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AC/DC have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/22/1066631502999.html | title = Back to roots for AC/DC | work = ] |accessdate = 2008-05-02}}</ref> including 69 million albums in the United States.<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web | title = Top Selling Artists | work = ] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTopArt | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> '']'' has sold an estimated 42 million units worldwide<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Breakers and Trivia: Albums | work = EveryHit | url = http://www.everyhit.co.uk/recordalb.html | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> and 22 million in the United States alone,<ref name="riaa2">{{cite web | title = Top 100 Albums | work = ] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTop100 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> making it the second highest-selling album ever in the United States. AC/DC ranked fourth on ]'s list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock"<ref>{{cite web | title = 100 Greatest artists of hard rock | work = ] | url = http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and the seventh "Greatest Heavy Metal Band Of All Time" by ].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time | work = ] | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index8.jhtml | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> In 2004, the band was ranked number 72 in the ] list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. AC/DC have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/22/1066631502999.html | title = Back to roots for AC/DC | work = ] |accessdate = 2008-05-02}}</ref> including 69 million albums in the United States.<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web | title = Top Selling Artists | work = ] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTopArt | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> '']'' has sold an estimated 42 million units worldwide<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Breakers and Trivia: Albums | work = EveryHit | url = http://www.everyhit.co.uk/recordalb.html | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> and 22 million in the United States alone,<ref name="riaa2">{{cite web | title = Top 100 Albums | work = ] | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTop100 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> making it the second highest-selling album ever in the United States. AC/DC ranked fourth on ]'s list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock"<ref>{{cite web | title = 100 Greatest artists of hard rock | work = ] | url = http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and the seventh "Greatest Heavy Metal Band Of All Time" by ].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time | work = ] | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index8.jhtml | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> In 2004, the band was ranked number 72 in the ] list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.


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==History==
===Name and background===
Angus and Malcolm Young developed the idea for the band's name after seeing the acronym "AC/DC" on the back of a ] owned by their older sister, Margaret Young. "AC/DC" is an abbreviation for "]/]", which indicates that the electricity is being converted from alternating current (wall outlet) to direct current (sewing machine). The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band's raw energy, power-driven performances, and a love for their music.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://classicrock.about.com/od/artistsae1/p/ac_dc.htm | title = AC/DC | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = White | first = Dave | work = ] }}</ref><ref name="ddd">{{cite web | title = Band Name Origins | work = Digital Dream Door | url = http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/music0_name.html | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref><ref name="acdc.cc">{{cite web | title=AC/DC History | work=AC/DC - Bedlam in Belgium | url=http://www.ac-dc.cc | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref><ref name="ddd" /> "AC/DC" is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band is popularly known as "Acca Dacca" in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/16/1084646066908.html |title=Tracker to Acca Dacca |accessdate=2008-10-18 |accessmonthday= |accessdaymonth= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2004-05-17 |year= |month= |format= |work=The Age (theage.com.au) |publisher=Fairfax Digital |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=Tracker to Acca Dacca }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=11169 |title=AC/DC ACDC |accessdate=2008-10-18 |accessmonthday= |accessdaymonth= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2004-10-01 |year= |month= |format= |work=Only Melbourne (onlymelbourne.com.au) |publisher= |location= |pages=Melbourne, Australia |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=Its now rock'n'roll history after Melbourne discovered acca-dacca so did the rest of the world, going on to become one of the biggest bands in the world. }}</ref>

Brothers Angus, Malcolm, and ] were born in ], ], and moved to ] with most of their family in 1963. George was the first to learn to play the ]. He became a member of ], Australia's most successful band of the 1960s. In 1966, they became the first local rock act to have an international hit, with the song "]".<ref name=albertmusic>{{cite web | title = History of Albert Music | first = Glenn A. | last = Baker | url = http://www.albertmusic.com/history.htm | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title="Friday on my Mind" by The Easybeats | work = ] | url = http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=3046 | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> Malcolm followed in George's footsteps by playing with a ] band called The Velvet Underground (not to be confused with the New York-based ]).<ref name="cwalker">{{cite book | title=Highway to Hell: The Life and Times of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott | year=2001 | id=ISBN 1-891-24113-3 | author=Walker, Clinton | pages=pp. 128–133}}</ref>

===Early years: 1973–1974 (the Dave Evans era)===
In November 1973, Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC and recruited ] ], ] ], and ], ex-] ].<ref>{{cite web | title= Rock Snaps | work = ] | url = http://www.abc.net.au/arts/rocksnaps/photos/s33884.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> The band played their first gig at a club named Chequers in Sydney on New Year's Eve, 1973.<ref name="longwaytimeline">{{cite web | title = Long Way to the Top | work = ] | url = http://www.abc.net.au/longway/timeline/ | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> They were later signed to the EMI-distributed ] label for Australia and ]. The early line-up of the band changed often; ] was the first member fired, and several bassists and drummers passed through the band during the next year.

By this time, Angus Young had adopted his characteristic ] stage outfit. The original uniform was reputedly from his secondary school, ] in Sydney; the idea was his sister Margaret's. Angus had tried other costumes, such as ], ], a ], and a parody of ], named Super-Ang.<ref name="cwalker" /> In fact in its early days, most members of the band dressed in some form of glam or satin outfit but this approach was abandoned when it was discovered Melbourne band ] had already adopted this approach to their stage presentation.

The Young brothers decided that Evans was not a suitable frontman for the group, because they felt he was more of a ]er like ].<ref name="paulstenning">{{cite book | last=Stenning | first=Paul | coauthors=Rob Johnstone | year=2005 | month=November | title=AC/DC - Two Sides to Every Glory | publisher= Chrome Dreams | id=ISBN 1-8424-0308-7 | pages=32–34 }}</ref> On stage, Evans was occasionally replaced by the band's first ], Dennis Laughlin, who was the original lead singer with ] prior to ] joining the band. Evans had interpersonal problems with Laughlin, which also contributed to the band's ill feeling toward Evans.<ref name="paulstenning" /> Meanwhile ], an experienced vocalist and friend of George Young, was interested in becoming their vocalist.

===The Bon Scott era: 1974-1980===
<!-- ] links here -->
In September 1974, Bon Scott replaced Dave Evans. The band had recorded only one single with Evans, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl" / "Rockin' in the Parlour"; eventually, the song was re-recorded with Bon Scott as "]" (track #7 on the Australian album '']'', and #6 on the international release of '']'').

By January 1975, the Australia-only album '']'' had been recorded. It took only ten days<ref name="timeline">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdcrocks.com/TIMELINE_index.html | title = Timeline | work = AC/DC official website | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and was based on instrumental songs written by the Young brothers, with lyrics added by Scott. Within a few months, the band's line-up had stabilised, featuring Scott, the Young brothers, bassist ] and drummer ]. Later that year they released the single "]", which became their perennial rock anthem.<ref name="acdclane">{{cite news | first = Martin | last = Boulton | title = Laneway to the top for AC/DC | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/09/1094530766163.html | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> It was included on their second album, '']'', which was also released only in Australia and New Zealand. The album featured another classic song, "]".

{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{Listen
| filename = ACDC Itsalongway.ogg
| title = "It's a Long Way to the Top" (1975)
| description = The second single of '']'' demonstrates a combination of ] with more traditional rock instruments while the lyrics discuss the perils of being in a rock band.}}
{{sample box end}}

Between 1974 and 1977, aided by regular appearances on ]'s '']'', a nationally broadcast pop music television show, AC/DC became one of the most popular and successful acts in Australia. Their performance on 3 April 1977 was their last live TV appearance for over twenty years.<ref name="timeline" />

====International success: 1977–1980====
In 1976, the band signed an international deal with Atlantic Records, and toured extensively throughout ]. They gained invaluable experience of the stadium circuit, supporting leading hard rock acts such as ], ], ], ] and ], and co-headlined with ].<ref name="timeline" />

The first AC/DC album to gain worldwide distribution was a 1976 compilation of tracks taken from the ''High Voltage'' and ''T.N.T.'' LPs. Also titled '']'', and released on the Atlantic Records label, the album sold three million copies worldwide,<ref name="BiBBillboard">{{cite web | url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000947787 | title = ''Back In Black'' tips 21M mark | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Jeckell | first = Barry A. | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> partly due to its popularity with a British punk audience.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:rmf5zfohehak | title = AC/DC - High Voltage | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | first = Steve | last = Huey | work = ] }}</ref> The track selection was heavily weighted toward the more recent ''T.N.T.'', and included only two songs from their first LP. The band's next album, ''Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap'', was released in the same year in both ] and ] versions, like its predecessor. Track listings varied worldwide, and the international version of the album also featured "Rocker" from ''T.N.T.'' The original Australian version included "]" (now more readily available on the 1984 compilation EP '']'' or as a live version on the 1992 '']'' album). ''Dirty Deeds'' was not released in the US until 1981, by which time the band were at the peak of their popularity.

Following the 1977 recording '']'', bassist Mark Evans was sacked due to personal differences with Angus Young. He was replaced by ], who also provided backing vocals alongside ]. Neither of the Young brothers has elaborated on the departure of Evans, though Richard Griffiths, the CEO of ] and a booking agent for AC/DC in the mid-1970s, later commented, "You knew Mark wasn't going to last, he was just too much of a nice guy."<ref name="cwalker" />

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

AC/DC's first American exposure was through the ] radio station AM 600 WTAC in 1977. The station's manager, Peter C. Cavanaugh, booked the band to play at ]'s Capitol Theater. The supporting act was ], who had just briefly reunited and agreed to play at the event. The band opened with their popular song "]" and closed with "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)".<ref>{{cite web | title = Peter Cavanaugh | work = Wild Wednesday | url = http://wildwednesday.com/index.html | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref>

AC/DC came to be identified with the ] movement by the British press. Their reputation, however, managed to survive the punk upheavals of the late 1970s, and they maintained a ] in the UK throughout this time.<ref name="Bonfire" /> Angus Young gained notoriety for ] the audience during live performances.

The 1978 release of '']'' marked the debut of bassist Cliff Williams, and with its harder ], followed the blueprint set by ''Let There Be Rock''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:a2d7gjtrj6ip | title = AC/DC - Powerage | work = ] | first = Greg | last = Prato | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> Only one single was released for ''Powerage'', "]" and gave AC/DC the highest mark at the time, reaching #24. An appearance at the ] in ] during the ''Powerage'' tour was recorded and released as '']'', featuring such songs as "]", "]", and "]", as well as lesser-known album tracks like "]". The album was the last produced by ] and George Young with Bon Scott on vocals (although Vanda and Young later produced '']'') and is claimed to be AC/DC's most underrated album.<ref name="popmatters">{{cite web | url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-reissues2.shtml | title = Epic Records AC/DC Re-issues: Second Wave | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | author = Christopher, Michael | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref>

The band's sixth album, '']'', was produced by ] and released in 1979. It became the first AC/DC LP to break into the US top 100, eventually reaching #17,<ref name="timeline" /> and it propelled AC/DC into the top ranks of hard rock acts.<ref name="Bonfire" /> ''Highway to Hell'' put increased emphasis on backing vocals but still featured AC/DC's signature sound: loud, simple, pounding riffs and grooving backbeats.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:exfm968o3ep3 | title = AC/DC - Highway to Hell | work = ] | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> The final track, "]", has two breaths in quick succession at the start of the song, intended to create a tone of fear and loathing.<ref name="Bonfire" />

====Scott's death: 1980====
{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{Listen
| filename = ACDC NightProwler.ogg
| title = "Night Prowler" (1979)
| description = "]" contains all the new elements of '']''. The song finishes with Bon Scott saying the ]' famous catch phrase, "Shazbot, Nanu Nanu!", from the TV show ].<ref>{{cite web | title = "Night Prowler" by AC/DC | url = http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1179 | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref>}}
{{sample box end}}

On 19 February 1980, Bon Scott passed out after a night of heavy drinking in ], and was left in a car owned by an acquaintance named Alistair Kinnear. The following morning, Kinnear rushed him to ] Hospital in ], where Scott was pronounced dead on arrival. Although ] claims that ] of ] was the cause of Scott's death, the official cause was listed as "]" and "death by misadventure".<ref name="BScottDeath">{{cite news | first = Richard | last = Jinman | title = 25 years on, AC/DC fans recall how wild rocker met his end | url = http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,11711,1418115,00.html | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> Scott's family buried him in ], the area to which they had emigrated when he was a child.<ref>{{cite web | title = Bon's Highway leads to the National Trust | date = ] | accessdate = 2007-12-09 | work = Metropolitan Cemeteries Board | url = http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/MCBNews/mediaRel.html }}</ref>

Inconsistencies in the official accounts of Scott's death have been cited in ], which suggest that Scott died of a ] overdose, or was killed by exhaust fumes redirected into the car, or that Kinnear did not exist.<ref name="BScottDeath" /> Additionally, Scott was ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/A/Acdc/1997/11/22/742716.html | title = AC/DC lights a Bonfire in tribute | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Stevenson | first = Jane | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> and the temperature was below freezing on the morning of his death.

===The Brian Johnson era: 1980-present===
Following Scott's death, the band briefly considered quitting; they eventually concluded, however, that Scott would have wanted AC/DC to continue, and various candidates were considered for his replacement including Buzz Shearman, ex-] member, who was not able to join due to vocal problems,<ref>{{cite web | title= Moxy Bio | work= CANOE JAM! MUSIC - Pop Encyclopedia |url= http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Pop_Encyclopedia/M/Moxy.html}}</ref> and ex-] vocalist ], who turned down this opportunity when he decided not to join an established band and instead started a solo career. The remaining AC/DC members finally decided on ex-Geordie singer ].

Angus Young later recalled, "I remember Bon playing me ], and then telling me the story of when he saw Brian singing." He says about that night, "There's this guy up there screaming at the top of his lungs and then the next thing you know he hits the deck. He's on the floor, rolling around and screaming. I thought it was great, and then to top it off—you couldn't get a better encore—they came in and wheeled the guy off!'"<ref>] interview, 16 November 2003. See the transcript and . Retrieved on 2 August 2008</ref> Later that night, Johnson would be diagnosed with ], which was the cause of his writhing around on stage.<ref name="RS-HOF">{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/articles/story/5937459/rock_and_roll_hall_of_fame_2003_acdc | title = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2003: AC/DC | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Crandall | first = Bill | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref>

For the audition, Johnson sang "]" from '']'', and ]'s "]".<ref name="acdc.cc" /> He was hired a few days after the audition.

With Brian Johnson the band completed the songwriting that they had begun with Bon Scott for the album '']''. Recording took place at ] in the ] a few months after Scott's death. ''Back in Black'', produced by ] and recorded by ], became their biggest-selling album and a hard-rock landmark; hits include "]", "]", and the title track "]". The album was certified platinum a year after its release,<ref name="BiBBillboard" /> and by 2006 it had sold more than 22 million copies in the United States.<ref name="riaa2" /> The album reached #1 in the UK and #4 in the US, where it spent 131 weeks in the top ten<ref name="timeline" />, making it the fifth highest-selling album ever in the US.

The follow-up album, 1981's '']'', also sold well and was positively received by critics. The album featured two of the band's most popular singles: "Let's Get It Up"<ref name=everyhit>{{cite web | title= EveryHit | url = http://www.everyhit.com | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> and the title track, "]", which reached #13 and #15 in the UK, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1183 | title = "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" by AC/DC | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> The band split with Lange for their self-produced 1983 album, '']'', in an effort to recover the rawness and simplicity of their early albums.<ref name="flickof">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:tzaxqjkboj6a | title = AC/DC - Flick of the Switch | work = ] | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref>

====Departure of Rudd and commercial decline: 1983–1987====
{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{multi-listen start}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename =ACDC - Back In Black-sample.ogg
| title = "Back in Black" (1980)
| description = "]'s ] is one of the most recognised in hard rock history.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/a/acdc-back.shtml | title = Back in Black (remastered edition) | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Williams | first = Adam | date = ] | work = ]}}</ref> The song ranked #187 on '']'''s list of ] and reached #37 in the US}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename = ACDC LetsGetItUp.ogg
| title = "Let's Get it up" (1981)
| description = '']'' received criticism for ]d lyrics, slower tempos, and an ] sound.<ref name="popmatters" /> However, it was one of the band's biggest hits, reaching #13 on the UK charts and #44 in the US}}
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Amid rumours of ] and drug-induced ], drummer ]'s friendship with Malcolm Young deteriorated and, after a long period of unfriendliness, the men's dislike for each other grew so strong that they fought. Rudd was fired two hours after the fight.<ref name="acdc.cc" /> Although Rudd had finished most of the drum tracks for their next album, he was replaced by ] after the band held an anonymous audition.

With the new line-up, the band released a less successful album, the self-produced '']'', which was considered underdeveloped and unmemorable.<ref name="flickof" /> One critic stated that the band "had made the same album nine times".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/174854/review/5945613/flick_of_the_switch | title = AC/DC: Flick of the Switch | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Fricke | first = David | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> AC/DC was voted the eighth-biggest disappointment of the year in the 1984 '']'' readers' poll. However, ''Flick of the Switch'' eventually reached #4 on the UK charts,<ref name="acdc.cc" /> and AC/DC had minor success with the singles "]" and "]". '']'', produced by the Young brothers in 1985, was also regarded as uninspired and directionless.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:e2jp7iajg7dr | title = AC/DC - Fly on the Wall | work = ] | first = Steve | last = Huey | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> A music concept video of ] featured the band at a bar, playing five of the album's ten songs.

In 1986, the group returned to the charts with the made-for-radio "]". The album '']'' was the soundtrack to ]'s film '']'', and is the closest the band has come to releasing a "]" collection, which AC/DC has always refused to do.<ref name="popmatters" /> It brought together older hits, such as "]" and "]", with newer songs such as title track "Who Made Who", and two new instrumentals, "D.T." and "Chase the Ace".

In February 1988, AC/DC were inducted into the ]'s ].<ref>{{cite web | title = ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame | work = ] | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/hall-of-fame.htm |accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref>

====Renewed popularity: 1987–2000====
AC/DC's 1988 album, '']'', was recorded at Miraval Studio in Le Val, France, and reunited the band with their original producers, ] and ]. The group recorded nineteen songs, choosing ten for the final release; though the album was later criticised for containing excessive "]",<ref name="blowup">{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:tye097b7kr5t | title = AC/DC - Blow Up your Video | work = ] | first = Greg | last = Prato | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> it was a commercial success. ''Blow Up Your Video'' sold more copies than the previous two studio releases combined, and reached #2 on the UK charts—AC/DC's highest position since "Back in Black" in 1980. The album featured the UK top-twenty single "]",<ref name=everyhit /> and popular songs such as "That's the Way I Wanna Rock and Roll". The ''Blow Up Your Video'' World Tour began in February 1988, in ], Australia. That April, following live appearances across Europe, ] announced that he was taking time off from touring, principally to begin recovery from his alcoholism. Another member of the Young family, ], temporarily took Malcolm's place.

{{Sound sample box align right|Audio samples:}}
{{multi-listen start}}
{{multi-listen item
| filename = ACDC BigGun.ogg
| title = "Big Gun" (1993)
| description = "]" was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie '']'' and was produced by ], giving AC/DC the characteristic hard rock sound with harder riffs than the last albums. It reached #65 in the US and was the first AC/DC single to reach #1 in the ] ].}}
{{multi-listen item
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| title = "Stiff Upper Lip" (2000)
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Following the tour, Wright left the group to work on the upcoming ] album '']'', and was replaced by session veteran ]. Johnson was unavailable for several months while finalising his divorce,<ref name="acdc.cc" /> so the Young brothers wrote all the songs for the next album, a practice they continued for all subsequent releases until ] in 2008. The new album, '']'', was recorded in ], Canada and produced by ], who had previously worked with ] and ]. Released in 1990, it was a major comeback for the band, and included the hits "]" and "]", which reached #5 and #16 respectively on ]'s ] Chart, and "]", which peaked at #23 on the ].<ref name=everyhit /> The album went ] and reached the US top ten. Several shows on the Razors Edge tour were recorded for the 1992 live album, titled '']''. ''Live'' was produced by Fairbairn, and is considered one of the best live albums of the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kcfixqw5ld0e | title = AC/DC - AC/DC Live | work = ] | first = Barry | last = Weber | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> A year later, AC/DC recorded "]" for the soundtrack of the ] movie '']'', and was released as a single, reaching #1 on the US ] chart, the band's first #1 single on that chart.<ref name="timeline" />

In 1994, Angus and Malcolm invited Rudd to several ]s. He was eventually rehired to replace Slade, whose amicable departure arose in part due to the band's strong desire to again work with Rudd. In 1995, with the 1980-83 line-up back together, the group released '']'', recorded at the ] in ], and produced by ]. The first single from the album was "]". Two more singles were released from the album: "]" and "]".

In 1997, a ] named '']'' was released. It contained four albums; a ]ed version of ''Back in Black''; '']'' (a disc with alternate takes, outtakes, and stray live cuts) and two live albums, '']'' and '']''. ''Live from the Atlantic Studios'' was recorded on 7 December 1977 at the Atlantic Studios in ]. ''Let There Be Rock: The Movie'' was a ] recorded in 1979 at The Pavillon in ], and was the soundtrack of a motion picture, '']''. The US version of the box set included a colour booklet, a two-sided poster, a sticker, a temporary tattoo, a keychain bottle opener, and a guitar pick.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc-discography.com/CDBoxSets.html | title = Boxsets | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | work = AC/DC discography }}</ref>

====Recent events: 2000–2008====
In 2000, the band released their fourteenth studio album, '']'', produced by brother ] at the Warehouse Studio, again in Vancouver. The album was better received by critics than ''Ballbreaker'', but was considered lacking in new ideas.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/acdc/albums/album/198241/review/5941859/stiff_upper_lip | title = AC/DC: Stiff Upper Lip | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Wild | first = David | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:ls90s35la3zg | title = AC/DC - Stiff Upper Lip | work = ] | first = Stephen Thomas | last = Erlewine | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> The Australian release included a bonus disc with three promotional videos and several live performances recorded in ] in 1996. ''Stiff Upper Lip'' reached #1 in five countries, including ] and Germany; #2 in three countries, Spain, France and ]; #3 in Australia; #5 in Canada and ]; and #7 in ], the US and ]. The first single, "]", remained at #1 on the US Mainstream Rock charts for four weeks.<ref name="timeline" /> The other singles released also did very well; "]" and "]" reached #7 and #31 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, respectively.

In 2002, AC/DC signed a long-term, multi-album deal with ],<ref>{{cite web | date = ] | title = AC/DC Sign big contract with Sony | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | work= ] | url = http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2002/12/0608.cfm }}</ref> who went on to release a series of ]ed albums as part of their ] series. Each release contained an expanded ], featuring rare photographs, memorabilia, and notes.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:bx8m963o3epc~T2 | title = AC/DC - Discography | work = ] | first = Ed | last = Rivadavia | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> In 2003, the entire back-catalogue (except '']'' and ''Stiff Upper Lip'') was remastered and re-released. ''Ballbreaker'' was eventually re-released in October 2005; ''Stiff Upper Lip'' was later rereleased in April 2007.

On 30 July 2003 the band performed with ] and ] at ]. The concert, held before an audience of half a million, was intended to help the city overcome the negative publicity stemming from the effects of a 2003 ] ]. The concert holds the record for the largest paid ] in North American history.<ref>{{cite news | date = ] | url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/07/30/concert_opener030730.html | title = Stones rock out at Toronto's 'biggest party' | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref> The band came second in a list of Australia's highest-earning entertainers for 2005,<ref>{{cite news | first = Daniel | last = Ziffer | title = Wiggles wriggle back into top spot | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/wiggles-wriggle-back-into-top-spot/2006/04/12/1144521401699.html | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 }}</ref> and sixth for 2006,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/a-wobble-but-the-wiggles-still-rule/2007/07/17/1184559786837.html | title = A wobble, but the Wiggles still rule | work = ] | date = ] | first = Emily | last = Dunn | accessdate = 2007-08-17}}</ref> despite having neither toured since 2003 nor released an album since 2000. ] has gained the rights to release AC/DC's full albums and the entire '']'' concert to download in 2008.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0136768220070802 | title = AC/DC goes digital via Verizon wireless | work = ] | date = ] | first = Antony | last = Bruno | accessdate = 2007-08-17}}</ref>

On 16 October 2007, ] released a double and triple DVD titled '']''. The set consists of 5 and 7 hours of rare footage, and even a recording of AC/DC at a high school performing "]", "]", "]", and "]". As with '']'', disc one contains rare shows of the band with Bon Scott, and disc two is about the Brian Johnson era. The collector's edition contains an extra DVD with 21 more rare performances of both Scott and Johnson and more interviews.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/08-24-2007/0004650891&EDATE=FRI+Aug+24+2007,+08:05+AM | date = ] | title = ''Plug Me In'' press release | work = ] | accessdate = 2007-09-02}}</ref>

AC/DC made their video game debut on '']'', with "]" included as a playable track.<ref>http://www.rockband2.com/song-list</ref> It has been confirmed that the setlist from their ''Live at Donington'' live album will be released as playable songs for the ''Rock Band'' series by means of a retail disc titled '']''.

''No Bull: The Directors Cut'', a newly edited, comprehensive Blu-Ray and DVD of the band's July 1996 Plaza De Toros de las Ventas concert in ], Spain, was released on 9 September 2008.<ref name="No Bull:The Directors Cut">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=22 | title = AC/DC Releases 'No Bull: The Directors Cut | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-09-17 | date = ]}}</ref>

On 18 August 2008, ] announced the 18 October Australian release, and 20 October worldwide release, of AC/DC's sixteenth studio album '']''. The 15-track album is the band's first studio release in eight years, and was produced by ]. Like ''Stiff Upper Lip'', it was recorded at the Warehouse Studio in ], ]. ''Black Ice'' will be sold in the US exclusively at ] and ] and the band's official website.<ref name="Black Ice">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=19 | title = AC/DC's 'Black Ice' Set For Release 20 October | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-08-18 | date = ]}}</ref>

"Rock 'n' Roll Train", the album's first single, was released to radio on 28 August. On 15 August, AC/DC recorded a video for a song from the new album in London with a special selection of fans getting the chance to be in the video.<ref name="New video shoot">{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=18 | title = AC/DC wants YOU for their new video | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | date = ]}}</ref> The video premiered on AC/DC.com on 18 September 2008. AC/DC are set to kick off their first world tour since 2001 in late October 2008. The single is now the background music to the band's website.

The 18 month ] supporting the new album was announced on September 11 and will begin on October 28 in ].<ref name="Black Ice World Tour">{{{cite web | url = http://www.acdc.com/news/news.php?uid=24 | title = AC/DC Announce 'Black Ice' World Tour | work = AC/DC.com | accessdate = 2008-09-17 | date = ]}}</ref> They have announced 42 dates in North America between October and end in Nashville, TN on January 31, 2009. Dates for South America, Australia, Europe and Asia are expected to be announced later this year.

On 15 September 2008, AC/DC Radio debuted on ] channel 29 and ] channel 53. The exclusive 24/7, limited engagement channel plays classics like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black”, preview tracks from their upcoming release, ''Black Ice'', and feature exclusive interviews with the band members, who share their personal insights into their music and careers, spanning more than 30 years. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sirius.com/acdcradio | title = AC/DC TO HOST THEIR OWN EXCLUSIVE MUSIC CHANNEL ON SIRIUS AND XM | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-09-12 }}</ref>

With the North American release of ''Black Ice'' on October 20th 2008, Columbia Records and Walmart created "Rock Again AC/DC Stores" with the album ''Black Ice'' holding centre stage. It was the first time in the history of Walmart that such a large area of floor space was designated to celebrate the release of a new album. In October 2008, MTV along with Wal Mart and Columbia Records created "AC/DC Rock Band Stores" in ], at ], and ]. "Black Ice" trucks were also dispatched on the streets of these two cities after the release of ''Black Ice'', playing AC/DC music aloud and making various stops each day to sell merchandise.<ref>http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2008/10/17/acdcs_black_ice_rocks_into_walmart.htm</ref>

===Recognition===
]

AC/DC were inducted into the ] in March 2003. During the ceremony the band performed "]" and "]", with guest vocals provided by host ] of ]. He described the band's ]s as "the thunder from down under that gives you the second-most-powerful surge that can flow through your body."<ref>{{cite news | title = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame open doors | work = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/11/rock.hall.fame.ap/index.html }}</ref> During the acceptance speech, ] quoted their 1977 song "Let There Be Rock".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12027761 | title = AC/DC, The Clash, The Police And Others Inducted Into Hall Of Fame | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | last = Johnson| first = Billy | date = ] | work = ]}}</ref>

In May 2003, Malcolm Young accepted a Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the 2003 Music Winners Awards, during which he paid special tribute to Bon Scott.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.apra.com.au/awards/music/media_releases/03-music_award_winners_announced.asp | title = 2003 Music Winners Awards Announced | work = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-02}}</ref>

On 1 October 2004, a central ] thoroughfare, Corporation Lane, was renamed in honour of the band. However, the ] forbade the use of the ] character in street names, so the four letters were combined.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=228&pg=715&st=191 | title = Next stage in AC/DC Lane proposal wins in-principle support | accessdate = 2008-08-02 | date = ] | work = ] }}</ref> The lane is near ] where, on the back of a truck, the band recorded their video for the 1975 hit "]".<ref name="acdclane" /> Additionally, a street in ] (Comunidad de Madrid), Spain was named "Calle de AC/DC" on 2 March 2000.<ref name="acdclane" /><ref>{{cite news | first = Iván | last = Estarás | title = AC/DC trajo 'de calle' a centenares de fans | work = ] | date = ] | language = Spanish }}</ref>

Since ] began to track music sales in ], AC/DC has sold over 26.4 million albums, making their sales figures second only to ], outselling both ] and ]. Over the last five years, as ] sales have declined in general, AC/DC albums have sold just as well or better. They have sold over 1.3 million CDs in the United States during ], despite not releasing any new material since 2000. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/arts/music/12levi.html?pagewanted=print</ref>

In 2005, the ] upgraded the group's US sales figures from 63 million to 69 million, making AC/DC the fifth-best-selling band in US history and the tenth best selling artist, selling more albums than ], ] and ].<ref name="riaa1" /> The RIAA also certified ''Back in Black'' as double Diamond (twenty million) in US sales, and by 2007 the album had sold 22 million copies, which moved it into fifth place.<ref name="riaa2" />


==Band members== ==Band members==

Revision as of 22:55, 26 October 2008

For other uses, see the band.
AC/DC
Musical artist

AC/DC are an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Although the band are considered pioneers of heavy metal, its members have always classified their music as "rock 'n' roll".

AC/DC underwent several line-up changes before releasing their first album, High Voltage, in 1975. Membership remained stable until bassist Mark Evans was replaced by Cliff Williams in 1977. In 1979, the band recorded their highly successful album Highway to Hell. Lead singer and co-songwriter Bon Scott died on 19 February 1980, after a night of heavy alcohol consumption. The group briefly considered disbanding, but soon ex-Geordie singer Brian Johnson was selected as Scott's replacement. Later that year, the band released their best-selling album, Back in Black.

The band's next album, For Those About to Rock We Salute You, was also highly successful and was their first album to reach number one in the United States. AC/DC declined in popularity soon after the departure of drummer Phil Rudd in 1983. Poor record sales continued until the release of The Razors Edge in 1990. Phil Rudd returned in 1994 and contributed to the band's 1995 album Ballbreaker. Stiff Upper Lip was released in 2000 and was well-received by critics. The band's new album Black Ice was announced in June 2008 and was released on 20 October 2008.

AC/DC have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, including 69 million albums in the United States. Back in Black has sold an estimated 42 million units worldwide and 22 million in the United States alone, making it the second highest-selling album ever in the United States. AC/DC ranked fourth on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" and the seventh "Greatest Heavy Metal Band Of All Time" by MTV. In 2004, the band was ranked number 72 in the Rolling Stone list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

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Band members

Main article: List of AC/DC members

Former members

Discography

Main article: AC/DC discography

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by AC/DC

See also

References

  1. Dale Hoiberg, ed. (2007-09-24). "AC/DC". Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite (2008 ed.). ISBN 1-59339-292-3. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. Dale Hoiberg, ed. (2007-09-24). "heavy metal". Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite (2008 ed.). ISBN 1-59339-292-3. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. Engleheart, Murray (1997-11-18). AC/DC - Bonfire. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. "AC/DC Completes Recording New Album". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2008-04-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. "Back to roots for AC/DC". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  6. "Top Selling Artists". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  7. "Record Breakers and Trivia: Albums". EveryHit. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
  8. "Top 100 Albums". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  9. "100 Greatest artists of hard rock". VH1. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  10. "The Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time". MTV. Retrieved 2008-08-02.

Further reading

  • Dome, Malcolm (1982). AC/DC. Proteus Books. ISBN 0-862-76011-9.
  • Bunton, Richard (1983). AC/DC: Hell Ain't No Bad Place to Be. Omnibus Books. ISBN 0-711-90082-5.
  • Holmes, Tim (1986). AC/DC (Monsters of Metal). Ballantine. ISBN 0-345-33239-3.
  • Huxley, Martin (1996). AC/DC: The World's Heaviest Rock. Lightning Source Inc. ISBN 0-312-30220-7.
  • Stenning, Paul (2005). AC/DC: Two Sides to Every Glory. Chrome Dreams. ISBN 1-842-40308-7.

External links

AC/DC
Studio albums
Compilations
Live albums
EPs
Soundtracks
Singles
Video albums
Tours
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