AC/DC - Rock 'n Roll from Down Under

Hailing from Australia, AC/DC could easily be the definition of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music genres.

The lead guitarist, co-founder and song writer - Angus Young is well remembered for his lyrics about sex, drugs and rock and roll. Furthermore, when choosing an image for him it would probably involve any number of his 'mooning' stage antics and schoolboy outfits! His blues-guitar is gravelly and his playing style tenacious.

Alongside their generally boisterous behavior and obscene lyrics, the band became one of the most anticipated touring rock bands (and touring they did and do plenty of) and has made them no other than one of the highest praised rock outfits in history.

Endless Platinum records and sell-out concerts are proof of their success over the years. Both Angus and his brother Malcolm were the co-founders of AC/DC, Scottish boys who moved with their family to Australia in the sixties. In 1973 the very first line-up was born - the two Young brothers, Bon Scott who was introduced as the vocalist, Phillip Rudd as their drummer and Mark Evans on bass guitar.

It took very little time for them to gain a devoted fan base Down Under, but their big success came after the release of 'Highway To Hell' in 1979. It was the first time that they broke into the American charts and going platinum.

With the success of their American chart position came the devastation of losing their vocalist Bon Scott, who tragically died choking on his own vomit after an evening of heavy alcohol consumption. It took a few months for the band to get back on their feet and recruit a new vocalist, this time Brian Johnson. Soon there after, their next album 'Back In Black' reached number 4 in the American charts and existed in the charts for nearly a year after its initial release.

Today, only Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' sold more copies, making 'Back In Black' the best selling rock 'n roll album ever - I guess you will agree that 'Thriller' is not really rock 'n roll :-)

Many platinum and gold LPs followed suit, with their first number one being 'For Those About To Rock, We Salute You'.

By the early nineties, AC/DC were world renowned for their power, energy and signature guitar chords. Their exceptional playing style and world wide performances led them to be include in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000, followed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. They continue to produce top-selling albums and their tours are always a sell-out.

AC/DC would probably be my favorite band if it weren't for a few things that happened earlier in my life (read story).

I love their guitar driven music; but what puts them over the top is Angus's showmanship. He moves like I moved when I was rockin between the speakers at our parties. I can see exactly why the audience enjoys the show so much.

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