Angus Young, the guitarist and founder of AC/DC turns 70: electricity and rock and roll in equal parts

He March 31the rock world celebrates seven decades of life of a character as iconic as it is unique: Angus Young. The guitarist personifies electricity and indomitable spirit of AC/DC.

With his school uniform, his characteristic “duckwalk” and his electrifying sound, Angus has left an indelible brand in the history of music.

Angus McKinnon Young He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1955, the youngest of eight brothers. In 1963, the Young family emigrated to Australia, settling in Sidney. The musical influence in the family was strong: his older brother, George Younghe was a member of The Easybeatsone of the most successful Australian bands in the 60s.

The formation of AC/DC and the ascent to stardom with Bon Scott

Inspired by blues and rock and roll of Chuck BerryAngus began playing the guitar at an early age. Together with his brother Malcolm, AC/DC formed in 1973. The initial formation included the bassist Larry van Kriedt and to the vocalist Dave Evans. The band’s name, AC/DC (alternating current/continuous current), was suggested by his sister Margaret, who saw him in an appliance.

In 1974, Bon Scott He joined the band as a vocalist, replacing Evans. The arrival of Scott marked a turning point for AC/DC. His charisma, his powerful voice and his letters full of humor and mischief perfectly complemented the raw and powerful sound of the band. Albums like “High Voltage” (1976), “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976) and “Highway to Hell” (1979) catapulted AC/DC to international fame.

Tragedy and rebirth with Brian Johnson

In 1980, the tragedy hit the band with the death of Scott. The loss was devastating, but Angus and Malcolm decided to continue. Brian Johnsona vocalist with a scratch and powerful voice from the British band Geordiewas chosen to replace Scott.

The first album with Johnson, “Back in Black” (1980), was a tribute to Scott and became a worldwide success, selling more than 50 million copies. The album appears on the list of the best selling in history, only surpassed by the “Thriller” of Michael Jacksonreleased a couple of years later.

A separate paragraph in the history of Angus and AC/DC deserves the relationship with his brother Malcolm, fundamental pillar of AC/DC. The musical and personal connection between the brothers was always evident on stage and in the song composition Throughout the history of the band.

Malcolm’s departure in 2014 due to health problems was a hard blow for AC/DC and especially for Angus. However, and despite the sensitive decline, the band reported that it would continue to make music. He was relieved by his nephew Stevie Young, who had already replaced it momentarily in 1988.

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Malcolm and Angus, two of the fundamental brothers of rock and roll.

Malcolm, the band’s rhythmic brain, died in 2017, leaving an irreplaceable vacuum. “I think the hardest part was not so much his death, because that was a kind of end, a relief,” explains Angus in an interview with an Australian medium. “I think the worst was the decline, that was the hard part. Because, in the end, much of what you knew about him was disappearing”.

AC/DC AND ARGENTINA: A connection embodied in “Live at River Plate”

Argentina occupies a special place in the history of AC/DC. The visits of the band to the country were mass events and full of energy.

On their last 2009 visit, the band recorded the live album “Live at River Plate” In Buenos Aires, capturing the passion and delivery of the Argentine public. The album became one of the most popular band, YouTube uploaded videos add up to hundreds of millions of views and leave the special connection between fans and the band in sight.

The present of Angus Young and AC/DC

At 70 years, Angus Young remains an icon of rock and roll. His energy on stage, his unmistakable style and his passion for music have made him a living legend. The band is currently a few weeks after starting a new tour of the United States.

After nine years without appearing in North American territory, AC/DC It included more than 10 dates in the United States. His tour of that country will begin on April 10 in Minneapolis and will run until May 28 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Brian Johnson and Angus continue to turn.

In addition to his return to the United States, AC/DC will also return to European territory after passing through several cities in 2024, but this time he will visit other countries such as Spain, France, Czech Republic and Germany. In Europe, the band will have 12 presentations that will begin on June 26 in Prague.

The fact that the band revolves the fans in Argentina again where, how it was said, The love for Angus and his band has been intact for many years and waits for a new chapter.