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{{short description|Australian rock band}}
{{distinguish|AC×DC}}
{{About|the band}} {{About|the band}}
{{pp-pc1}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{pp-move-indef}} {{Good article}}
{{short description|Australian hard rock band formed in Sydney in 1973}} {{Use Australian English|date=January 2024}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
|name=AC/DC | name = AC/DC
| image = AC DC Black Ice Tour 2009 Buenos Aires 4 de Diciembre (4238680962).jpg
|background=group_or_band
| landscape = yes
|image=ACDC In Tacoma 2009.jpg
| 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.
|landscape=Yes
| caption = AC/DC in ] in 2009. From left to right: Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Brian Johnson
|alt=Rock band in performance on a well-lit but hazy stage. we see two guitarists, a bassist, a vocalist off to one side, and a drummer in the rear.
| origin = ], Australia
|caption=AC/DC, from left to right: ], ], ], ], ], performing at the ] in ] on 31 August 2009.
| 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|
|origin=], New South Wales, Australia
* ]
|genre=<!--These genres; hard rock, blues rock and rock n roll are based on consensus. If you care to remove or add genres please go to the article's talk page and discuss your proposed changes.-->{{flatlist|
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]
*{{nowrap|]}}}}
}}
|years_active={{Start date|1973}}–present
|label={{flatlist| | discography = {{flatlist|
* ]
*]
* ]
*]
}}
*]
| years_active = 1973–present {{nowrap|(hiatus from 2016–2018)}}
*]
| label = {{flatlist|
*]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*]}} * ]
* ]
|associated_acts={{flatlist|
* ]
*]}}
* ]
|website={{URL|acdc.com}}
* ]
|current_members=<!--DO ''not'' CHANGE ORDER OF MEMBERS! See page entitled "Template:Infobox musical artist" for reference.-->
}}
*]
| spinoff_of = ]
*]
| current_members =
*]
*] * ]
* ]
|past_members=<!--DO ''not'' CHANGE ORDER OF MEMBERS! See page entitled "Template:Musical artist" for reference.-->
*] * ]
* ]
*]
*] * ]
| past_members = See ]
*]
| website = {{URL|acdc.com}}
*]
}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]}}


'''AC/DC''' are <!--DO ''not'' CHANGE to 'is'. 'Are' is correct Australian English grammar, which is what this article is written in. See WP:ENGVAR for more info.--> an Australian ] band formed in ] in 1973 by brothers ] and ].<ref name="MalcolmQuits" /> Their music has been described by music journalists as ], ], and, controversially,<ref name="McParland"/> ]; the group have defined themselves as "a rock and roll band, nothing more, nothing less".<ref name="Bonfire"/> '''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 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.
AC/DC underwent several line-up changes before releasing their first album, '']'', in 1975. Membership subsequently stabilised until ] replaced ] as bassist in 1977 for the album '']''. In February 1980, a few months after recording the album '']'', lead singer and co-songwriter ] died of "acute ]".<ref name="BScottDeath">{{cite web |author = Richard Jinman |title = 25 years on, AC/DC fans recall how wild rocker met his end |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/feb/19/arts.artsnews |website=The Guardian |date = 19 February 2005 |accessdate =7 August 2008 }}</ref> The group considered disbanding but stayed together, bringing in ] as replacement for Scott.<ref name="hell_aint"/> Later that year, the band released their first album with Johnson, '']'', which they dedicated to Scott's memory. The album launched them to new heights of success and became their all-time best-seller.


The band's next album, '']'', was their first album to reach number one in the United States. The band fired ] as drummer in 1983, and ] filled his place until quitting in 1989, being in turn replaced by ]. The band experienced a commercial resurgence in the early 1990s with the release of '']''. Phil Rudd returned in 1994, contributing to the band's 1995 album '']''. The band's studio album '']'', released in 2008, was the second highest-selling album of that year, and their biggest chart hit since ''For Those About to Rock'', eventually reaching No.1 on all charts worldwide.<ref name="currentstatus"/> The band's line-up remained the same until 2014 with Malcolm Young's retirement due to early-onset ] and Rudd's legal troubles. In 2016, Johnson was advised to stop touring due to worsening hearing loss, and ] frontman ] stepped in as the band's vocalist for the remainder of that year's dates. Long-term bass player and background vocalist Cliff Williams retired from the band at the end of their 2016 Rock or Bust world tour. 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 records worldwide, including 71.5 million albums in the United States, making them the ] and the ].<ref name="riaa1"/><ref name="4zmbT"/><ref name="eIi4U"/> ''Back in Black'' has sold an estimated 50&nbsp;million units worldwide, making it the ], and the highest-selling album by any band. The album has sold 22&nbsp;million units in the US, where it is the sixth-highest-selling album of all time.<ref name="riaa2"/> AC/DC ranked fourth on ]'s list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock"<ref name="ncQS2"/><ref name="K5xeE"/> and were named the seventh "Greatest Heavy Metal Band of All Time" by MTV.<ref name="eVbFY"/> In 2004, AC/DC ranked No. 72 on the '']'' ]. Producer ], who wrote an essay on the band for the ''Rolling Stone'' list, referred to AC/DC as "the greatest rock and roll band of all time".<ref name="thegreatest"/> In 2010, '']'' ranked AC/DC number 23 in its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref name="ODQCW"/>


==History== ==History==
===Background and name=== ===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 }}
Brothers Malcolm, Angus, and ] were born in ], Scotland living at 6 Skerryvore Road in the ] area.<ref name="NAA A1877" /> The ] was the worst winter on record in Scotland with snow eight feet deep. A TV advertisement at the same time offered assisted travel for families for a different life in Australia.<ref name="easy" /> Fifteen members of the Young family left Scotland by plane in late June 1963. Before moving into a house at 4 Burleigh Street in the ] they initially stayed at Villawood Migrant Hostel (a site later developed as ]) in ], where George Young met and became friends with another migrant, ].<ref name="easy" />


{{Multiple image|total_width=300
George was the first to learn to play the guitar. He became a member of ], one of Australia's most successful bands of the 1960s.<ref name="albertmusic" /> 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" /> Their older brother Alex Young chose to remain in Britain to pursue musical interests. In 1967, Alexander formed and played bass in the London-based band Grapefruit—initially called "The Grapefruit"—with three former members of Tony Rivers and the Castaways, John Perry, Geoff Swettenham, and Pete Swettenham.
| 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
]. It first appeared on the international version of ''Let There Be Rock''.]]
| 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.
Malcolm and Angus Young developed the idea for the band's name after their sister, Margaret Young, saw the initials "AC/DC" on a sewing machine. "AC/DC" is an abbreviation meaning "]/]" electricity. The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band's raw energy, power-driven performances of their music.<ref name="wbp4T" /><ref name="acdc.cc" /> "AC/DC" is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band are colloquially known as "Acca Dacca" in Australia.<ref name="AwrS5" /><ref name="kjABl" /> The AC/DC band name is stylised with a ] sign separating the "AC" and "DC" and has been used on all studio albums, with the exception of the international version of '']''.<ref name="coverart" />


| footer = AC/DC's founding members ] (''left'') and ] (''right''); both performing in ] in 1982
===Early years===
}}
In November 1973, Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC and recruited bassist ], vocalist ], and ], ex-] drummer.<ref name="5koQY" /> Pushing hard for the band's success were Australia's roadie Ray Arnold and his partner Alan Kissack.{{clarify|date=October 2018}} ] booked the band to play at Chequers nightclub on New Year's Eve, 1973.<ref name="longwaytimeline" />
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 '']''.]]
By this time, Angus Young had adopted his characteristic school-uniform stage outfit. The idea was his sister Margaret's. Angus had tried other costumes: ], ], a gorilla, and a parody of ], named Super-Ang.<ref name="cwalker" /> In its early days, most members of the band dressed in some form of glam or satin outfit.
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}}
On stage, Evans was occasionally replaced by the band's first ], Dennis Laughlin, original lead singer with ]. In ]'s book ''AC/DC: Two Sides To Every Glory'' it is stated that Evans did not get along with Laughlin, which also contributed to the band's ill feeling toward Evans.<ref name="paulstenning" /> By the middle of 1974, the band had built up a strong live reputation which led to a support slot for the visiting ].


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}}
Some time in 1974, on the recommendation of ], veteran Melbourne promoter Michael Browning booked the band to play at his club, the Hard Rock. He did not like their glam rock image and felt that Evans was the wrong singer for the band, but was impressed by the Young brothers' guitar playing. Shortly afterwards, he received a call from the band; Laughlin had quit as manager, and they were stuck in Adelaide with no money. Browning agreed to bail them out and booked them for another gig at the Hard Rock. Following the gig, they agreed to take him on as their new manager, with the co-operation of their older brother George and ].<ref name="Browning" />


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}}
The Young brothers decided to abandon the glam rock image which had already been adopted by Melbourne band ] and pursue a harder blues-rock sound. To this end they agreed that Evans was not a suitable frontman for the group.<ref name="paulstenning" /> Around this time, they also moved their base to Melbourne, where they frequently played at the Hard Rock.


===Bon Scott era (1974–1980)=== ===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" />
====Beginnings (1974–1975)====
In September 1974, ], an experienced vocalist and friend of George Young, replaced Dave Evans<ref name="Music Legends" /> after friend ] recommended him to George Young.<ref name="hell_aint" /> Scott's appointment coincided with him working as a chauffeur for the band at the time until an audition promoted him to lead singer.<ref name="e9sQS" /> Like the Young brothers, Scott was born in Scotland and emigrated to Australia in his childhood. The band had recorded only one single with Evans, "Can I Sit Next To You, Girl" / "Rockin' in the Parlour"; the song was re-written and re-recorded with Bon Scott as "]".


{{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 the ] 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
}}
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" />
<!-- ] links here -->
By October 1974, the Australia-only album '']'' had been recorded. It took only ten days<ref name="timeline" /> 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 "]", for which a well-known promotional video was made for the program '']'', featuring the band miming the song on the back of a flatbed truck. It was included on their second album, '']'' (1975), which was also released only in Australia and New Zealand.


===1976–1977: Initial success and record deal===
AC/DC were scheduled to play at the 1975 ]; however, they went home without performing following an altercation with the management of headlining act ].<ref name="RrGtM" />
] (''back''), performing in ] in 1979]]
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&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}}
Between 1974 and 1977, aided by regular appearances on ]'s '']'', the ]'s 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 more than 20 years.<ref name="timeline" />


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>
====International success (1976–1980)====
] (centre) pictured with guitarist ] (left) and bassist ] (back), performing at the ] in August 1979]]
Browning sent promo material to contacts in London, which came to the attention of ] of ]. In 1976, the band signed an international deal with Atlantic Records. On arrival in London, their scheduled tour with ] was cancelled following the death of ]. As a result, they went back to playing smaller venues to build a local following until their label organised the "Lock Up Your Daughters" tour sponsored by '']'' magazine, the only major music magazine which was still relatively receptive to traditional rock music. At the time, ] was breaking and came to dominate the pages of the major British music weeklies, '']'' and '']''. AC/DC were sometimes identified with the ] movement by the British press, but the band hated punk rock, believing it to be a passing fad—according to manager Michael Browning "it wasn't possible to even hold a conversation with AC/DC about punk without them getting totally pissed off".<ref name="Browning" /> Their reputation managed to survive the punk upheavals of the late 1970s, and they maintained a cult following in the UK throughout this time.<ref name="Bonfire" /> Angus Young gained notoriety for ] the audience during live performances.


{{clear|left}}
The first AC/DC album to gain worldwide distribution was a 1976 compilation of tracks taken from the ''High Voltage'' and ''T.N.T.'' ]. Also titled '']'', and released on the Atlantic Records label, the album has to date sold three million copies worldwide.<ref name="BiBBillboard" /><ref name="FI4Os" /> The track selection was heavily weighted toward the more recent ''T.N.T.'', including only two songs from their first LP. The band's next album, '']'', was released in the same year in both Australian and international versions, like its predecessor. Track listings varied worldwide, and the international version of the album also featured the ''T.N.T.'' track "Rocker", which had previously not been released internationally. The original Australian version included "]" (now more readily available on the 1984 compilation ] '']'' 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.


===1977–1980: Cliff Williams joins and death of Bon Scott===
After a brief tour of Sweden, they returned to London where they set new attendance records during their residency at the ]. However, their appearance at the 1976 ] failed to get a response from the crowd. They toured extensively throughout Europe, then returned to tour Australia in late 1976 to rebuild their finances and record the ''Let There Be Rock'' album.
] (''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>
In early 1977 they returned to Britain and began a European tour with ]. While Bon Scott and ] quickly became friends, relations were less than cordial between the other members of the respective bands. In one incident, ] pulled a knife on Malcolm Young, though it was a "silly" flick-knife comb.<ref name="NDxLw" /><ref>{{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|date=7 May 2016|website=Classic Rock|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=23 October 2018}}</ref> Later in the year they toured with ].


], Western Australia]]
Towards the end of 1977, bassist Mark Evans was fired; purportedly to find someone who could sing backup vocals. Evans described disagreement with Angus and Malcolm as a contributing factor. He was replaced by ].<ref name="hell_aint" /> 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" /> Mark Evans' autobiography, ''Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC'', released in 2011, predominantly dealt with his time in AC/DC, including being fired.<ref name="BazillionPoints" />
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>
], Western Australia, in October 2008]]
AC/DC were a somewhat formative influence on the ] bands who 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 ], ], ], and ], were among "the second generation of rising stars ready to step into the breach as the old guard waned."<ref name="ZiNzy" />


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>
AC/DC's first American radio exposure was through Bill Bartlett at Jacksonville station WPDQ/WAIV in 1975,<ref>Fink, Jesse, ''The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC'', Ebury Press, 2013, pp. 107–111</ref> two years before they played their first US concert as support band for Canadian group ] in Austin, Texas, on 27 July 1977.<ref>Fink, Jesse, ''Bon: The Last Highway'', Ebury Press, 2017, p. 29</ref> Under the guidance of booking agent Doug Thaler of American Talent International and later the management of Leber-Krebs, they gained invaluable experience of the US stadium circuit, supporting leading rock acts such as ], ], ], ], ], and ], and co-headlined with bands such as ].


===1980–1983: Brian Johnson joins and rebirth===
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 name="fuEcH" /> Only one single was released from ''Powerage'', "]/Sin City". An appearance at the ] during the ''Powerage'' tour was recorded and released as '']''.
] (''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.{{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>


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>
The major breakthrough in the band's career came in their collaboration with producer ] on the album '']'', released in 1979. ] notes this to be his favourite AC/DC record, along with ''Powerage''.<ref name="6PgJE" /> It became the first AC/DC LP to break into the US top 100, eventually reaching No.&nbsp;17,<ref name="timeline" /> and it propelled AC/DC into the top ranks of hard rock acts.<ref name="Bonfire" /> ''Highway to Hell'' had lyrics that shifted away from flippant and comical toward more central rock themes, putting increased emphasis on backing vocals but still featured AC/DC's signature sound: loud, simple, pounding riffs and grooving backbeats.<ref name="slL1m" />


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" />
====Scott's death (1980)====
As 1980 began, the band began work on a new album that would eventually become '']'', but Bon Scott would not live to see it finished. On 19 February 1980, Scott passed out in the car on the way back to friend Alistair Kinnear's house after a night of heavy drinking at the Music Machine club in London. Upon arrival at his home, Kinnear was unable to move Scott from the car into his home for the night, so he left him in the car overnight to sleep off the effects of the alcohol. Unable to wake Scott late the next morning, Kinnear rushed him to ] in Camberwell, where Scott was pronounced dead on arrival. ] of vomit was the cause of Scott's death, and the official cause was listed as "]".<ref name="BScottDeath"/> Scott's family buried him in ], the area they emigrated to when he was a boy.<ref name="K4EE6" />


===1983–1990: Line-up changes and commercial decline===
Inconsistencies in the official accounts of Scott's death have been cited in conspiracy theories, which suggest that Scott died of a heroin overdose, or was killed by exhaust fumes redirected into the car, or that Kinnear did not exist.<ref name="BScottDeath"/> Scott's ] has also been cited as playing a role in his death,<ref name="UAIuc" /> but this has been challenged more recently.{{Citation needed|date=October 2018}}
] performing in Seattle in 1996]]
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>
===Brian Johnson era (1980–2016)===


] (''pictured in 2016'') joined as a touring rhythm guitarist in 1988, then joined as a permanent member in 2014.]]
====Rebirth (1980–1983)====
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" />
]
Following Scott's death the band briefly considered quitting, but encouraged by the insistence from Scott's parents that he would have wanted them to go on, they eventually decided to continue and went about finding a new frontman.<ref name="hell_aint" /> Among the applicants were Allan Fryer of ] and ]<ref>{{Cite book|title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll|last=Engleheart|first=Murray|last2=Durieux|first2=Arnaud|publisher=Harper Entertainment|year=2008|isbn=0-06-113391-4|location=|pages=318}}</ref> who, like ] of ], were touted by the press as most-certain replacements.<ref>{{Cite book|title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll|last=Engleheart|first=Murray|last2=Durieux|first2=Arnaud|publisher=Harper Entertainment|year=2008|isbn=0-06-113391-4|location=|pages=308}}</ref> Various candidates were considered for his replacement, including: ex-] member Buzz Shearman, who was not able to join because of voice problems,<ref name="HB1l4" /> ] vocalist, ],<ref name="YjBlL" /> and ex-] vocalist ].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC|last=Fink|first=Jesse|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=2014|isbn=9781250053831|location=|pages=211–12}}</ref>


]" music video in 1990]]
At the advice of Lange, the group brought in ex-] singer Brian Johnson, who impressed the group.<ref>{{Cite book|title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll|last=Engleheart|first=Murray|last2=Durieux|first2=Arnaud|publisher=Harper Entertainment|year=2008|isbn=0-06-113391-4|location=|pages=309}}</ref> For the audition, Johnson sang "]" from '']'' and ]'s "]".<ref name="acdc.cc" /> After the band begrudgingly worked through the rest of the list of applicants in the following days, Johnson returned for a second rehearsal.<ref>{{Cite book|title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll|last=Engleheart|first=Murray|last2=Durieux|first2=Arnaud|publisher=Harper Entertainment|year=2008|isbn=0-06-113391-4|location=|pages=317–18}}</ref>
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===
Angus Young later recalled, "I remember the first time I had ever heard Brian's (Johnson) name was from Bon. Bon had mentioned that he had been in England once touring with a band and he had mentioned that Brian had been in a band called Geordie and Bon had said 'Brian Johnson, he was a great rock and roll singer in the style of ].' And that was Bon's big idol, Little Richard. I think when he saw Brian at that time, to Bon it was 'Well he's a guy that knows what rock and roll is all about.' He mentioned that to us in Australia. I suppose when we decided to continue, Brian was the first name that Malcolm and myself came up with, so we said we should see if we can find him."<ref name="rKfEU" />
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>
] in 1981 during the ]]]


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>
On 29 March, Malcolm Young called the singer to offer him the job, to Johnson's surprise. Out of respect for Bon Scott, the band wanted a frontman who would not be a mere imitator of him. In addition to his distinctive voice, demeanor and love of classic soul and blues music, the group liked Johnson's engaging personality.<ref>{{Cite book|title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll|last=Engleheart|first=Murray|last2=Durieux|first2=Arnaud|publisher=Harper Entertainment|year=2008|isbn=0-06-113391-4|location=|pages=319–20}}</ref> Johnson was officially announced as the new lead singer of AC/DC on 1 April 1980.


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>
With Johnson the band completed the songwriting that they had begun with Scott for the album '']''. Recording took place at ] in The Bahamas 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 album reached No.1 in the UK and No.4 in the US, where it spent 131 weeks on the ] album chart.<ref name="timeline" />


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}}
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" /> and the title track, "]", which reached No.13 and No.15 in the UK, respectively.


===1999–2014: Popularity confirmed and ''Black Ice''===
====Departure of Rudd and commercial decline (1983–1987)====
] in 2001]]
{{Listen
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>
|filename = ACDC - Back In Black-sample.ogg
|title = "Back in Black" (1980)
|description = The riff of "]" is one of the most recognised in hard rock history.<ref name="GcsfL" /> The song ranked No. 187 on ''Rolling Stone'' 's list of ] and reached No. 37 in the US.
}}


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>
The band split with producer Mutt Lange for their self-produced 1983 album, '']'', in an effort to recover the rawness and simplicity of their early albums, but it was considered underdeveloped and unmemorable;<ref name="flickof" /> one critic stated that the band "had made the same album nine times".<ref name="JTHjd" /> AC/DC were voted the eighth-biggest disappointment of the year in the 1984 '']'' readers' poll. However, ''Flick of the Switch'' eventually reached No. 4 on the UK charts,<ref name="acdc.cc" /> and AC/DC had minor success with the singles "]" and "]".


], performed in ] in 2009]]
After having problems with drugs and alcohol,<ref name="DyMeh" /> drummer ]'s friendship with Malcolm Young deteriorated and eventually escalated to a physical confrontation after which Rudd was fired halfway through the ''Flick of the Switch'' sessions.<ref name="acdc.cc" /> Former ] drummer ] was drafted in to help complete the recordings, but his drum parts were eventually not used, as Rudd had already completed his drum parts.<ref name="isY3U" /> Rudd was replaced by ] in the summer of 1983 after the band held over 700 auditions in the US and UK.<ref name="t6Quh" /> ] of ] and ] fame, and ] of ] were two of the drummers auditioned.<ref name="Maximum" />
'']'', 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>


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>
'']'', produced by the Young brothers in 1985, was also regarded as uninspired and directionless.<ref name="AqoRk" /> A music concept video of ] featured the band at a bar, playing five of the album's ten songs.


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>
In 1986, the group returned to the charts with the made-for-radio "]". The album '']'' was the soundtrack to ]'s film '']'';<ref name="popmatters" /> it brought together older hits, such as "]", with newer songs such as title track and two new instrumentals, "D.T." and "Chase the Ace".


]
====Back to commercial success (1987–1990)====
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 February 1988, AC/DC were inducted into the ]'s ].<ref name="6uflt" /> AC/DC's 1988 album, '']'', was recorded at ] in ], 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" /> it was a commercial success. ''Blow Up Your Video'' sold more copies than the previous two studio releases combined, reaching No. 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 "]". 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.


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>
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 through '']'' in 2014.


===2014–2018: Malcolm Young retires and hiatus===
====Popularity regained (1990–1994)====
], performed in ] in 2015]]
] performs at the ] in Seattle on 12 August 1996 during the ]]]
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>
The next album, '']'', was recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and was mixed and engineered by ] and produced by ], who had previously worked with ] and ]. Released in 1990, it was a major success for the band, and included the hits "]" and "]", which reached No. 5 and No. 16 respectively on '']'' ] Chart, and "]", which peaked at No. 23 on the ].<ref name="everyhit" /> The album went ] and reached the US top ten.


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>
Several shows on the Razors Edge tour were recorded for the 1992 live album, titled '']''. ''Live'' was produced by Fairbairn, and has been called one of the best live albums of the 1990s.<ref name="nUjzh" /> AC/DC headlined the ] show during this tour, which was released on DVD as '']''. During ''The Razors Edge'' tour, three fans were killed at a concert at the ] in ] in January 1991: when the concert began fans rushed the stage crushing the three and injuring others. It took 20 minutes before venue security and the group understood the severity of the situation and stopped the concert. AC/DC settled with the victims' families out of court. As a result of this incident, the Salt Palace eliminated ] from future events.<ref name="ibYKb" /><ref name="knYih" />


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>
In 1993, AC/DC recorded "]" for the soundtrack of the ] movie '']''. Released as a single, the song reached No. 1 on the US ] chart—the band's first No. 1 single on that chart.<ref name="timeline" />


] (''centre and top left''), performing in Washington, D.C., in 2016]]
====Popularity confirmed (1994–2008)====
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>
In 1994, Angus and Malcolm invited Rudd to several ]s. He was eventually rehired to replace Slade, whose amicable departure arose in part because of the band's strong desire to again work with Rudd. Recorded at the ] in Los Angeles by the reunited 1980–83 line-up and produced by Rick Rubin, '']'' was released in 1995. The first single from the album was "]". Two more singles were released from the album: "]" and "]".


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>
In 1997, a box set named '']'' was released. It contained four albums; a ]ed version of ''Back in Black''; '']'' (a disc with alternative 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 New York. ''Let There Be Rock: The Movie'' was a double album recorded in 1979 at the ] 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 name="FwHeR" />
], Germany in 2001 during the ]]]
In 2000, the band released '']'', 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 name="wpYhs" /><ref name="fYAUO" /> The Australian release included a bonus disc with three promotional videos and several live performances recorded in Madrid, Spain in 1996. ''Stiff Upper Lip'' reached No.1 in five countries, including Argentina and Germany; No.2 in three countries, Spain, France and Switzerland; No.3 in Australia; No.5 in Canada and Portugal; and No.7 in Norway, the US and Hungary. The first single, "]", remained at No.1 on the US Mainstream Rock charts for four weeks.<ref name="timeline" /> The other singles released also charted: "]" and "]" reached No.7 and No.31 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, respectively.


===2018–present: Reunion and ''Power Up''===
In 2002, AC/DC signed a long-term, multi-album deal with ],<ref name="LHoTw" /> who went on to release a series of ]ed albums as part of their AC/DC remasters series. Each release contained an expanded booklet featuring rare photographs, memorabilia, and notes.<ref name="EZXaW" /> In 2003, the entire back-catalogue (except ''Ballbreaker'' and ''Stiff Upper Lip'') was remastered and re-released. ''Ballbreaker'' was eventually re-released in October 2005; ''Stiff Upper Lip'' was later re-released in April 2007. Also in 2003, the band was inducted into the ].
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 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 ] epidemic. The concert holds the record for the largest paid ] in North American history.<ref name="gSyaE" /> The band came second in a list of Australia's highest-earning entertainers for 2005,<ref name="kEd0Z" /> and sixth for 2006,<ref name="PVgSY" /> 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 name="XTI07" />


] (''pictured in 2022'') replaced Williams on bass guitar for the ].<ref name="Kaufman 1" />]]
On 16 October 2007, ] released a double and triple DVD titled '']''. The set consists of five and seven hours of rare footage, and even a recording of AC/DC at a high school performing "]", "]", "She's Got Balls", 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 name="QInwO" />
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>
AC/DC made their video game debut on '']'', with "]" included as a playable track.<ref name="p2RHc" /> The setlist from their ''Live at Donington'' live album was released as playable songs for the ] by means of a ]-exclusive retail disc titled '']''.<ref name="acdc rbtp announced" />


==Musical style==
''No Bull: The Directors Cut'', a newly edited, comprehensive Blu-ray and DVD of the band's July 1996 ] concert in ], Spain, was released on 9 September 2008.<ref name="No Bull: The Directors Cut" />
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" />
====''Black Ice'' (2008–2011)====
{{Listen|filename=RockNRollTrain.ogg|title="Rock 'n' Roll Train" | description=Sample of ''Black Ice''{{'}}s lead single "]". The song is built on guitar riffs and elemental drum beats,<ref name="C6MlT" /> and features harmonic backing vocals during the chorus.<ref name="guitarworld" />|format=]}}
On 18 August 2008, ] announced 18 October Australian release, and 20 October worldwide release, of the studio album '']''. The 15-track album was the band's first studio release in eight years, was produced by ] and was mixed and engineered by ]. Like ''Stiff Upper Lip'', it was recorded at ] in Vancouver, British Columbia. ''Black Ice'' was sold in the US exclusively at ] and ] and the band's official website.<ref name="Black Ice" />


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>
] on 7 November 2008 during their ]]]
"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" />
''Black Ice'' debuted at No.1 on album charts in 29 countries and also was Columbia Records' biggest debut album (since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales data for Billboard in March 1991). ''Black Ice'' has been certified Multi Platinum in eight countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, ''Black Ice'' has achieved Platinum status in twelve countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, UK, Argentina, Singapore, and New Zealand) and Gold status in four countries (The Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and Brazil). The 18-month ] supporting the new album was announced on 11 September and began on 28 October in ].<ref name="Black Ice World Tour" />


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>
On 15 September 2008, AC/DC Radio debuted on ] Channel 19 and ] channel 53. The channel plays AC/DC music along with interviews with the band members.<ref name="2jL0m" />
] on 18 June 2010 at the ] (Paris).]]
With the North American release of ''Black Ice'' on 20 October 2008, Columbia Records and Walmart created "Rock Again AC/DC Stores" to promote the album. In October 2008, MTV, Walmart, and Columbia created "AC/DC Rock Band Stores" in New York City, at ], and in Los Angeles. "Black Ice" trucks were also dispatched on the streets of these two cities after the release, playing AC/DC music aloud and making various stops each day to sell merchandise.<ref name="dqmM0" />


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 late September 2009, the band rescheduled six shows when Brian Johnson underwent an operation for ulcers.<ref name="ucTFe" /> On 29 September, the band announced a collection of studio and live rarities, '']'', which was released on 10 November 2009 as a 3-CD/2-DVD/1-LP box-set.<ref name="XQXWy" />


===Influences===
On 4 November AC/DC were announced as the ] top Australian earner (entertainment) for 2009 with earnings of $105&nbsp;million. This displaced ] from the number one spot for the first time in four years.<ref name="Rqlrv" />
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===
On 19 April 2010, AC/DC released '']'', the soundtrack for the ] which compiled earlier tracks from the band's studio albums.<ref name="jH3Z9" /> One month later, the band headlined ] at ],<ref name="qgF75" /> and closed the Black Ice World Tour in ], Spain on 28 June 2010, after 20 months in which AC/DC went to 108 cities in over 28 countries, with an estimated audience of over five million people.<ref name="3WFZW" /> Three concerts in December 2009 at the ] in Argentina were released as the DVD '']'' on 10 May 2011.<ref name="8S4Et" /> An exclusive single from the DVD, featuring the songs "]" and "War Machine", was issued on ].<ref name="OVw1Q" /> In 2011, the band also issued on DVD and Blu-ray the concert movie '']'', which had its theatrical release in 1980.<ref name="Vbqlc" />
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.}}
===Multiple lineup changes, ''Rock or Bust'' (2011–2017)===
Angus stated in an interview in early May 2011 that the band was beginning to plan another world tour, saying, "Now we're thinking, 'How can we ever better the 'Black Ice' world tour?' But we will."<ref name="s6tR2" /> At the band's ''Live at River Plate'' DVD premiere on 6 May 2011 at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, England, Angus said that there were plans for the group to release a new studio album "within the next couple of years", which the tour would support.<ref name="1Dem5" />


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}}
In May 2012, Malcolm Young confirmed that the band were working on a potential follow-up to 2008's '']''. But he warned that fans were in for a longer wait than expected, after lead singer Brian Johnson suggested there would be new material the next year. Malcolm stated, "You know what Brian's like. He just says things and then walks away. It'll be a little while&nbsp;– a year or two anyway. I've been doing some jamming on some song ideas but I do that all the time, as do the rest of the band. We are still working. But we had a long rest between '']'' and ''Black Ice'', so I think we need a couple of years to recuperate and work on it a bit more."<ref name="M1asV" />


==Legacy==
On 19 November 2012, AC/DC released '']'',<ref name="0xJ1b" /> their first live album in 20 years.
] 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>
==== Malcolm Young's retirement and death ====
On 16 April 2014, in response to earlier reports that the band may be retiring due to Malcolm Young's illness,<ref name="aibA9" /> Brian Johnson commented that AC/DC were not retiring, stating "We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver. We're going to pick up guitars, have a plonk and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens we'll record it."<ref name="yBg7T" /> AC/DC subsequently announced in an official statement on their Facebook page in April 2014 that Malcolm Young would be taking a break from the band due to his ill health. It ended: "The band will continue to make music."<ref name="SPkpv" /> In July 2014, AC/DC announced that they had finished recording their next album and that Malcolm's nephew, ], replaced Malcolm in the studio.<ref name="YOIkv" /> On 23 September 2014, ] Management confirmed that Malcolm had officially departed from the band.<ref name="MalcolmQuits" /> Malcolm's last show with the band was on 28 June 2010 in Bilbao, Spain;<ref>{{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=NME|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> he died on 18 November 2017 at the age of 64.<ref name="F8ig3" />


] 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>
===="Rock or Bust"====
] on 29 May 2015 during their Rock or Bust Tour]]
Drummer Phil Rudd released his first solo album, '']'', on 29 August 2014. He confirmed that there would be another AC/DC tour, and stated that the band had no intention of retiring, adding, "We'll all have to be dead before it stops."<ref name="JRDxM" /> On 23 September 2014, ] Management revealed that the band's new record entitled '']'', featuring eleven new tracks, would be released on 28 November 2014 as the first AC/DC album in the band's history without Malcolm Young on the recordings.<ref name="MalcolmQuits" /> The band also announced plans for a world tour to promote the new album with Malcolm and Angus' nephew Stevie Young as Malcolm's replacement.<ref name="23b5t" />


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>
====Phil Rudd's replacement====
On 6 November 2014 Rudd was charged with attempting to procure a murder, threatening to kill, possession of ], and possession of ], following a police raid on his home.<ref name="mBqCR" /><ref name="yPSCa" /> The charge of attempting to procure a murder was withdrawn the following day, but the other charges remained.<ref name="aiVfO" /> AC/DC released a statement clarifying that the tour promoting ''Rock or Bust'' would continue, but did not say whether or not Rudd would participate, or if he was still a member of the band.<ref name="5QBWO" />


===Lyrics assessment===
In an interview on 13 November, Angus Young stated that the band had experienced problems with Rudd earlier in the year when recording ''Rock or Bust'', and that his situation had taken the band by surprise. Rudd had also missed video and photo shoots, and with reference to Rudd's future in the band, Young added, "So, at this stage, it's a pretty tough call for us."<ref name="0F1Ak" /> He also said the band would continue: "He's got to sort himself out I think&nbsp;... At this point it's kind of a question mark. But if we're touring, there will be a drummer in place, put it that way."<ref name="OVohI" />
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" />
At the charity signing before the ]s, the band was photographed together with former drummer ]. It was later confirmed that he had rejoined the band for the Grammys and upcoming tour.<ref name="Sh8CW" /> In April 2015, Rudd pleaded guilty to drug charges and threatening to kill a former assistant.<ref name="YTP8b" /> Shortly thereafter, the band's web site removed Rudd as the band's drummer and replaced him with Slade.<ref name="CZI9i" /> On 9 July 2015 Rudd was denied a discharge without conviction and sentenced to eight months' home detention.<ref name="notsocheap" />


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" />
====Brian Johnson's hearing loss and departure====
On 7 March 2016, the band announced that the final ten dates of the ] would be rescheduled as Johnson's doctors had ordered him to stop touring immediately, as his hearing loss had accelerated and he risked complete deafness if he persisted on the road. The ten cancelled dates would be performed "likely with a guest vocalist" later in the year, leaving Johnson's future in touring with the group uncertain.<ref name="vhozI" /> Johnson later stated on '']'' that his hearing loss did not come from performing for 36 years with AC/DC, but rather his love of auto racing and having forgotten to put in ear plugs during one race that ruptured his left ear drum.<ref name="9Yv8u" />


==Awards and achievements==
However, on 15 March 2016, American comedian ] (a friend of Johnson) revealed on his podcast that Johnson had received a ] on his hearing and it was not as bad as initially thought. Nonetheless, Breuer mentioned that Johnson told him that he was essentially fired from AC/DC and that he had not heard from the band since the announcement of the tour being postponed, adding that Angus Young wants to continue the band for at least another ten years and do at least one more studio album and world tour.<ref name="jNcJw" /> Breuer later clarified his comments on ] that did not end speculation on Johnson's future with the band.<ref name="HrTpp" />
{{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>
On 19 April 2016, Johnson made an official statement regarding his health problems and inability to tour. In the statement, he acknowledged his ongoing hearing difficulties but stated his intentions to continue recording and potentially resume touring if his health improves sufficiently. He also specifically thanked Angus Young and Cliff Williams for their support during his AC/DC tenure.<ref name="nB0PP" /> His last show with AC/DC was on 28 February 2016; at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-johnson-last-acdc-show/|title=Revisiting Brian Johnson's Last AC/DC Show|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=25 April 2016}}</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>
====Axl Rose joins====
] in Washington, D.C. on 17 September 2016 during their Rock or Bust Tour]]
On 16 April 2016, AC/DC released a statement announcing the addition of ] frontman ] as the band's lead vocalist for the remainder of their 2016 tour dates. The statement reads: "AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures. As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian's decision to stop touring and save his hearing. We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment. AC/DC will resume their Rock or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals."<ref name="SUTDq" /><ref name="YMYPd" />


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>
====Departure of Cliff Williams====
On 8 July 2016, Cliff Williams indicated he was retiring from the band in an interview with ''Gulfshore Life'', saying "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 Phil and now with Brian, it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing."<ref name="onbvU" /> At the end of the Rock or Bust Tour, he released a video statement confirming his retirement.<ref name="WilliamsRetirementRS" /> His last show with AC/DC was in Philadelphia on 20 September 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|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|website=Rolling Stone|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=18 October 2018}}</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>
====Future of the band====
On 21 September 2016, the day after the band's final show with Williams, it was reported that Axl Rose would be joining the band full-time and that he and Angus would continue AC/DC with different musicians.<ref name="Huge Update" /><ref name="ultimate-guitar.com" /> Young's friend ] said in a March 2018 interview that Young intended to make a new album with Rose.<ref name="rockpit" /> In August 2018, however, several sources speculated that both Johnson and Rudd are working with the band again, as the pair were photographed at ] in ], where the band had previously recorded their last three studio albums.<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/brian-johnson-and-phil-rudd-appear-to-be-back-in-studio-with-ac-dc-photographic-proof/|title=BRIAN JOHNSON And PHIL RUDD Appear To Be Back In Studio With AC/DC: Photographic Proof|date=8 August 2018|work=Blabbermouth|accessdate=8 August 2018}}</ref>


==Band members==<!-- Do not add Mike Sheffzick to this section without reaching a consensus on the talk page first. -->
== Musical style ==
{{main|List of AC/DC members}}
AC/DC have referred to themselves as "a rock and roll band, nothing more, nothing less".<ref name="Bonfire" /> 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>{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|date=n.d.|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ac-dc-mn0000574772/biography|title=AC/DC|publisher=]|accessdate=7 August 2018}}</ref> According to ], their music is "hard-edged, wilfully basic blues-rock" featuring humourous sexual innuendo and lyrics about rock and roll.<ref>{{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=The Guardian|accessdate=7 August 2018}}</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.<ref name="McParland">{{Cite book|last=McParland|first=Robert|title=Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal Music|year=2018|isbn=1476673357|publisher=]|pages=57–58}}</ref> "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>{{cite news|last=Jonze|first=Tim|authorlink=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=]|accessdate=7 August 2018}}</ref> On the controversy of categorizing their music, McParland wrote:


===Current members===
{{quote|"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 categorization. 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."<ref name="McParland"/>}}
* ] – lead guitar, occasional backing vocals (1973–present)
* ] – drums (1975–1983, 1994–2015, 2018–present; {{small|not touring since 2023}})
* ] – bass guitar, backing vocals (1977–2016, 2018–present; {{small|not touring since 2024}})
* ] – lead vocals (1980–2016, 2018–present)
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2014–present; {{small|touring 1988}})


===Touring musicians===
According to '']'' music journalist David Marchese, the instrumental foundation of the band's simple sound was the drummer—Rudd, Wright, or Slade—striking the ] on the first and third ] of every ], and the ] on the second and fourth beat; bassist Williams consistently ] an ]; Angus Young performing lead parts that possessed "a clear architecture and even sort of swing, in a frenzied, half-demented way"; and Malcolm Young's "propulsive" yet nuanced rhythm guitar featuring "little ''chuks'', stutters, and silences that give the monstrous riffs life".<ref name="Marchese"/> For the majority of Malcolm Young'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 '']'', the 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, however, Young 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>{{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=]|accessdate=9 August 2018}}</ref>
'''Current touring musicians'''
* ] – drums (2023–present)
* ] – bass guitar, backing vocals (2024–present)


'''Former touring musicians'''
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 for the remainder of their career, to this "impeccably ham-handed" musical style: "the guitars were compacted into a singular statement of rhythmic efficiency, the rhythm section provided the thunderhorse overdrive, and vocalist Johnson belowed and brayed like the most unhinged practitioner of bluesy top-man dynamics since vintage ]."<ref name="Harrington">{{cite book|pages=81–82|last=Harrington|first=Joe S.|chapter=Back in Black|editor-last=Hoye|editor-first=Jacob|title=VH-1's 100 Greatest Albums|publisher=]|year=2003|isbn=0743448766}}</ref>
* ] – 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===
In a comparison of AC/DC's vocalists, ] said Bon Scott exhibited a "blokelike croak" and "charm", often singing about sexual aggression in the guise of fun: "Like ] or ] though without their panache, he has fun being a dirty young man". Johnson, in his opinion, possessed "three times the range and wattage" as a vocalist while projecting the character of a "] as fantasy-fiction demigod". By the time Johnson had fully acclimated himself with 1981's ''For Those About to Rock We Salute You'', Christgau said he defined "an anthemic grandiosity more suitable to precious-metal status than Bon Scott's old-fashioned raunch", albeit in a less intelligent manner.<ref name="Christgau90">{{cite book|last=Christgau|first=Robert|year=1990|chapter=AC/DC|chapter-url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=AC/DC|accessdate=10 August 2018|title=]|publisher=]|isbn=067973015X}}</ref>
* ] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1973–2014; {{small|died 2017}})
* ] – drums (1973–1974; {{small|substituted 1975; died 2023}})
* ] – bass guitar (1973–1974, 1975)
* ] – lead vocals (1973–1974)
* Neil Smith – bass guitar (1974; {{small|died 2013}})
* 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}})


== Criticism == ==Discography==
Throughout the band's career, their music has been criticised as simplistic, monotonous, deliberately lowbrow, and sexist. David Marchese from '']'' wrote that, "regardless of the lyricist, whether it was Scott (who was capable of real wit and color), 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."<ref name="Marchese">{{cite magazine|last=Marchese|first=David|date=16 September 2016|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/09/acdc-axl-rose-tour-retire.html|title=AC/DC Has Improbably Become the Most Poignant Story in Rock|magazine=]|accessdate=10 August 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Christgau90" /> 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=]|accessdate=10 August 2018}}</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 "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'', '']'' 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 can understand the band to be "a bunch of archly sex-obsessed idiots with sharp tunes and some seriously killer riffs". In spite of "Carry Me Home"{{'}}s disdain for its female subject, the rape fantasy of "Let Me Put My Love in 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 ... it'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" />

As with many bands of their era, AC/DC 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 the 1979 '']'' album 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, arriving at the conclusion that AC/DC actually stood for Anti-Christ/Devil's Child (or Devil's Children).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/08/31/Police-Saturday-arrested-the-alleged-Night-Stalker-accused-of/5705494308800/|title=Police Saturday arrested the alleged Night Stalker, accused of...|last=Snyder|first=Russell|date=31 August 1985|website=UPI|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-02/news/mn-22957_1_satanic-ritual|title=Other Serial Slayings Tinged by Satanism: Elements of Devil Worship in Stalker Case May Not Be Factors in Motivation, Experts Caution|last=Baker|first=Bob|date=2 September 1985|website=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/09/02/Heavy-metal-satanism-and-the-Night-Stalker/3569494481600/|title=Heavy metal, satanism and the Night Stalker|last=|first=|date=2 September 1985|website=UPI|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-08/entertainment/ca-2746_1_heavy-metal|title=The Devil, You Say? No Way: AC/DC's Message: Rebellion, Not Satan Worship|last=Hilburn|first=Robert|date=8 September 1985|website=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-richard-ramirez-night-prowler/|title=The History of AC/DC and the Night Prowler Murders|last=|first=|date=|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref>

==Accolades==
], Melbourne]]
AC/DC were inducted into the ] on 10 March 2003.<ref name="1zFIm" /> 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 name="DCiA3" /> During the acceptance speech, ] quoted their 1977 song "]".<ref name="gZ0YU" />

On 22 March 2000, the municipality of ] (near ]) named a street in honour of the band as "Calle de AC/DC" ("AC/DC Street"). Malcolm and Angus attended the inauguration with many fans. Later that day, the plaque with the name of the group was stolen, perhaps by an enthusiast or collector. The plaque was replaced two hours later, and stolen once again a mere three days after the fact. The plaque had since been stolen numerous times, forcing the municipality of Leganés to begin selling replicas of the official street plaque.

In May 2003, the Young brothers accepted a ] Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the 2003 Music Winners Awards, during which Malcolm paid special tribute to Bon Scott, who was also a recipient of the award.<ref name="aNUQH" />

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" /> The lane is near ] where, on the back of a truck, the band recorded their video for the 1975 hit "]".<ref name="acdclane" />

They sold over 1.3&nbsp;million CDs in the US during 2007 despite not having released a new album since 2000 at that point. Additionally, the group's commercial success continues to flourish despite their choice to refrain from selling albums in digital online formats for many years.<ref name="53cw7" /> However, in November 2012, the entire catalogue (excluding the '']'' album and the Australian versions of the '']'', '']'' and '']'' albums) became available on the ].<ref name="tYjOi" />

In 2009, the ] upgraded the group's US sales figures from 69&nbsp;million to 71&nbsp;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 (20&nbsp;million) in US sales, and by 2007 the album had sold 22&nbsp;million copies, which made it the fifth-best-selling album of all-time in the US.<ref name="riaa2" />

==Band members==
{{main|List of AC/DC band members}}

=== Current members ===
* ]&nbsp;– lead guitar (1973–present)
* ]&nbsp;– drums (1989–1994, 2015–present)
* ]&nbsp;– rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2014–present)
* ]&nbsp;– lead vocals (2016–present)<ref name="ultimate-guitar.com" /><ref name="q8VIy" />

=== Former members ===
* ]&nbsp;– rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1973–2014; died 2017)
* ]&nbsp;– lead vocals (1973–1974)
* ]&nbsp;– lead vocals (1974–1980; died 1980)
* ]&nbsp;– drums (1975–1983, 1994–2015)
* ]&nbsp;– bass guitar (1975–1977)
* ]&nbsp;– bass guitar, backing vocals (1977–2016)
* ]&nbsp;– lead vocals (1980–2016)
* ]&nbsp;– drums (1983–1989)
Note: Before their debut album, ''High Voltage'' (1975), AC/DC had several line up changes. For a more comprehensive list of members that were part of the band before 1975, see ].

==Awards and nominations==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by AC/DC}}

== Discography ==
{{main|AC/DC discography|List of songs recorded by AC/DC}} {{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. -->


=== Studio albums === '''Studio albums'''
* '']'' (1975) (Australia only) * '']'' (1975) (] only)
* '']'' (1975) (Australia only) * '']'' (1975) (Australasia only)
* '']'' (1976) (international version) * '']'' (1976) (international version)
* '']'' (1976) * '']'' (1976)
Line 312: Line 294:
* '']'' (2008) * '']'' (2008)
* '']'' (2014) * '']'' (2014)
* '']'' (2020)


==Tours== ==Concert tours==
* 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>

* Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap/Giant Dose of Rock 'n' Roll Tour (1976–1977)<ref name="boweber" />
{| class="wikitable"
* Let There Be Rock Tour (1977)<ref name="boweber" />
|-
* Powerage Tour (1978)<ref name="boweber" />
!Date
* If You Want Blood Tour (1978–1979)<ref name="boweber" />
!Tour
* ] (1979–1980)
|-
* ] (1980–1981)
|1973–1975 ||Australian Clubs Tour
* ] (1981–1982)
|-
* ] (1983–1985)
|1975||High Voltage Australian Clubs Tour
* ] (1985–1986)
|-
* ] (1986)
|1975–1976 ||TNT/Lock Up Your Daughters Summer Vacation Tour
* ] (1988)
|-
* ] (1990–1991)
|1976||Lock Up Your Daughters
* ] (1996)
|-
* ] (2000–2001)
|1976–1977 ||Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap/A Giant Dose of Rock and Roll
* ] (2008–2010)
|-
* ] (2015–2016)
|1977||Let There Be Rock Tour
* ] (2024–2025)
|-
|1978||Powerage Tour
|-
|1978–1979 ||]
|-
|1979–1980 ||]
|-
|1980–1981 ||]
|-
|1981–1982 ||]
|-
|1983–1984 ||]
|-
|1985–1986 ||]
|-
|1986||]
|-
|1988||]
|-
|1990–1991 ||]
|-
|1996||]
|-
|2000–2001 ||]
|-
|2003||]
|-
|2008–2010 ||]
|-
|2015–2016 ||]
|}


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Australia|Biography|Rock music}}
{{Misplaced Pages books|AC/DC}}
* ]
* {{Portal inline|size=tiny|AC/DC}}* ], an ] ] who covers Bon Scott-era material
* ]
* ]&nbsp;– another all-female tribute band
* ]
* ], a parody band performing bluegrass-inspired renditions of songs by AC/DC and others
* ]
{{clear}}

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


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs= {{Reflist}}

<ref name="Huge Update">{{cite web|url=http://www.alternativenation.net/huge-update-on-if-acdc-will-continue-with-axl-rose/|title=Huge Update On If AC/DC Will Continue With Axl Rose – AlternativeNation.net|first=Brett|last=Buchanan|publisher=}}</ref>
===Sources===
<ref name="MalcolmQuits">{{cite web|title=AC/DC 'ROCK OR BUST'|url=http://albertmusic.com/news/ac-dc-rock-or-bust|publisher=Alberts Management|accessdate=24 September 2014}}</ref>
{{Refbegin|30em}}
<ref name="Bonfire">{{cite book |first = Murray |last = Engleheart |title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Bonfire |date = 18 November 1997}}</ref>
* {{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}}}}
<ref name="hell_aint">{{cite book|first=Mick |last=Wall |title=AC/DC: Hell Aint a Bad Place to Be |publisher=Orion Publishing group |location=London |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-4091-1535-9}}</ref>
* {{Cite AV media notes |author1=] |date=30 April 1976 |title=] |others=AC/DC |type=liner notes |id=K 50257 |ref={{harvid|Atlantic Records|1976a}}}}
<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=22 April 2008 |date=22 April 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424091345/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95431 |archivedate=24 April 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=}}</ref>
* {{Cite AV media notes |author1=] |date=12 November 1976 |title=] |others=AC/DC |type=liner notes |id=K 50323 |ref={{harvid|Atlantic Records|1976b}}}}
<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web |title = Top Selling Artists |work=Recording Industry Association of America |url = https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists |accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="riaa2">{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum |work=Recording Industry Association of America |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies |accessdate=22 May 2017}}</ref>
* {{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=]}}
<ref name="thegreatest">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/ac-dc-20110420 |title=AC/DC – 100 Greatest Artists |publisher=Rolling Stone |accessdate=6 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="NAA A1877">{{cite web | url = https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7401044 | title = Item details for: A1877, May 1963 Young W | date = 13 February 2009 | publisher = ] | accessdate = 23 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="easy">{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlx5W0fCJWY | title = Easy Beats to AC/DC, The Story of Aussie Rock | publisher = BBC TV | accessdate = 4 November 2017}}</ref>
* {{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}}}}
<ref name="albertmusic">{{cite web |title = History of Albert Music |first = Glenn A. |last = Baker |url = http://www.albertmusic.com/history.htm |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071230073123/http://www.albertmusic.com/history.htm |archivedate = 30 December 2007 |work=] |accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
* {{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=]}}
<ref name="cwalker">{{cite book |title=Highway to Hell: The Life and Times of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott |year=2001 |isbn=1-891241-13-3 |author=Walker, Clinton |pages=128–133}}</ref>
* {{Cite AV media notes |last=Engleheart |first=Murray |title=Bonfire |title-link=Bonfire (album) |type=booklet |date=18 November 1997 |publisher=]}}
<ref name="acdc.cc">{{cite web | title=AC/DC History | work=AC/DC&nbsp;– Bedlam in Belgium | url=http://www.ac-dc.cc | accessdate = 2 August 2008| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913173941/http://www.ac-dc.cc/| archivedate=13 September 2008 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="coverart">{{cite web|title=Album covers for AC/DC|url=http://www.blisshq.com/test/album-covers/AC/DC.html|website=Bliss|publisher=Elsten Software Limited|accessdate=10 July 2014}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="longwaytimeline">{{cite web | title = Long Way to the Top | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | url = http://www.abc.net.au/longway/timeline/ | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080725161207/http://www.abc.net.au/longway/timeline/ | archivedate = 25 July 2008 | deadurl = yes | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="Browning">Michael Browning, ''Dog Eat Dog'', pp 100-256, Allen & Unwin, 2014, {{ISBN|978-1-76011-191-5}}</ref>
<ref name="paulstenning">{{cite book | last=Stenning | first=Paul |author2=Rob Johnstone |date=November 2005 | title=AC/DC&nbsp;– Two Sides to Every Glory | publisher=Chrome Dreams | isbn=1-84240-308-7 | pages=32–34}}</ref> * {{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}}
<ref name="Music Legends">{{cite web |publisher=Music Legends| url=http://musiclegends.ca/interviews/dave-evans-interview-acdc/| title=Dave Evans Interview| accessdate=5 May 2013|date=3 January 2013|last=Saulnier|first=Jason}}</ref>
* {{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.
<ref name="timeline">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdcrocks.com/TIMELINE_index.html | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612165328/http://www.acdcrocks.com/TIMELINE_index.html | archivedate = 12 June 2007 | title = Timeline | work=AC/DC official website | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<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=The Age | date = 10 September 2004 | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | location=Melbourne}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="BiBBillboard">{{cite web |url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62668/back-in-black-tips-21m-mark |title = ''Back in Black'' tips 21M mark |accessdate = 2 August 2008 |last = Jeckell |first = Barry A. |date = 7 June 2005 |work=Billboard | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623211559/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62668/back-in-black-tips-21m-mark| archivedate=23 June 2008 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
* {{Cite book |last=McFarlane |first=Ian |author-link1=Ian McFarlane |title=] |year=1999 |publisher=] |location=] |isbn=1-86508-072-1}}
<ref name="BazillionPoints">{{cite web |url=http://www.bazillionpoints.com/dirty-deeds-my-life-insideoutside-of-acdc-by-mark-evans/ |title=DIRTY DEEDS: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC, by Mark Evans |publisher=Bazillionpoints.com |date= |accessdate=26 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027003026/http://www.bazillionpoints.com/dirty-deeds-my-life-insideoutside-of-acdc-by-mark-evans/ |archivedate=27 October 2011 }}</ref>
* {{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}}
<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 = 2 August 2008 |author=Christopher, Michael |date = 30 June 2003 |work=]}}</ref>
* {{Cite book |last=McParland |first=Robert |year=2018 |title=Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal Music |publisher=] |isbn=978-1476673356}}
<ref name="everyhit">{{cite web | title=EveryHit | url = http://www.everyhit.com | accessdate = 2 August 2008| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913103452/http://www.everyhit.com/| archivedate=13 September 2008 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="flickof">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r86|pure_url=yes}} | title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Flick of the Switch |publisher=Allmusic | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="Maximum">{{cite book | title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll| year=2006 | isbn=0-7322-8383-3 | author=Engleheart, Murray & Arnaud Durieux | page=367}}</ref>
* {{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}}
<ref name="blowup">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r90|pure_url=yes}} | title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Blow Up your Video |publisher=Allmusic | first = Greg | last = Prato | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
{{Refend}}
<ref name="acdc rbtp announced">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54994 | title = First Rock Band Spin-off Revealed: AC/DC Live Coming As $30 Wal-Mart Exclusive | publisher=] | date = 29 September 2008 | accessdate = 29 September 2008 | first = Nick | last = Breckon |author2= Faylor, Chris| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930162510/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54994| archivedate=30 September 2008 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
<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=17 September 2008 |date=17 September 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913013210/http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=22 |archivedate=13 September 2008 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>
<ref name="guitarworld">{{cite journal|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/acdc-big-chill |page=2 |title=AC/DC: The Big Chill |date=January 2009 |first=Alan |last=di Perna |journal=] |publisher=] |asin=B001LNP3IO}}</ref>
<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&nbsp;October |work=AC/DC.com |accessdate=18 August 2008 |date=18 August 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821031940/http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=19 |archivedate=21 August 2008 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>
<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=9 August 2008 |date=9 August 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812064828/http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=18 |archivedate=12 August 2008 |deadurl=yes }}</ref>
<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=17 September 2008 |date=17 September 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913214645/http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=24 |archivedate=13 September 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="notsocheap">{{cite news|last1=Shedden|first1=Iain|title=AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd sentenced to home detention for drugs, kill threats|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/acdc-drummer-phil-rudd-sentenced-to-home-detention-for-drugs-kill-threats/story-e6frg6n6-1227434956322|accessdate=9 July 2015|work=The Australian|publisher=News Limited|date=9 July 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="WilliamsRetirementRS">{{cite news|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|work=Rolling Stone|date=20 September 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="ultimate-guitar.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/major_update_on_acdcs_future_what_the_band_will_do_now_that_cliffs_retired.html|title=Major Update on AC/DC's Future: What the Band Will Do Now That Cliff's Retired – Music News @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com|publisher=}}</ref>
<ref name="rockpit">, The Rockpit, 18 March 2018</ref>
<ref name="4zmbT">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/music/gen-y-pop-princess-taylor-swift-vs-baby-boom-rockers-acdc/story-e6frexl9-1225827437527|title=Gen Y Pop Princess Taylor Swift vs Baby Boom Rockers AC/DC|first=Jonathon|last=Moran|publisher=]|date=7 February 2010|accessdate=9 January 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="eIi4U">{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/acdc-ham-it-up/2010/02/06/1265151992383.html|title=AC/DC ham it up|first=The Age|last=Reporter|publisher=]|date=6 February 2010|accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref>
<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 |accessdate=2 August 2008 |archiveurl=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 |archivedate=13 September 2008 |deadurl=no |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="K5xeE">.</ref>
<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 |accessdate=2 August 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726214945/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index8.jhtml |archivedate=26 July 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="ODQCW">{{cite web|url=http://stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/list/ |title=The Greatest Artists of All Time | publisher=VH1/Stereogum |accessdate=19 September 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="wbp4T">{{cite web | url = http://classicrock.about.com/od/artistsae1/p/ac_dc.htm | title = AC/DC | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | last = White | first = Dave | work=]}}</ref>
<ref name="AwrS5">{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/16/1084646066908.html |title=Tracker to Acca Dacca |accessdate=18 October 2008 |last=|authorlink=|date=17 May 2004 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne, Australia |language=}}</ref>
<ref name="kjABl">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=11169 |title=AC/DC ACDC |accessdate=18 October 2008 |last=|authorlink=|date=1 October 2004 |work=Only Melbourne (onlymelbourne.com.au) |pages=Melbourne, Australia |doi=|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>
<ref name="5koQY">{{cite web | title=Rock Snaps |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | url = http://www.abc.net.au/arts/rocksnaps/photos/s33884.htm | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="e9sQS">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRT4AqM4f-Y&t=21ss |title=Bon Scott Interview Paris 1979 |accessdate=20 November 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="RrGtM">{{cite web|url=http://www.milesago.com/festivals/sunbury75.htm|title=Milesago - Festivals - Sunbury Festival 1975|website=www.milesago.com}}</ref>
<ref name="FI4Os">{{cite web |url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r78|pure_url=yes}} |title = AC/DC&nbsp;– High Voltage |accessdate = 2 August 2008 |first = Steve |last = Huey |work=]}}</ref>
<ref name="NDxLw">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ac-dc-guitarist-clears-up-knife-incident-with-black-sabbath/|title=AC/DC Guitarist Clears Up Knife Incident With BLACK SABBATH|date=2 September 2003|publisher=}}</ref>
<ref name="ZiNzy">Elliott, Paul. ''"Never Mind the Bollocks"''. ] (February 2007)</ref>
<ref name="fuEcH">{{cite web |url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r81|pure_url=yes}} |title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Powerage |publisher=Allmusic |first = Greg |last = Prato |accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="6PgJE">{{cite web|url=http://www.vhnd.com/2009/06/11/eddie-van-halen-thanks-god-for-sobriety-and-guitar-riffs |title=Eddie Van Halen Thanks God for Sobriety and Guitar Riffs |publisher=vhnd.com |date=11 June 2009 |accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="slL1m">{{cite web |url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r82|pure_url=yes}} |title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Highway to Hell |publisher=Allmusic |first = Steve |last = Huey |accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="K4EE6">{{cite web|title=Bon's Highway leads to the National Trust |date=15 February 2006 |accessdate=9 December 2007 |work=Metropolitan Cemeteries Board |url=http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/MCBNews/mediaRel.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116103758/http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/MCBNews/mediaRel.html |archivedate=16 November 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref>
<ref name="UAIuc">{{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 = 2 August 2008 | last = Stevenson | first = Jane | date = 22 November 1997 | work=]}}</ref>
<ref name="HB1l4">{{cite web | title=Moxy Bio | work=CANOE JAM! MUSIC&nbsp;– Pop Encyclopedia |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Pop_Encyclopedia/M/Moxy.html}}</ref>
<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 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=5 April 2005 |title=Noddy Holder interview |publisher=Soundchecks.co.uk |accessdate=9 April 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="rKfEU">{{cite web|author=bravewords.com |url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/132727 |title=AC/DC Guitarist Angus Young Remembers Bon Scott&nbsp;– "When I Think Back in Hindsight, He Was A Guy That I Always Knew Was Full of Life" |publisher=Bravewords.com |accessdate=9 April 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="GcsfL">{{cite web |url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-back.shtml |title = Back in Black (remastered edition) |accessdate =2 August 2008 |last = Williams |first = Adam |date = 14 April 2003 |work=]}}</ref>
<ref name="DyMeh">{{cite book | title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll| year=2006 | isbn=0-7322-8383-3 | author=Engleheart, Murray & Arnaud Durieux | pages=366–367}}</ref>
<ref name="isY3U">{{Cite book | last = Stenning | first = Paul | year = 2005 | title = AC/DC: Two Sides to Every Glory | publisher=Chrome Dreams | isbn = 1-84240-308-7 | postscript = .}}</ref>
<ref name="t6Quh">{{cite book | title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll| year=2006 | isbn=0-7322-8383-3 | author=Engleheart, Murray & Arnaud Durieux | page=368}}</ref>
<ref name="JTHjd">{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/174854/review/5945613/flick_of_the_switch | title = AC/DC: Flick of the Switch | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | last = Fricke | first = David | date = 27 October 1987 | work=Rolling Stone | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618141735/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/174854/review/5945613/flick_of_the_switch| archivedate=18 June 2008 | deadurl=yes}}</ref>
<ref name="AqoRk">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r88|pure_url=yes}} | title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Fly on the Wall |publisher=Allmusic | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="6uflt">{{cite web | title = ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame | work=] | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/hall-of-fame.htm |accessdate = 2 August 2008| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718214652/http://aria.com.au/pages/hall-of-fame.htm| archivedate=18 July 2008 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
<ref name="nUjzh">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r53486|pure_url=yes}} | title = AC/DC&nbsp;– AC/DC Live |publisher=Allmusic | first = Barry | last = Weber | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<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=Deseret News |date=9 February 1991}}</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=Deseret News |date=17 December 1992}}</ref>
<ref name="FwHeR">{{cite web|url=http://www.acdc-discography.com/CDBoxSets.html |title=Boxsets |accessdate=2 August 2008 |work=AC/DC discography |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728070955/http://www.acdc-discography.com/CDBoxSets.html |archivedate=28 July 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="wpYhs">{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/198241/review/5941859/stiff_upper_lip | title = AC/DC: Stiff Upper Lip | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | last = Wild | first = David | date = 30 March 2000 | work=Rolling Stone | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727012816/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/198241/review/5941859/stiff_upper_lip| archivedate=27 July 2008 | deadurl=yes}}</ref>
<ref name="fYAUO">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r465726|pure_url=yes}} | title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Stiff Upper Lip |publisher=Allmusic | first = Stephen Thomas | last = Erlewine | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="LHoTw">{{cite web | date = 6 December 2002 | title = AC/DC Sign big contract with Sony | accessdate = 16 September 2009 | work=] | url = http://www.chartattack.com/news/32768/acdc-sign-big-contract-with-sony | first=Pete | last=Richards | dead-url = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20030321215700/http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2002/12/0608.cfm | archivedate = 21 March 2003}}</ref>
<ref name="EZXaW">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p3496/discography|pure_url=yes}} | title = AC/DC&nbsp;– Discography |publisher=Allmusic | first = Eduardo | last = Rivadavia | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="gSyaE">{{cite news | date = 31 July 2003 | url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/07/30/concert_opener030730.html | title = Stones rock out at Toronto's 'biggest party' |publisher=] | accessdate = 2 August 2008| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630093945/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/07/30/concert_opener030730.html| archivedate=30 June 2008 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
<ref name="kEd0Z">{{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=The Age | date = 13 April 2006 | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | location=Melbourne}}</ref>
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<ref name="XTI07">{{cite news | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0136768220070802 | title = AC/DC goes digital via Verizon wireless |agency=Reuters | date = 1 August 2007 | first = Antony | last = Bruno | accessdate = 17 August 2007}}</ref>
<ref name="QInwO">{{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=24 August 2007 |title=''Plug Me In'' press release |work=] |accessdate=2 September 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929133557/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F08-24-2007%2F0004650891&EDATE=FRI+Aug+24+2007%2C+08%3A05+AM |archivedate=29 September 2007 |deadurl=no |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="p2RHc">{{cite web | url = http://www.rockband2.com/song-list | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080717025915/http://www.rockband2.com/song-list | archivedate = 17 July 2008 | title = ''Rock Band 2''&nbsp;– Unrivaled Song Library | publisher=rockband2.com | accessdate = 19 November 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="C6MlT">{{cite web|url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2008/10/acdc-recycles-c.html |title=Let there be rock! AC/DC recycles classic sound on 'Black Ice' |first=Greg |last=Kot |work=Chicago Tribune |date=16 October 2008 |accessdate=18 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019032030/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2008/10/acdc-recycles-c.html |archivedate=19 October 2008 |df=}}</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 |work=] |accessdate=12 September 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121044926/http://www.sirius.com/acdcradio |archivedate=21 November 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="dqmM0">{{cite web|url=http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2008/10/17/acdcs_black_ice_rocks_into_walmart.htm |title=AC/DC's Black Ice Rocks into Walmart Nationwide October&nbsp;20 |publisher=] |date=11 October 2008 |accessdate=19 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022184111/http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2008/10/17/acdcs_black_ice_rocks_into_walmart.htm |archivedate=22 October 2008 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>
<ref name="ucTFe"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004082803/http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=107 |date=4 October 2009}}.</ref>
<ref name="XQXWy"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225003421/http://sev.prnewswire.com/music/20090929/NY8281729092009-1.html |date=25 February 2011}}</ref>
<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=Herald Sun |date=11 April 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="jH3Z9">{{cite web|url=http://acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=129 |title='AC/DC: Iron Man 2' Album Forthcoming |publisher=acdc.com |date=26 January 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129122529/http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=129 |archivedate=29 January 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="qgF75"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119034146/http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/lineup/index.aspx |date=19 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="3WFZW">{{cite web|url=http://www.acdc.com/us/acdc-today/black-ice-world-tour|title=Black Ice World Tour|publisher=AC/DC.com|date=12 July 2010|accessdate=22 February 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="8S4Et">{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acdc-live-at-river-plate-available-may-10-117535068.html |title=AC/DC Live at River Plate Available May&nbsp;10&nbsp;– NEW YORK, 7&nbsp;March&nbsp;2011 |location=New York |publisher=Prnewswire.com |accessdate=9 April 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="OVw1Q">{{cite web|url=http://www.acdc.com/us/news/shoot-thrill-exclusive-record-store-day-7-single |title=Shoot To Thrill: Exclusive Record Store Day 7" Single, The Official AC/DC Site |publisher=Acdc.com |date=22 February 2011 |accessdate=9 April 2011| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329012347/http://www.acdc.com/us/news/shoot-thrill-exclusive-record-store-day-7-single| archivedate=29 March 2011 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Vbqlc">{{cite web|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=5871 |title=AC/DC Let There Be Rock Blu-ray Announced |publisher=Blu-ray.com |accessdate=9 April 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="s6tR2">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157776 |title=AC/DC Planning New World Tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=6 May 2011 |accessdate=8 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5yX6hdeGC?url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157776 |archivedate=8 May 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="1Dem5">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157804 |title=AC/DC To Release New Album 'Within The Next Couple of Years' |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=7 May 2011 |accessdate=8 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5yX6ljYGO?url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157804 |archivedate=8 May 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="M1asV">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/acdc/63776 |title=AC/DC: 'Our new album is a year or two away' &#124; News |publisher=Nme.Com |date=14 May 2012 |accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="0xJ1b">{{cite web|url=http://www.acdc.com/us/news/live-river-plate-first-live-album-20-years |title=LIVE AT RIVER PLATE&nbsp;– FIRST LIVE ALBUM IN 20 YEARS &#124; The Official AC/DC Site |publisher=Acdc.com |date=17 October 2008 |accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="aibA9">{{cite web|title=AC/DC to split over sick band member, according to rumours|author=Peter Vincent, Martin Boulton|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-to-split-over-sick-band-member-according-to-rumours-20140415-36puy.html|newspaper=]}}</ref>
<ref name="yBg7T">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/2014-04-16/brian-johnson-ac-dc-not-retiring-yet |title=Brian Johnson: AC/DC not retiring yet |publisher=Metal Hammer |date=16 April 2014 |accessdate=24 April 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419024656/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/2014-04-16/brian-johnson-ac-dc-not-retiring-yet |archivedate=19 April 2014 |df=}}</ref>
<ref name="SPkpv">{{cite web|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/2014-04-16/ac-dc-deny-split-rumours-but-confirm-malcolm-is-taking-a-break |title=AC/DC deny split rumors but confirm Malcolm is taking a break |date=16 April 2014 |publisher=Classic Rock |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416230710/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/2014-04-16/ac-dc-deny-split-rumours-but-confirm-malcolm-is-taking-a-break |archivedate=16 April 2014}}</ref>
<!--unused<ref name="BiCGU">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopmusic/10914310/ACDC-could-tour-by-end-of-year.html |title=AC/DC could tour by end of year |date=20 June 2014 |accessdate=22 June 2014 |publisher=The Telegraph}}</ref>-->
<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|author=Korina Lopez, USA TODAY|date=10 July 2014|publisher=Usatoday.com|accessdate=7 January 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="JRDxM">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2731511/We-ll-dead-stops-AC-DC-drummer-Phil-Rudd-says-legendary-Aussie-band-NEVER-retire-prepare-40th-anniversary-tour.html |title='We'll all have to be dead before it stops': AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd says legendary Aussie band will NEVER retire as they prepare for their 40th anniversary tour |date=22 August 2014 |accessdate=13 September 2014|publisher=Daily Mail}}</ref>
<ref name="F8ig3">{{cite web|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|author=Korina Lopez, USA TODAY|date=18 November 2017|publisher=]|accessdate=18 November 2017}}</ref>
<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|publisher=News.com.au|accessdate=7 January 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="mBqCR">{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/10711053/Serious-charges-for-AC-DC-drummer-Phil-Rudd|title=AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd on procuring murder charge|author=Tony Wall|date=6 November 2014|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref>
<ref name="yPSCa">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29928698|title=BBC News – AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd on New Zealand murder plot charge|work=BBC News|accessdate=7 January 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="aiVfO">{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/10716815/AC-DC-drummer-Phil-Rudd-Procuring-murder-charge-dropped|title=AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd: Procuring murder charge dropped|author=Katie Kenny|date=7 November 2014|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref>
<ref name="5QBWO">{{cite web|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 |accessdate=6 November 2014 |publisher=The Guardian}}</ref>
<ref name="0F1Ak">{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/acdc-bandmates-shun-phil-rudd/story-fn3dxix6-1227122729540 |title=AC/DC bandmates shun Phil Rudd |date=14 November 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |work=The Australian}}</ref>
<ref name="OVohI">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30050138 |title=AC/DC 'had issues' with drummer Phil Rudd |date=14 November 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |publisher=BBC}}</ref>
<ref name="Sh8CW">{{cite news|author= |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 &#124; Music |newspaper=] |date= |accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="YTP8b">{{cite web |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 |website=RollingStone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone magazine |access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="CZI9i">{{cite web |url=http://www.acdc.com/us/theband |title=The Band, The Official AC/DC Website |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2015 |website=ACDC.com |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="vhozI">{{cite web|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" |publisher=Consequence of Sound |date=7 March 2016 |accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="9Yv8u">{{cite web|last=Sutton |first=Candace |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3484732/It-s-not-high-voltage-rock-roll-AC-DC-man-Brian-Johnson-says-REAL-reason-gone-deaf-love-fast-cars.html |title=AC/DC's Brian Johnson says he has gone deaf due to his love of fast cars |website=Dailymail.co.uk |date= |accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="jNcJw">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/aushowbiz/article-3494168/AC-DC-lead-singer-Brian-Johnson-feels-betrayed-band-mates-including-Angus-Young-revealed-losing-hearing.html|title=AC/DC's Brian Johnson feels betrayed by band mates over hearing issues|date=15 March 2016|work=Mail Online}}</ref>
<ref name="HrTpp">{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/brian-johnson-downplays-hearing-issues-says-he-was-kicked-to-the-curb-acdc/|title=Brian Johnson downplays hearing issues, says he was "kicked to the curb" by AC/DC|work=Consequence of Sound}}</ref>
<ref name="nB0PP">{{cite news|date=19 April 2016|last=Wilkening|first=Matthew|title=AC/DC's Brian Johnson Issues Statement on Departure From Group|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-brian-johnson-departure-statement/|publisher=Ultimate Classic Rock}}</ref>
<ref name="SUTDq">{{cite web|url=http://www.acdc.com/news?n_id=278|title=Rock Or Bust World Tour Continues With Axl Rose|date=16 April 2016|accessdate=17 April 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="YMYPd">{{cite web|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|work=RollingStone.com|accessdate=17 April 2016}}</ref>
<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|accessdate=8 September 2016|date=July 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="1zFIm">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductees/ac-dc |title=AC/DC |publisher=Rockhall.com |accessdate=1 February 2010| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117052005/http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/ac-dc| archivedate=17 January 2010 | deadurl=no}}</ref>
<ref name="DCiA3">{{cite news | title = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame open doors |publisher=CNN | date = 3 November 2003 | accessdate = 2 August 2008 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/11/rock.hall.fame.ap/index.html | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20031003075850/http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/11/rock.hall.fame.ap/index.html | archivedate = 3 October 2003}}</ref>
<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 |accessdate=2 August 2008 |last=Johnson |first=Billy |date=3 November 2003 |work=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704170535/http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12027761 |archivedate=4 July 2007}}</ref>
<ref name="aNUQH">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra.com.au/awards/music/media_releases/03-music_award_winners_announced.asp | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080723033156/http://apra.com.au/awards/music/media_releases/03-music_award_winners_announced.asp | archivedate = 23 July 2008 | title = 2003 Music Winners Awards Announced | work=] | accessdate = 2 August 2008}}</ref>
<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 |accessdate=2 August 2008 |date=8 July 2004 |work=City of Melbourne |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016110316/http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=228&pg=715&st=191 |archivedate=16 October 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="53cw7">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html |title=Ageless and Defiant, AC/DC Stays on Top Without Going Digital |work=The New York Times |author=Levine, Robert |date=10 October 2008 |accessdate=19 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102213918/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html |archivedate=2 November 2011 |deadurl=no |df=}}</ref>
<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/|accessdate=21 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=19 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="q8VIy">{{cite web|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|publisher=}}</ref>
}}


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
{{refbegin}} {{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book | last = Bunton | first = Richard | year = 1983 | title = AC/DC: Hell Ain't No Bad Place to Be | publisher=Omnibus Books | isbn = 0-7119-0082-5 }} * {{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 = Dome | first = Malcolm | year = 1982 | title = AC/DC | publisher=Proteus Books | isbn = 0-86276-011-9 }} * {{cite book |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |year=1982 |title=AC/DC |publisher=Proteus Books |isbn=0-86276-011-9}}
* {{cite book | last = Engleheart | first = Murray | year = 2006 | title = AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll | publisher=Harper Collins | isbn = 978-0-7322-8964-5}} * {{cite book |last=Holmes |first=Tim |year=1986 |title=AC/DC (Monsters of Metal) |publisher=Ballantine |isbn=0-345-33239-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Fink |first=Jesse |year=2017 |title=Bon: The Last Highway: The Untold Story of Bon Scott and AC/DC's Back In Black |publisher=Ebury Australia |isbn=978-0-85798-892-8 }} * {{cite book |last=Huxley |first=Martin |year=1996 |title=AC/DC: The World's Heaviest Rock |publisher=] |isbn=0-312-30220-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Fink |first=Jesse |year=2013 |title=The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC |publisher=Ebury Australia |isbn=978-1-74275-979-1 }} * {{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 = Holmes | first = Tim | year = 1986 | title = AC/DC (Monsters of Metal) | publisher=Ballantine | isbn = 0-345-33239-3 }}
* {{cite book | last = Huxley | first = Martin | year = 1996 | title = AC/DC: The World's Heaviest Rock | publisher=Lightning Source Inc. | isbn = 0-312-30220-7 }} * {{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 |last1=Lageat, Philippe|first1=Brelet, Baptiste|title=AC/DC Tours De France 1976–2014|date=2014|publisher=Éditions Point Barre|isbn=978-2-7466-7071-6|page=712|url=http://acdclelivre.fr/en}} * {{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=Putterford |first=Mark |year=1992 |title=AC/DC: Shock to the System |publisher=Omnibus Press |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}}
* {{cite book |author=Stenning, Paul | authorlink=Paul Stenning | year = 2005 | title = AC/DC: Two Sides to Every Glory | publisher=Chrome Dreams | isbn = 1-84240-308-7}}
* {{cite book| last=Sutcliffe|first=Phil|year=2010|title=AC/DC High-Voltage Rock 'n' Roll: The Ultimate Illustrated History|publisher=Voyageur Press|isbn=978-0-7603-3832-2}}
* {{cite book |author=Walker, Clinton | authorlink=Clinton Walker | year = 1994 | title = Highway to Hell: The Life and Death of Bon Scott | publisher= Verse Chorus Press | isbn = 978-1-891241-23-9}}
* {{cite book |author=Wall, Mick | authorlink=Mick Wall | year = 2012 | title = AC/DC: Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be | publisher= Orion Books | isbn = 978-1-4091-1535-9}}
{{refend}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{sisterlinks|d=Q27593|n=no|b=no|v=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|s=no}} {{Sister project links |wikt=yes |c=yes |n=no |q=yes |s=no |b=no |v=no |d=Q27593}}
* {{Official website}} * {{Official website}}
* {{AllMusic}}
* {{dmoz|/Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/A/AC-DC|AC/DC}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist|id=66c662b6-6e2f-4930-8610-912e24c63ed1|name=AC/DC}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist}}


{{AC/DC|state=uncollapsed}} {{AC/DC|state=uncollapsed}}
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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.

References

  1. ^ Kimball, Duncan. "AC/DC". Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975. Ice Productions. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  2. ^ Kimball, Duncan. "An Overview". Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975. Ice Productions. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  3. McFarlane 1999, entry for the Easybeats.
  4. McFarlane 1999, entry for the Masters Apprentices.
  5. McFarlane 1999, entry for Sherbet.
  6. McFarlane 1999, entry for Skyhooks.
  7. ^
  8. ^ Nimmervoll, Ed. "AC/DC". Howlspace – The Living History of Our Music. Archived from the original on 26 July 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2023. n.b. Incorrectly spells "Currenti" as "Kerrante".
  9. McFarlane, Ian (2017). "Marcus Hook Roll Band". Third Stone Press. Archived from the original on 1 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  10. McFarlane 1999, entry for Flash and the Pan.
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AC/DC
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