Entertainment AC/DC: A Force in Heavy Metal History

The Australian heavy metal band AC/DC has left a lasting impression on the music world with their high-energy shows and head-banging anthems.
Formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973 by Angus and Malcolm Young, the band rose to international fame in the 1980s and has continued to rock fans over four decades.

• The Early Years

AC/DC started out as a blues-based band and quickly became popular in Australia in the mid-70s. In 1976, the Young brothers moved the band to London and found success with the release of "Let There Be Rock" in 1977. With Bon Scott on vocals, Phil Rudd on drums, Cliff Williams on bass, and the Young brothers on guitar, AC/DC solidified their lineup and released the critically acclaimed album "Highway to Hell" in 1979.

• Overcoming Tragedy and Continued Success

Tragically, Bon Scott died in 1980 due to alcohol-related causes. However, the band continued on with replacement Brian Johnson on vocals and went on to release the legendary album "Back in Black," which sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone. With Johnson's falsetto voice and AC/DC's tight, clean metal punch, the band reached new heights of success in the early to mid-1980s.

• A Legacy in Rock

AC/DC continued to rock fans throughout the 1990s and 2000s with hit albums such as "The Razor's Edge," "Ballbreaker," and "Stiff Upper Lip." In 2008, the band scored their first Billboard number one album with "Black Ice," and in 2010, they collected their first Grammy Award for the single "War Machine." Despite lineup changes and the challenges of aging, AC/DC remains a force in the heavy metal world. In 2014, founding member Malcolm Young retired due to dementia, and in 2016, Cliff Williams announced his retirement. Despite these changes, AC/DC continues to tour and entertain fans worldwide.

• Hall of Fame Induction

AC/DC's contributions to the music world were recognized in 2003 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Over four decades, the band has sold millions of albums, toured the world, and left a lasting impact on the heavy metal genre.
With their iconic sound, unforgettable live shows, and timeless anthems, AC/DC will forever be remembered as a legendary band in rock history.