ACDC: Did You Know?
Unplugged: Fun Facts and Untold Stories from the Legendary Career of AC/DC
When it comes to rock 'n' roll, few bands are as iconic as AC/DC. With their electrifying riffs, powerhouse vocals, and unforgettable stage presence, AC/DC has left an indelible mark on the music world. But behind the thundering guitars and stadium anthems, there are some lesser-known stories and fun facts about the band that even die-hard fans might not know. Let’s dive into some intriguing tidbits about AC/DC that highlight their journey from Australian pubs to global rock legends.
1. The Name AC/DC Came from a Sewing Machine
You might think that the name AC/DC—standing for "Alternating Current/Direct Current"—was chosen for its electrifying connotation, fitting for a rock band known for their high-voltage performances. But the truth is much more humble. The name was actually inspired by the label on the back of guitarist Angus Young's sister Margaret's sewing machine. The brothers thought it perfectly captured the band’s raw energy and power, and the rest is rock history.
2. Angus Young’s Schoolboy Outfit Has a Story
Angus Young’s schoolboy uniform has become one of the most recognizable outfits in rock history, but it didn’t start as a serious costume. In fact, it was his sister Margaret who suggested he wear it on stage. Before settling on the schoolboy look, Angus experimented with various other stage costumes, including a Zorro outfit, a gorilla suit, and even a Superman costume (dubbed "Super-Ang"). Eventually, the schoolboy uniform stuck, and it became a symbol of Angus's youthful energy and rebellious spirit.
3. Bon Scott Almost Didn’t Become the Lead Singer
Before joining AC/DC, Bon Scott was initially hesitant to become the band’s frontman. He had previously been a member of several other bands, including the pop band The Valentines and the blues-rock group Fraternity, but he was working as a chauffeur and had nearly given up on music altogether. However, after driving the Young brothers to a gig and seeing their potential, Bon couldn’t resist the pull of the stage. His raspy voice and wild persona would go on to define the band’s early sound.
4. Highway to Hell Was a Turning Point—and a Tragic One
“Highway to Hell” was the album that catapulted AC/DC to international fame, but it was also the last album Bon Scott would ever record. Released in 1979, the album was a commercial breakthrough, but just months later, in February 1980, Bon Scott tragically passed away at the age of 33. His death left the band’s future in doubt, but with the encouragement of Bon’s family, the band decided to carry on, leading to the recruitment of Brian Johnson as their new lead singer.
5. Back in Black Was a Tribute to Bon Scott
Following Bon Scott’s death, AC/DC faced the monumental task of recording a new album with their new frontman, Brian Johnson. The result was Back in Black, one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album’s all-black cover was a tribute to Scott, symbolizing the band’s mourning. Despite the somber circumstances, Back in Black became a defining moment for AC/DC, solidifying their place in rock history with hits like “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and the title track “Back in Black.”
6. Malcolm Young’s Secret Weapon: The “Gretsch Beast”
Malcolm Young, the band’s rhythm guitarist, was known for his tight, no-nonsense playing style, which formed the backbone of AC/DC’s sound. One of the secrets behind his powerful sound was his 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird guitar, affectionately nicknamed “The Beast.” Over the years, the guitar was heavily modified and stripped down to its bare essentials, with only one working pickup. Despite—or perhaps because of—its battered state, “The Beast” helped create some of the most iconic riffs in rock history.
7. They Played for Cows
In 2003, AC/DC’s concert at the SARS benefit in Toronto drew a crowd of over 500,000 people, but this wasn’t the largest "audience" they ever played for. That distinction goes to a rather unusual gig in 2008, when they performed at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires. The venue is situated near a livestock farm, and the band’s performance was so loud that it reportedly caused the cows to stop producing milk! While the story might be apocryphal, it’s a testament to the sheer power of AC/DC’s live shows.
8. The Bagpipes in “It’s a Long Way to the Top” Were Bon Scott’s Idea
One of AC/DC’s most distinctive tracks, “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll),” features the unlikely sound of bagpipes. This was Bon Scott’s idea, as he had learned to play the bagpipes during his time in a Scottish pipe band as a teenager. The inclusion of the bagpipes added a unique flair to the song and became one of the defining elements of the band’s early sound.
9. Their Music Was Once Used to Drive Away Pirates
In 2008, the Royal Navy used AC/DC’s music to deter Somali pirates from attacking their ships. The crew would blast songs like “Thunderstruck” and “Shoot to Thrill” at full volume to ward off potential attackers. Apparently, the pirates found the music so intimidating that they would turn away rather than engage. While it’s an unconventional use of rock music, it certainly speaks to the raw power and energy of AC/DC’s sound!
10. AC/DC Is the Ultimate Road Trip Band
In 2010, a study by the car rental company Avis found that AC/DC’s music was the most popular choice for road trip playlists. Their high-energy songs and driving rhythms make them the perfect soundtrack for long drives. “Highway to Hell,” in particular, topped the list as the ultimate road trip anthem.
The Legacy of AC/DC
AC/DC’s journey from the pubs of Sydney to the world’s biggest stages is a story of resilience, creativity, and sheer rock ‘n’ roll power. From their unforgettable riffs to their larger-than-life stage presence, they have left a lasting legacy in the music world. Whether it’s through their innovative use of bagpipes, their electrifying live performances, or their unwavering dedication to their craft, AC/DC continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. So, the next time you blast “Thunderstruck” on your speakers, remember that you’re not just listening to a song—you’re experiencing a piece of rock history.
One of the most iconic quotes from AC/DC comes from their hit song "Back in Black":
"Cause I'm back, yes I'm back, well I'm back in black."
This line symbolizes resilience, a triumphant return, and the enduring spirit of rock and roll. "Back in Black" was released after the death of their original lead singer, Bon Scott, and marked the band's powerful comeback with Brian Johnson as the new lead singer. The quote has since become synonymous with overcoming adversity and returning stronger than ever.
Another of their most famous and electrifying quotes comes from their anthem "Highway to Hell":
"I'm on the highway to hell."
This line captures the rebellious, no-holds-barred spirit of rock and roll that AC/DC is known for. It's a bold declaration of living life on your own terms, no matter the consequences, and has become one of the most iconic phrases in rock music history.