously began with Scott for Back in Black. Recording took place at Compass Point Studios in The Bahamas a few months after Scott's death. Produced by Lange and recorded by Tony Platt, it became the second best-selling album of all time and a hard rock landmark. Its singles are "Hells Bells", "You Shook Me All Night Long", "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" and the title track. The album peaked at number one in the UK, and number four in the US, where it spent 612 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart. It also reached the top spot in Australia, Canada, and France.

AC/DC released their first theatrical concert film, AC/DC: Let There Be Rock, which was recorded on 9 December 1979 in Paris during their Highway to Hell Tour on 1 September 1980. It was produced and directed by Eric Dionysius and Eric Mistler and distributed by Warner Bros. The band's eighth studio album, For Those About to Rock We Salute You, was released on 23 November 1981. It was their first number-one album on the Billboard 200, and it also reached the top three in Australia and Germany. It received mixed reviews from critics. Two singles were issued: "Let's Get It Up" and the title track, which peaked at number 13 and number 15 in the UK, respectively.

1983–1990: Line-up changes and commercial decline

Rudd, aged 42, mostly obscured by his kit. He smokes a cigarette, has shoulder-length hair and wears a dark T-shirt. He has a tattoo on his upper left arm, right arm obscured.
Phil Rudd performing in Seattle in 1996

Instead of Lange, their ninth studio album, Flick of the Switch (1983), was produced by the group's members themselves. It was a return to the rawness and simplicity of their early albums, but received mixed reviews and was considered underdeveloped and unmemorable; one critic stated that they "had made the same album nine times". Flick of the Switch eventually reached number four on the UK charts, and the top five in Australia, and Finland. AC/DC had minor success with the single "Guns for Hire", reaching number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rudd has had long-term drug and alcohol addictions. His friendship with Malcolm had deteriorated and eventually escalated into a physical confrontation, after which Rudd was fired partway through the Flick of the Switch sessions in mid-1983. Rudd was replaced by ex-A II Z drummer Simon Wright in July 1983, after they held over 700 auditions in the US and UK. Simon Kirke and Paul Thompson were two drummers who auditioned.

The band's tenth studio album, Fly on the Wall, produced by the Young brothers in 1985, was also regarded as uninspired and directionless. A concept music video of the same name featured the band at a bar, playing five of the album's ten songs. In 1986, the group returned to the top 20 on singles charts with the made-for-radio "Who Made Who", reaching number nine in Australia and number 16 in the UK. The associated album Who Made Who is the soundtrack to Stephen King's film Maximum Overdrive; it brought together older hits, such as "You Shook Me All Night Long", with a few new songs – the title track and two instrumentals, "D.T." and "Chase the Ace".

Stevie, 59 years old, shown in full left profile. Strums guitar while at microphone on a stand. He wears black T-shirt, dark blue pants and grey-blue runners.
Stevie Young (pictured in 2016) joined as a touring rhythm guitarist in 1988, then joined as a permanent member in 2014.

In February 1988, both AC/DC and Vanda & Young were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association's inaugural Hall of Fame. The group's eleventh studio album, Blow Up Your Video, released in 1988, was recorded at Studio Miraval in Le Val, France, with Vanda & Young as producers. The group recorded nineteen songs, choosing ten for the final release; though the album was later criticised for containing excessive "filler", it was a commercial success: Blow Up Your Video reached number two on the UK charts and Australia, AC/DC's highest position since Back in Black in 1980. It provided an Australian top-five and UK top-twenty single, "Heatseeker", and "That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll".

Malcolm, aged 37, plays his guitar with both hands, while singing into a microphone on a stand. His over shoulder-length hair partly obscures his face.
Malcolm performing for the "Thunderstruck" music video in 1990

The Blow Up Your Video World Tour began in February 1988 in Perth, Australia. In April, following live appearances across Europe, Malcolm announced that he was taking time off from the North American legs of the tour, principally to deal with his alcoholism. Angus and Malcolm's nephew, Stevie Young, temporarily replaced Malcolm on guitar. In 1989, Wright left the group to work on British heavy metal band Dio's fifth studio album, Lock Up the Wolves (1990); he was replaced by drummer Chris Slade, who has played with ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore, before joining. Johnson was unavailable for several months while finalising his divorce, so the Young brothers wrote all the songs for the next album, a practice they continued for all subsequent releases through Power Up in 2020.

1990–1999: Popularity regained

The band's twelfth studio album, The Razors Edge, was recorded in Vancouver, Canada and was mixed and engineered by Mike Fraser and produced by Bruce Fairbairn, who had previously worked with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi. Released on 24 September 1990, it was a major success for the band, reaching the top three in Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and the US. Its lead single, "Thunderstruck" (September 1990), peaked at number 5 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, number 4 on the ARIA Singles chart, and number 13 on the OCC's UK Singles Chart. Its second single, "Moneytalks" (12 November 1990), peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. By 2006, the album had achieved 5× Platinum status in the US.

Several shows on the 1991 Razors Edge World Tour were recorded for the 1992 live album, AC/DC Live. It was produced by Fairbairn and was called one of the best live albums of the 1990s by Barry Weber of AllMusic. AC/DC headlined the Monsters of Rock show during this tour, which was released as a video album, Live at Donington, in 1992. During the tour, three fans were killed at a concert at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City on 18 January 1991, when they were crushed and fell to the floor at the beginning of the show. It took 26 minutes before venue security and group members understood the severity of the situation and halted the concert. AC/DC settled out of court with the victims' families. In September 1991, AC/DC performed in Moscow for the Monsters of Rock festival in front of 1.6 million people. It was the first open-air rock concert to be held in the former Soviet Union.

AC/DC recorded "Big Gun" in 1993 for the soundtrack of Arnold Schwarzenegger's film Last Action Hero. Released as a single, it reached number one on the US Mainstream Rock chart, the band's first number-one single on that chart. Pacific Gameworks proposed a beat 'em up video game for the Atari Jaguar CD in 1994, AC/DC: Defenders of Metal, which would have featured the group's crew; however, production never started. Angus and Malcolm invited Rudd to several jam sessions during 1994; he was eventually rehired due to Slade resigning. Recording began in October 1994 at Record Plant Studios in New York City. After 10 weeks of recording, they moved to Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles, in February 1995, and finished recording in May. On 22 September, their thirteenth studio album, Ballbreaker, was released, which reached number one in Australia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

In November 1997, a box set, Bonfire, was released. It contained four albums: a remastered version of Back in Black, Volts – a disc with alternative takes, outtakes and stray live cuts recorded with Scott – and two live albums, Live from the Atlantic Studios and Let There Be Rock: The Movie. Live from the Atlantic Studios was recorded on 7 December 1977 at the Atlantic Studios in New York. Let There Be Rock: The Movie was a double album recorded in December 1979 at the Pavillon de Paris and was the soundtrack of AC/DC: Let There Be Rock (1980).

1999–2014: Popularity confirmed and Black Ice

Angus, aged about 45, is shown in an upper body shot wearing his trademark schoolboy uniform. He faces away to his left, with his left hand halfway down the neck of his guitar.
Angus performing in Munich in 2001

AC/DC recorded their fourteenth studio album, Stiff Upper Lip, in 1999, which was produced by George at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. Released in February 2000, it was better received by critics than Ballbreaker but was considered lacking in new ideas. The title track was issued as a single in January 2000, which remained at number one on the US Mainstream Rock charts for four weeks. The other singles, "Satellite Blues" and "Safe in New York City", reached number one and number seven, respectively, on the same chart. The band signed a long-term, multi-album deal with Sony Music in December 2002, which issued their remasters series. In 2003, the entire back catalogue – except Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip – was remastered and reissued. Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip were reissued in the UK in 2004. Later in 2003, AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band's 2003 lineup (Johnson, Williams, Rudd, Angus Young, and Malcolm Young), in addition to Scott, were the inductees. Notably, former bassist Mark Evans (who appeared on four albums in the 1970s) was initially announced as an inductee, but six weeks after the announcement, his inclusion was quietly omitted.

The group performed at Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto, supporting the Rolling Stones, with Rush and other artists, on 30 July 2003. The benefit concert assisted the city's tourism industry, which was negatively impacted by the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. The audience of 450,000 set a record for the largest paid music event in Canadian history. The band came second in a list of Australia's highest-earning entertainers for 2005, and sixth in the following year. Verizon made all the albums, including the Live at Donington video, available for digital download in 2007. AC/DC released video compilations Family Jewels on 28 March 2005, and Plug Me In on 16 October 2007. No Bull: The Directors Cut, a newly edited, comprehensive Blu-ray and DVD of the band's July 1996 Plaza De Toros de las Ventas concert in Madrid, Spain, was released on 9 September 2008.

AC/DC shown on stage with huge screens either side depicting Angus on guitar. He is actually at extreme stage right the rest of the band at centre stage. They are beneath a huge steam engine, tilted slightly upwards, with AC/DC's logo on its side.
AC/DC's Black Ice World Tour, performed in Madrid in 2009

Black Ice, their fifteenth studio album, was released in Australia on 18 October 2008, and issued worldwide two days later. Produced by Brendan O'Brien and mixed and engineered by Mike Fraser, its 15 tracks were their first studio recordings in eight years. Like Stiff Upper Lip, it was recorded at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. It was sold in the US exclusively at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the band's official website. Black Ice reached number one in 29 countries, including Australia, the UK, and the US. "Rock 'n' Roll Train", the album's first single, was released to radio on 28 August.

The Black Ice World Tour was announced on 11 September 2008 and began on 28 October in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It then concluded with its final show in Bilbao, Spain, on 28 June 2010, after 20 months in which the band went to 108 cities in over 28 countries, with an estimated total audience of over 4.9 million. On 15 September 2008, AC/DC Radio debuted on Sirius Channel 19 and XM Channel 53, which plays their music along with band member interviews.

On 29 September 2009, the band announced a collection of studio and live rarities, Backtracks, which was released on 10 November as a 2×CD and DVD standard edition, or 3×CD, 2×DVD and LP deluxe edition box set. On 4 November, AC/DC were announced as the Business Review Weekly top Australian earner in entertainment for 2009, with earnings of $105 million. This displaced the Wiggles from the number-one spot for the first time in four years. On 19 April 2010, AC/DC released Iron Man 2, the soundtrack for the eponymous film, which compiled earlier tracks from the band's studio albums.

Angus, aged 55, stand atop a large, high pedestal. He is bare-chested and without his cap, he wears shorts while playing his guitar.
Angus performing in Paris in 2010

The band headlined the Download Festival at Donington Park in June 2010. Three concerts in December 2009 at the River Plate Stadium in Argentina were released on a video album, Live at River Plate via DVD on 10 May 2011. An exclusive single from the DVD, featuring the songs "Shoot to Thrill" and "War Machine", was issued on Record Store Day, April 2011. AC/DC released their first live audio album in 20 years, Live at River Plate, on 19 November 2012.

In June 2011, AC/DC reissued their concert film, AC/DC: Let There Be Rock, on DVD and Blu-ray. The entire catalogue – excluding T.N.T. (1975) and the Australian versions of High Voltage (1975), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976) and Let There Be Rock (1977), became available on the iTunes Store the same day. At the conclusion of the Black Ice World Tour in 2010, Malcolm had been diagnosed with lung cancer. It was treated at an early stage and surgery was successful with cancerous tissue removed. He also had an unspecified heart problem and had a pacemaker fitted.

2014–2018: Malcolm Young retires and hiatus

Four AC/DC members are shown from stage left; Johnson singing at front, Angus in red uniform with guitar, Stevie further right on guitar and Williams back left on guitar and singing.
AC/DC's Rock or Bust World Tour, performed in Barcelona in 2015

Malcolm became seriously ill in April 2014 and was unable to continue performing; fans speculated that the group could disband. However, Johnson stated that despite Malcolm's absence, they would return to Vancouver to record their sixteenth studio album, Rock or Bust. In July, AC/DC announced that they had finished recording it and that Stevie had replaced Malcolm in the studio. On 23 September, AC/DC members confirmed that Malcolm had officially retired from performing. Malcolm's last show with the group had been on 28 June 2010 in Bilbao, Spain; he died on 18 November 2017 at the age of 64 due to his dementia. Rudd confirmed that there would be another AC/DC tour and that they had no intention of retiring.

On 23 September 2014, The band revealed that Rock or Bust, featuring eleven tracks, would be released on 28 November as the first AC/DC album in the band's history without Malcolm on the recordings, nevertheless all its compositions were credited to Angus and Malcolm. The album reached number one in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the UK. The band also announced their supporting world tour, with Stevie as Malcolm's replacement.

Rudd was charged with threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis following a police raid on his home on 6 November 2014. AC/DC's members issued a statement clarifying that the tour promoting Rock or Bust would continue but did not indicate whether or not Rudd would participate or whether he was still a member. At a charity signing before the Grammy Awards, the band were photographed together with Slade. It was later confirmed that he had rejoined for the Grammys and tour. In April 2015, Rudd pleaded guilty to drug and threatening to kill charges. Shortly thereafter, the band's website showed that Rudd was replaced by Slade on drums. On 9 July 2015, Rudd was sentenced to eight months of home detention.

AC/DC with touring, lead vocalist Axl Rose, aged 44, shown in right profile both on screen and centre stage. He wears a black hat, T-shirt and jeans with gold jewellery. Chris Slade on drums is shown on screen but obscured on stage. Stevie is at right stage, Angus in white shirt and dark shorts to Rose's left, Williams in black at stage left.
AC/DC with Axl Rose (centre and top left), performing in Washington, D.C., in 2016

On 7 March 2016, the band announced that the final ten dates of the Rock or Bust World Tour would be rescheduled as Johnson's doctors had ordered him to stop touring immediately; he risked complete deafness if he persisted. The ten cancelled dates were to be rescheduled, "likely with a guest vocalist" later in the year, leaving Johnson's future in touring with the group uncertain. On 16 April 2016, Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose was announced as the lead vocalist for the remainder of their 2016 tour dates.

Williams indicated he was leaving AC/DC during an interview with Gulfshore Life's Jonathan Foerste on 8 July 2016. "It's been what I've known for the past 40 years, but after this tour I'm backing off of touring and recording. Losing Malcolm, the thing with and now with , it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing." At the end of the Rock or Bust World Tour, he released a video statement confirming his departure. His last show with AC/DC before the hiatus was in Philadelphia on 20 September 2016. After completing the tour in 2016, AC/DC went on hiatus. George Young died on 22 October 2017, aged 70.

2018–present: Reunion and Power Up

In August 2018, speculation grew that former members Johnson and Rudd were back working with the band. A fan living near The Warehouse Studio, Vancouver claimed to have observed them in the outdoor area of the studio from an apartment window. Shortly afterwards, a photograph of Johnson with Williams at the gymnasium of the Living Shangri-La hotel in Vancouver in December 2018 surfaced, indicating that Williams had also rejoined. AC/DC then confirmed on 30 September 2020 the return of Johnson, Rudd and Williams to the line-up alongside Angus and Stevie, reuniting the Rock or Bust line-up.

On 28 September 2020, the band updated their social media accounts posting a teaser video, which led to speculation of their "comeback, possibly as early as this week or next week." On 1 October, AC/DC released a snippet of their new song "Shot in the Dark". On 7 October, the band confirmed the upcoming release on 13 November of their next studio album, Power Up and issued "Shot in the Dark" as its lead single from the album. The album's track listing was revealed on their website the same day. They had recorded it in August–September 2018 with O'Brien producing at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, with some tweaking in Los Angeles in 2019.

Chaney, aged 52, holds his guitar firmly. He wears a blue T-shirt and blue pants.
Chris Chaney (pictured in 2022) replaced Williams on bass guitar for the Power Up Tour.

AC/DC launched a dive bar on 2 October 2023, located at Club 5 Bar in Indio, called the High Voltage Dive Bar. AC/DC performed a co-headlining act for the Power Trip music festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, on 7 October, which was their first show in seven years, with Williams being part of the line-up after coming out of retirement, and American drummer Matt Laug, who had previously played for Slash's Snakepit and Alice Cooper, replacing Rudd. The band hinted at another tour to occur in 2024; the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, confirmed that they had booked a show in the Olympic Stadium for 12 June 2024. Founding drummer Colin Burgess died on 16 December 2023, aged 77.

On 6 February 2024, the band published a teaser on their social media accounts, showing the band's lightning bolt symbol flickering before the words "Are You Ready" appear and their song of the same name plays. This led to fans speculating that they would come back to touring after eight years. On 12 February, the Power Up Tour was announced, with former Jane's Addiction bass guitarist Chris Chaney replacing Williams. The European leg of the tour began on 17 May and concluded on 17 August, with American band the Pretty Reckless as their support act for all twenty-four performances. AC/DC reissued their entire catalogue on gold vinyl for their 50th anniversary on 15 March 21 June and 27 September 2024, as part of the AC/DC 50 series. They have also reissued two Australasia-only albums – High Voltage and T.N.T. (both 1975), only available at the High Voltage Dive Bar. On 2 December 2024, the band announced a second leg of the Power Up Tour in North America for thirteen shows, with The Pretty Reckless as their support act.

Musical style

Aside from an early flirtation with glam rock, the group's sound and performance style are based on Australian pub rock. That style was pioneered by Lobby Loyde of Billy Thorpe's early 1970s group, the Aztecs. Vanda noted "the pub crowd as an audience demanded blood—'or else'." He described wanting to "recreate the real Australian pub sound—'not like that American sound, smooth and creamy, nicey, nicey.'" Glenn A. Baker felt they played "rib-crushing, blood-curdling, brain damaging, no bullshit, thunder rock".

The Canberra Times' Tony Catterall reviewed T.N.T., in which " wallow in the lumpen proletarianism that's the home of punk rock" while comparing them with rivals Buster Brown, which are "more imaginative and musically better". Music journalist Ed Nimmervoll summarised, "If we tried to isolate what has characterised Australian rock and roll from the rest of the world's it would be music that's made to be played live, and gets right down to basics with a minimum of distraction. AC/DC captured that essence not long after it crystallised, and they have continued to carry that creed around the world as their own."

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic said AC/DC utilizes "dirty" guitar riffs, "snarling" singing, and "catchy, anthemic" hooks. According to Vulture music journalist David Marchese, the instrumental foundation of the band's simple sound was the drummer—Rudd, Wright, or Slade—striking the kick drum on the first and third beat of every measure and the snare drum on the second and fourth beat; bass guitarist Williams consistently down-picking an eighth note; Angus performing lead parts that possessed "a clear architecture and even sort of swing, in a frenzied, half-demented way"; and Malcolm's "propulsive" yet nuanced rhythm guitar featuring "little chuks, stutters, and silences that give the monstrous riffs life."

For the majority of Malcolm's tenure in AC/DC, he used a Marshall Super Bass head to amplify his rhythm guitar while recording in the studio. According to Chris Gill of Guitar World, this amplifier helped define his signature guitar tone: "clean but as loud as possible to ride on the razor's edge of power amp distortion and deliver the ideal combination of grind, twang, clang and crunch, with no distorted preamp 'hair,' fizz or compression", as heard on songs such as "Let There Be Rock", "Dirty Deeds", "For Those About to Rock" and "Thunderstruck". During 1978 to 1980, Malcolm used a Marshall 2203 100-watt master volume head, which Gill speculates may have contributed to a "slightly more distorted and dark" guitar tone on the albums from that period, including Powerage and Back in Black.

In a comparison of AC/DC's vocalists, Robert Christgau said Scott exhibited a "blokelike croak" and "charm", often singing about sexual aggression under the guise of fun: "Like Ian Hunter or Roger Chapman though without their panache, he has fun being a dirty young man". Johnson, in his opinion, possessed "three times the range and wattage" of a vocalist while projecting the character of a "bloke as fantasy-fiction demigod". By the time Johnson had fully acclimated himself to 1981's For Those About to Rock We Salute You, Christgau said he defined "an anthemic grandiosity more suitable to precious-metal status than 's old-fashioned raunch", albeit in a less intelligent manner.

Influences

AC/DC's influences include the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Billy Thorpe, the Easybeats and Vanda & Young. The impact of Australian pub rock on AC/DC was documented on ABC's Long Way to the Top (2001). Angus reflected on his playing style: "A lot of it was nerves at first. It was George that told me if you get on stage and play guitar you want to let people know you are doing something. When I started in the band I was shy and had to push myself forward. would be throwing beer cans and I thought 'just keep moving' and that's how it all started." George had taught both Malcolm and Angus "how to play guitar, and playing them classic rock and roll and blues records until that music was like blood in their veins." According to Long Way to the Top's writers, "he hardships of the Australian road would complete AC/DC's training. revelled in the lifestyle. Somehow he rose above all the substance abuse to become the ultimate rock and roll front man."

Genres

AC/DC's music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, but they have referred to themselves as "a rock and roll band, nothing more, nothing less". Malcolm recalled honing their craft. "We'd been playing up to four gigs a day. That really shaped the band... It was a mix of screw you, Jack, and having a good time and all being pretty tough guys... The training ground was Melbourne." In the opinion of Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic, they are "one of the defining acts of '70s hard rock" and reactionary to the period's art rock and arena rock excesses. "AC/DC's rock was minimalist – no matter how huge and bludgeoning their guitar chords were, there was a clear sense of space and restraint." According to Alexis Petridis, their music is "hard-edged, wilfully basic blues-rock," featuring humorous sexual innuendo and lyrics about rock and roll. Music academic Robert McParland described the band's sound as being defined by the heavy rock guitar of the Young brothers, layered power chords and forceful vocals. "For some, AC/DC are the ultimate heavy metal act," Tim Jonze wrote in The Guardian, "but for others, AC/DC aren't a heavy metal act at all, they're a classic rock band – and calling them heavy metal is an act of treachery." On the controversy of categorising their music, McParland wrote:

AC/DC will assert that they are not specifically a metal band. Their music—loud, hard, and guitar-driven—may best be described as hard rock. However, there are people who will say that they are indisputably metal. Therein lies the ongoing problem of categorisation. While AC/DC has referenced the underworld and they have given their listeners 'Highway to Hell' and 'Hell's Bells,' their songs are constructed on straightforward major and minor power chords. They are not modally developed as are a good deal of heavy metal compositions. Their sound is loud and crisp, not muddy or down-tuned.

With the recording of Back in Black in 1980, rock journalist Joe S. Harrington believed the band had departed further from the blues-oriented rock of their previous albums and toward a more dynamic attack that adopted punk rock's "high-energy implications" and transmuted their hard rock/heavy metal songs into "more pop-oriented blasts". The band would remain faithful to this "impeccably ham-handed" musical style for the remainder of their career: "the guitars were compacted into a singular statement of rhythmic efficiency, the rhythm section provided the thunderhorse overdrive and vocalist Johnson bellowed and brayed like the most unhinged practitioner of bluesy top-man dynamics since vintage Robert Plant."

Legacy

Pinball machine in the style of AC/DC. The artwork shows the AC/DC logo in between the words "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be" with the logo's high voltage symbol at the beginning and end of the words, and a hand-drawn woman with black hair, devil horns and a black bikini, standing in lava with fire in the background.
AC/DC themed pinball machine, pictured in Seattle in 2024

Several musicians have credited AC/DC for reasserting hard rock's popularity after it had ceded mainstream attention to other musical genres in the late 1970s. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave noted of Back in Black's release: "Disco was huge and punk and new wave were ascendant, and along came this AC/DC record which just destroyed everybody. It put hard rock music back on the throne, where it belongs!"

AC/DC's music was a formative influence on the new wave of British heavy metal bands that emerged in the late 1970s, such as Saxon and Def Leppard, in part as a reaction to the decline of traditional early 1970s hard rock bands. In 2007, critics noted that AC/DC, along with Thin Lizzy, UFO, Scorpions and Judas Priest, were among "the second generation of rising stars ready to step into the breach as the old guard waned." Over the years, many prominent rock musicians have cited AC/DC as an influence, including Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss, Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Eric Peterson of Testament, Dexter Holland of the Offspring; Brian Baker of Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Dag Nasty and Junkyard, and bands such as Airbourne, Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, the Cult, and the Living End. Australian acts formed in AC/DC's footsteps are Rose Tattoo and the Angels. Chrissy Amphlett of Australian rockers Divinyls acknowledged Angus' schoolboy outfit as the inspiration for her performing in a schoolgirl's uniform.

Gene Simmons of hard rock contemporaries Kiss remarked, "a lot of people look the same and act the same and do the same thing. Every once in a while you see a band like AC/DC. Nobody's like them. We'd like to think we're unique in that way too." Slash of Guns N' Roses called them "with the exception of the Stones, the greatest rock 'n' roll band ever." "I always liked them," said Australian compatriot and singer-songwriter Nick Cave. "We had this TV show called Countdown and they were often on and they were always a riot and absolutely unique. They were a heavy rock band, but Bon Scott would go on Countdown dressed as a schoolgirl and stuff like that. They were always very anarchic and never took the thing too seriously."

AC/DC and other artists (see Filthy Fifteen) ran afoul of the Satanic panic of the 1980s. This general fear of modern hard rock and heavy metal was greatly increased in the band's case when serial killer Richard Ramirez was arrested. Ramirez, nicknamed the "Night Stalker" by the press, told police that "Night Prowler" from Highway to Hell had driven him to commit murder. Police also claimed that Ramirez was wearing an AC/DC shirt and left an AC/DC hat at one of the crime scenes. Accusations that AC/DC were devil worshippers were made, the lyrics of "Night Prowler" were analysed and some newspapers attempted to link Ramirez's Satanism with AC/DC's name, concluding that AC/DC stood for Anti-Christ/Devil's Child or Devil's Children.

Lyrics assessment

Throughout the band's career, their songs have been criticised as simplistic, monotonous, deliberately lowbrow and sexist. David Marchese from Vulture wrote that "regardless of the lyricist, whether it was Scott (who was capable of real wit and colour), Johnson, or the Young brothers, there's a deep strain of misogyny in the band's output that veers from feeling terribly dated to straight-up reprehensible." According to Christgau in 1988, "the brutal truth is that sexism has never kept a great rock-and-roller down—from Muddy to Lemmy, lots of dynamite music has objectified women in objectionable ways. But rotely is not among those ways", in regards to AC/DC.

Fans of the band have defended their music by highlighting its "bawdy humour", while members of the group have generally been dismissive of claims that their songs are sexist, arguing that they are meant to be in jest. In an interview with Sylvie Simmons for Mojo, Angus called the band "pranksters more than anything else," while Malcolm said, "We're not like some macho band. We take the music far more seriously than we take the lyrics, which are just throwaway lines." Marchese regarded the musical aspect of the Youngs' songs as "strong enough to render the words a functional afterthought" as well as "deceptively plain, devastatingly effective, and extremely lucrative."

For the book Under My Thumb: Songs That Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them, The Guardian arts critic Fiona Sturges contributed an essay evaluating her love for AC/DC. While acknowledging she is a feminist and that the band's music is problematic for her, she believed it would be "daft as opposed to damaging" for female listeners if they could understand the band to be "a bunch of archly sex-obsessed idiots with sharp tunes and some seriously killer riffs". Despite the "unpleasant sneering quality" of "Carry Me Home"'s claims about a woman who "ain't no lady", the "rape fantasy" of "Let Me Put My Love into You" and the generally one-dimensional portrayals of women, Sturges said songs such as "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "You Shook Me All Night Long" demonstrated that the female characters "are also having a good time and are, more often than not, in the driving seat in sexual terms. t's the men who come over as passive and hopeless, awestruck in the presence of sexual partners more experienced and adept than them."

Awards and achievements

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by AC/DC
All caps "ACDC" (no dash, no space) followed by "Lane" are seen in off-white lettering on midnight blue background. They are preceded by an off-white stylised M and a feather. Above and below the sign is a mid-blue lightning bolt bordered in white. Both are attached to a brick wall with visible, security head screws. The wall has partly torn, unrelated promotional posters.
The street sign for ACDC Lane, Melbourne

The band's first ever nomination at an award show was from the American Music Awards of 1982 for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group. In 1988, AC/DC were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. The municipality of Leganés, near Madrid, named a street in honour of the band "Calle de AC/DC" (English: "AC/DC Street") on 22 March 2000. Malcolm and Angus attended the inauguration with many fans. The plaque had since been stolen numerous times, forcing the municipality of Leganés to begin selling replicas of the official street plaque.

On 1 October 2004, a central Melbourne thoroughfare, Corporation Lane, was renamed ACDC Lane in honour of the band. The City of Melbourne forbade the use of the slash character in street names, so the four letters were combined. The lane is near Swanston Street, where, on the back of a truck, the band recorded their video for "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)".

AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on 10 March 2003. During the ceremony, the band performed "Highway to Hell" and "You Shook Me All Night Long", with guest vocals provided by host Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. He described the band's power chords as "the thunder from down under that gives you the second most powerful surge that can flow through your body." During the acceptance speech, Johnson quoted their 1977 song "Let There Be Rock". In May 2003, the Young brothers accepted a Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the APRA Music Awards of 2003, during which Malcolm paid special tribute to Scott, who was also a recipient of the award.

In 2003, Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list included Back in Black at number 73, and Highway to Hell at number 199. They also ranked number 72 on the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, as American record producer Rick Rubin wrote an essay calling them the "greatest rock & roll band of all time." In 2004, on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, Rolling Stone included "Back in Black" at number 187 and "Highway to Hell" at number 254. They ranked number four on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, and number seven on MTV's Greatest Heavy Metal Band of All Time. They ranked number 23 on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2010. On 20 November 2015, the band were inducted into the Music Victoria Awards 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Angus offered a statement, in which he declared it was "an absolute honour" to be recognised in the tenth year of the Hall of Fame.

They sold over 1.3 million CDs in the US during 2007. In 50 years of the band's career, they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide, and 84 million in the US, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which AC/DC the fourth best-selling band in US history and the eighth best-selling artist, selling more albums than Elton John and Mariah Carey. The RIAA also certified Back in Black as 27× Platinum, for 27 million in US sales, which made it the fourth best-selling album of all time in the US.

Band members

Main article: List of AC/DC members

Current members

  • Angus Young – lead guitar, occasional backing vocals (1973–present)
  • Phil Rudd – drums (1975–1983, 1994–2015, 2018–present; not touring since 2023)
  • Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals (1977–2016, 2018–present; not touring since 2024)
  • Brian Johnson – lead vocals (1980–2016, 2018–present)
  • Stevie Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2014–present; touring 1988)

Touring musicians

Current touring musicians

Former touring musicians

  • George Young – bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums, backing vocals (1974–1975; died 2017)
  • Denis Loughlin – lead vocals (1974; died 2019)
  • Bruce Howe – bass guitar (1975)
  • Paul Greg – bass guitar (1991)
  • Axl Rose – lead vocals (2016)

Former members

  • Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1973–2014; died 2017)
  • Colin Burgess – drums (1973–1974; substituted 1975; died 2023)
  • Larry Van Kriedt – bass guitar (1973–1974, 1975)
  • Dave Evans – lead vocals (1973–1974)
  • Neil Smith – bass guitar (1974; died 2013)
  • Ron Carpenter – drums (1974)
  • Russell Coleman – drums (1974)
  • Noel Taylor – drums (1974)
  • Rob Bailey – bass (1974–1975)
  • Peter Clack – drums (1974–1975)
  • Bon Scott – lead vocals (1974–1980; his death)
  • Paul Matters – bass guitar (1975; died 2020)
  • Mark Evans – bass guitar (1975–1977)
  • Simon Wright – drums (1983–1989)
  • Chris Slade – drums (1989–1994; touring 2015–2016)

Discography

Main articles: AC/DC discography and List of songs recorded by AC/DC

Studio albums

Concert tours

See also

Notes

  1. The album was released on 20 September 1976 in Australasia, then it was released in Europe on 12 November 1976.
  2. The album was released less than 2 months later on 21 March 1977 in Australasia, then the international version was released on 23 June 1977.

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AC/DC
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