The Australian group AC/DC virtually invented hard rock with its aggressive, confrontational sound, wild stage theatrics and rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Known for wearing private school uniforms on stage, AC/DC has weathered lineup changes, controversy over their image and lyrics, the tragic death of frontman Bon Scott, and constantly changing musical trends to become one of the top international rock acts of the past quarter century. By the late 1990s, the group had sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.
AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia in late 1973 by guitarist brothers Malcolm and Angus Young; by early 1975 the band's membership stabilized with a lineup consisting of the Youngs, vocalist Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans and drummer Phil Rudd. Now based out of Melbourne, AC/DC first gained nationwide attention with the release of their 1974 debut album, High Voltage.
They consolidated their growing Australian following with 1976's TNT, the album that also won over their first European and American fans. Later that year Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap came out, and was supported with the group's first ever U.K. and European tours.
Following the release of 1977's hit Let There Be Rock, AC/DC launched their first U.S. tour, winning over fans throughout America with their energetic live shows. After replacing Evans with bassist Cliff Williams, the group returned with Aerosmith to support the release of 1978's Powerage. Also in 1978 came the live document If You Want Blood (You've Got It), which exposed the band's growing international following to the energy of their live performances.
Thanks to the group's constant touring, as well as radio play of the single "Highway to Hell," AC/DC's 1979 breakthrough release Highway to Hell reached the U.S. Top 20 and U.K. Top 10, going gold in France and Canada. Tragically, just as the group seemed poised for stardom, frontman Bon Scott died in London on February 19, 1980 after a night of heavy drinking, choking to death on his own vomit.
Though things seemed grim, AC/DC elected to press on, bringing in ex-Geordie vocalist Brian Johnson in time to record 1980's Back in Black with Robert "Mutt" Lange. The album reached No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 3 in the U.S. (where it sold more than 10 million copies), spawning the hit single "You Shook Me All Night Long" and prompting a re-release of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap to enter the U.S. Top 10. Building on their momentum, AC/DC returned in 1981 with the smash hit For Those About to Rock - We Salute You, after which Phil Rudd was replaced by drummer Simon Wright.
Following the release of the 1983 Top 10 hit Flick of the Switch, AC/DC went through a period of hardship, with record sales declining and controversy following the group in the U.S., where the Religious Right condemned the rebellious group and called for a boycott of their albums.
In 1989 Simon Wright left AC/DC to join Dio and was replaced by drummer Chris Slade. The following year the group made a comeback with The Razor's Edge, produced by Bruce Fairbairn, who was responsible for Aerosmith's comeback. The Razor's Edge reached No. 2 in the U.S., earning a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock. 1995's Ballbreaker, which featured the return of drummer Phil Rudd, debuted at No. 4 in the U.S. and sold millions of copies, demonstrating that after more than 20 years, AC/DC remains popular worldwide.
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