The Origin of AC/DC
AC/DC, the iconic Australian rock band formed in 1973, is known for legendary hits like Highway to Hell and Thunderstruck. But have you ever wondered what their name actually stands for?
During the band’s early days, founding members Angus Young and his late brother Malcom, who tragically passed away in 2017, revealed the true meaning behind AC/DC: Alternating current/direct current.
While brainstorming for a name, their sister Margaret pointed to the AC/DC symbol on her sewing machine’s AC adapter, sparking the idea. The brothers felt it perfectly symbolized the raw energy and power-driven music performances of the band, thus giving birth to the name AC/DC.
The Journey of AC/DC
AC/DC rose to fame in 1975 with their debut studio album, High Voltage. Despite facing a tragedy with the death of their lead singer Bon Scott in 1979, the band persevered at the request of Scott’s parents and recruited Brian Johnson.
The release of the memorial album Back in Black in 1980, dedicated to Scott, became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Over the years, AC/DC’s lineup has evolved, with the band selling over 200 million records globally.
Recognition and Achievements
Aside from their commercial success, AC/DC has received numerous accolades, including induction into Australia’s ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988 and 10 Grammy Award nominations. They won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2010.
The band also holds two Guinness World Records, one for the Most Albums on the US Pop Catalogue Album Chart in 2008 and another for the Best-Selling Album by an Australian Group in 2013.
Legacy and Impact
AC/DC’s influence extends beyond their music, with hits like Highway to Hell making waves in the UK and the US charts. Their energy-packed performances and enduring legacy have solidified their place in rock history.
