Explore the Blog

AC/DC: Full History of Iconic Band Lineups

Posted by:

Nathan Thompson

|

On:

|

Introduction

For over 50 years, AC/DC has established themselves as one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Known for their razor-sharp riffs, high-energy performances, and rebellious attitude, AC/DC rose to fame in the 1970s and has sold over 200 million albums worldwide.

The Australian rockers were formed in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. With their blistering guitars and Bon Scott’s gritty vocals, AC/DC forged a powerful sound that laid the foundations for heavy metal. Songs like "Highway to Hell," "Hells Bells," and "Back in Black" epitomized their loud, raw, and risky rock and roll spirit.

AC/DC weathered the tragic death of original lead singer Bon Scott in 1980, and emerged even stronger with Brian Johnson taking over vocals. Through multiple lineup changes over the decades, the Young brothers anchored AC/DC as one of the most consistent and enduring bands in rock. Their longevity is a testament to the band’s uncompromising musical vision.

This article will explore the complete history of AC/DC’s band members over their illustrious career. From the original lineup to their current incarnation, we’ll learn about the legendary musicians who have been part of this iconic group. Discover the stories behind the band’s formation, key eras, and lineup changes that make up the epic rock and roll saga of AC/DC.

The Original AC/DC Lineup

The original AC/DC lineup formed in 1973 in Sydney, Australia and consisted of several founding members who shaped the band’s early sound and success.

  • Angus Young on lead guitar. Angus quickly became known for his schoolboy uniform look and high energy performances. His lead guitar skills were central to AC/DC’s sound.

  • Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar. As Angus’ older brother, Malcolm was a key force in starting AC/DC and wrote many of their early songs. His rhythm guitar style gave the band its powerful, driving hard rock sound.

  • Dave Evans as the original lead vocalist. Though his time with AC/DC was brief, Evans was the band’s first frontman and sang on some of their earliest recordings.

  • Larry Van Kriedt on bass guitar. He was part of AC/DC’s first concerts and recordings in 1973 but was soon replaced by Mark Evans.

  • Colin Burgess on drums. Recruited by the Young brothers, Burgess provided a strong, forceful backbone during AC/DC’s formative period before being replaced by Phil Rudd.

This original five-piece lineup recorded AC/DC’s debut single "Can I Sit Next To You, Girl" and paved the way for the band’s success before various lineup changes occurred starting in 1974. But the founding members, especially Angus and Malcolm Young, established AC/DC’s musical core that carried forward.

The Bon Scott Era (1974-1980)

Bon Scott replaced Dave Evans as the lead vocalist of AC/DC in 1974, ushering in a new era for the Australian rock band. Scott’s gritty, blues-inflected vocals defined the sound of classic AC/DC and were a key ingredient in the band’s rise from humble beginnings to international stardom.

With a rowdy stage presence and rebellious persona, Scott was the perfect frontman for AC/DC’s high energy shows. His lyrics often focused on sex, drinking, and rock and roll, delivered with a raspy, powerful voice. Songs like "It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock ‘n’ Roll)," "Highway to Hell," and "T.N.T." showcased Scott’s vocal talents.

Some of AC/DC’s most acclaimed albums were recorded during Scott’s tenure from 1974 to 1980. High Voltage (1975) and T.N.T. (1975) first established the band’s hard rock sound. Let There Be Rock (1977) and Highway to Hell (1979) saw them refine this formula while growing more popular internationally.

Producer Mutt Lange helped create AC/DC’s signature sound by capturing the rawness and energy of the band’s live performances in the studio. Back In Black, released shortly after Scott’s death, was a tribute to the late frontman and became AC/DC’s biggest breakthrough album.

Scott’s years with AC/DC ended tragically when he died in 1980 at the age of 33 after a night of heavy drinking. But his iconic voice and dynamic stage presence played a major role in shaping the band’s identity and influencing generations of rock vocalists to come. The Bon Scott era marked the beginning of AC/DC’s rise to fame.

The Brian Johnson Era (1980-2016)

Brian Johnson became the new lead singer of AC/DC in 1980 after the tragic death of Bon Scott. Johnson was chosen because his powerful, wailing vocal style was similar to Scott’s, which helped maintain continuity for the band’s sound.

With Johnson, AC/DC released their seminal album Back in Black in 1980, which went on to become one of the best-selling albums in music history. Key songs like "Hells Bells," "Shoot to Thrill," and "Back in Black" showed that AC/DC could carry on successfully without Scott. Johnson’s debut with the band on this album was an unmitigated success.

Throughout the 80s and 90s, AC/DC continued releasing hit albums and embarking on massive world tours with Johnson as frontman. He sang on classic albums like For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981), Flick of the Switch (1983), Blow Up Your Video (1988), The Razors Edge (1990), and Ballbreaker (1995).

Some of Johnson’s most iconic live performances with AC/DC came on their record-setting 1991 Razors Edge world tour, which featured their popular song "Thunderstruck." Over 2 million people attended the tour’s 194 shows across 5 continents. It cemented Johnson’s status as a worthy successor to Bon Scott.

Johnson remained AC/DC’s vocalist for over 3 decades, appearing on albums like Stiff Upper Lip (2000), Black Ice (2008), and Rock or Bust (2014). However, in 2016 he had to step away from touring due to worsening hearing loss, leading to Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose filling in as vocalist for the remainder of the Rock or Bust tour dates. But Johnson was far from finished with the band.

The Axl Rose Fill-In (2016)

In 2016, lead singer Brian Johnson was forced to stop touring with AC/DC due to hearing loss issues. This left the band in need of a new lead vocalist to complete their Rock or Bust World Tour.

In stepped Axl Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses. Rose agreed to take over lead vocal duties for AC/DC’s remaining tour dates. This allowed the band to finish the tour and perform for their legions of fans.

Axl Rose brought his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence to AC/DC’s live shows. Though different from Brian Johnson, Rose had the vocal range to handle AC/DC’s catalog. He even wore a hat as a nod to Johnson’s trademark newsboy cap on stage.

The collaboration was well received by audiences. And Angus Young later praised Rose for stepping in, calling him "a real team player."

Rose’s stint fronting AC/DC was temporary, lasting only until the end of the tour in 2016. But it allowed the band to honor their commitments without Johnson. It also gave fans a unique chance to see a rock supergroup pairing that they likely won’t see again.

The Current AC/DC Lineup

The current lineup of AC/DC consists of several iconic longtime members along with one newer addition filling in a crucial role.

  • Angus Young remains as AC/DC’s lead guitarist, a position he has held since the band’s inception. Known for his schoolboy outfit and high energy performances, the 67-year-old Angus Young is the sole remaining original member of AC/DC. His iconic guitar solos and riffs are a core part of the AC/DC sound.

  • Brian Johnson is back on lead vocals after being forced to leave AC/DC’s 2016 tour midway due to hearing issues. Now using specialized in-ear monitors to protect his hearing, the 75-year-old Johnson rejoined the band to record their 2020 album Power Up. His powerful vocals have been AC/DC’s signature sound since he joined following Bon Scott’s death in 1980.

  • Phil Rudd returns on drums after taking a multi-year hiatus from the band due to legal troubles. Now 68 years old, Rudd first joined AC/DC in 1975 and his steady, pounding drumming defined the band’s classic rhythm section alongside Malcolm Young and Cliff Williams.

  • Filling in the crucial rhythm guitar role is Stevie Young, nephew of Malcolm Young. After Malcolm’s retirement from the band in 2014 due to health issues, Stevie stepped in to continue the Young family presence. Though not an original member, Stevie has proven a capable replacement keeping Malcolm’s rhythm guitar style alive.

This current lineup of seasoned veterans has shown they can still conjure up that classic AC/DC magic, as evidenced by the success of their 2020 comeback album Power Up. With Angus Young still going strong as AC/DC’s musical nucleus, the band has continued persevering despite the inevitable lineup changes that have occurred over its nearly 50-year run.

Other Notable Former Members

Simon Wright joined AC/DC as the drummer in 1983 after Phil Rudd’s departure. He first appeared on the album Flick of the Switch. Simon brought a dynamic and hard-hitting playing style to the band. He remained AC/DC’s drummer through the rest of the 80s, playing on albums like Fly on the Wall, Blow Up Your Video, and The Razors Edge. After 6 years with the band, Simon left AC/DC in 1989.

Chris Slade stepped in as the new drummer after Simon Wright’s departure in 1989. He first appeared on the Razors Edge album. Chris brought over 20 years of experience drumming for other rock bands to AC/DC. He toured extensively with the band and appeared on their 1990 live album. After the Ballbreaker album in 1995, Chris left AC/DC and was temporarily replaced again by Phil Rudd. He returned years later in 2015-2016 to fill in for Phil Rudd once again during the Rock or Bust tour.

Remembering the Young Brothers

The Young brothers – Malcolm, George, and Angus – were the core driving force behind AC/DC’s legendary sound and success. Though Angus remains, the loss of Malcolm and mentorship of George left an immense impact.

Malcolm Young stands as one of the greatest rhythm guitarists in rock history. His signature hard-hitting, relentless rhythm style defined AC/DC’s sound, laying the foundation for Angus’s solos. Though he preferred staying out of the spotlight, Malcolm co-wrote many of AC/DC’s classic songs with Angus, including "Highway to Hell," "Hells Bells," and "Thunderstruck." After co-founding AC/DC in 1973, Malcolm remained the band’s heart and soul until his retirement in 2014 due to dementia. Though no longer able to perform, his influence lives on through the music he helped create.

As the older brother of Malcolm and Angus, George Young played a key role as a mentor in AC/DC’s early development. George found success in the 1960s with the Australian band The Easybeats before going into production work. He produced AC/DC’s first several albums, helping hone their high voltage sound. His experience and guidance helped set the direction for the nascent band, shaping them into the juggernaut they’d become. Though not an official member, George’s behind-the-scenes contributions were integral to AC/DC discovering their signature style.

The loss of Malcolm and mentorship of George left an undeniable mark on AC/DC. But their influence persists through Angus and the generation of hard-rocking anthems they helped conceive. The fruits of their labor and gifts to rock n’ roll will live on for generations to come. AC/DC would never have become the band we know without the immeasurable contributions of the Young brothers.

Member Facts and Trivia

  • Angus Young’s signature schoolboy outfit was inspired by his sister Margaret suggesting he wear a school uniform onstage. The look became his trademark, though he would sometimes strip down to just shorts by the end of a show due to the hot stage lights.

  • Original lead singer Dave Evans was fired after a few months and claims he actually co-wrote the band’s early song "Can I Sit Next To You Girl." AC/DC disputes this.

  • Bon Scott worked as a postman and truck driver before joining AC/DC. His wild personality and gritty vocals defined the band’s sound in the 70s.

  • Drummer Phil Rudd was temporarily fired in 1983 due to drug problems and erratic behavior. He returned in 1994 but was fired again in 2014 after being charged with drug possession and making murder threats.

  • Cliff Williams officially retired from AC/DC in 2016 after 40 years as their bassist. However, some speculate he may still participate in future one-off shows.

  • Brian Johnson was once a bus driver before becoming the new AC/DC frontman after Bon Scott’s death. Due to hearing loss issues, Johnson’s nephew now provides real-time vocals to him onstage via in-ear monitors.

  • Stevie Young filled in for his uncle Malcolm Young on AC/DC tours as early as 1988 before becoming his permanent replacement in 2014.

  • "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is the only AC/DC album title with a swear word in it. Their record company refused to release an album with the full title in the U.S. at first.

  • AC/DC once fired their manager after their first UK tour for stealing over $10,000 of their money. He was beaten up and hospitalized by band members as retaliation.

The Future of AC/DC

With over 50 years of rocking under their belt, AC/DC has cemented their legacy as one of the most iconic and influential hard rock bands of all time. However, as the surviving members advance in age, there is uncertainty around how much longer AC/DC will continue as an active band.

Lead guitarist Angus Young is now 67 years old and has been the sole consistent member throughout AC/DC’s entire career. It’s unclear if Angus plans to retire in the near future or keep playing with AC/DC indefinitely. With no official statement from the band about future plans, fans continue to speculate on what’s next.

If Angus does decide to retire, it could spell the end of AC/DC as we know them. However, the current lineup of Johnson, Rudd, Williams, and Stevie Young have proven they can still deliver electrifying AC/DC concerts even without Malcolm Young. So there is potential for the band to continue on with Angus’ blessing if the other core members want to keep performing.

AC/DC also has a track record of weathering lineup changes, even key departures like Bon Scott’s death. So if one or more members leave the band, AC/DC could recruit new talent to carry on their legacy, just as Brian Johnson and Stevie Young stepped in seamlessly during past member transitions.

Regardless of what the future holds, AC/DC’s legacy and influence is rock solid. With decades of stellar albums and legendary live shows under their belt, AC/DC has cemented their status as true rock icons. Even if Angus hangs up his Gibson SG someday, the band’s catalog and impact on hard rock and heavy metal will live on forever. AC/DC’s spirit and sound have been deeply ingrained in rock music history thanks to the many brilliant musicians who have passed through their ranks over the years.