AC/DC is one of the most enduring hard rock bands in history, formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. With a career spanning over five decades, the band has sold more than 200 million records worldwide and produced timeless anthems that continue to fill stadiums today. This guide covers the meaning behind their name, current and past members, tour updates, essential songs, and the story of their legendary album Back in Black.
The band’s name came from a sewing machine. Malcolm and Angus’s sister owned a machine with the label “AC/DC” – an abbreviation for Alternating Current/Direct Current – which the brothers thought looked cool. They adopted it as their band name, and the electrical double entendre later became a defining part of their identity.
From the early days with vocalist Dave Evans to the tragic death of Bon Scott and the triumphant arrival of Brian Johnson, AC/DC’s story is one of resilience, raw energy, and an unwavering commitment to blues‑based rock and roll.
What Does AC/DC Mean? The Story Behind the Name
- AC/DC’s name is derived from “Alternating Current/Direct Current,” a suggestion from their sister’s sewing machine.
- Despite the death of original lead singer Bon Scott in 1980, the band achieved their greatest commercial success with his replacement, Brian Johnson, on the album Back in Black.
- The band has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- The “Power Up” tour, launched in 2024, continues into 2025, featuring a setlist that spans their entire career.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genre | Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Metal |
| Years Active | 1973–present |
| Original Members | Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Mark Evans, Phil Rudd |
| Current Members | Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, Stevie Young |
| Total Studio Albums | 18 |
| Signature Songs | Highway to Hell, Back in Black, Thunderstruck |
Who Are the Current Members of AC/DC?
The lineup has shifted several times since the founding in 1973, but the core sound has remained remarkably consistent. Today, the band operates with a mix of core members and dedicated touring musicians.
Who Is the Lead Singer of AC/DC Now?
Brian Johnson has been the lead singer since April 1980, when he replaced the late Bon Scott. Johnson’s gritty, powerful voice defined the band’s post‑Scott era, starting with Back in Black. He continues to tour and record with the band as of 2025.
How Many Members Are in AC/DC?
The band currently has five principal members: Angus Young (lead guitar), Stevie Young (rhythm guitar), Brian Johnson (vocals), Cliff Williams (bass), and Phil Rudd (drums). For live performances, additional touring musicians fill in when core members are unavailable.
Are AC/DC Still Making Music?
Yes. Their most recent studio album, Power Up, was released in 2020, dedicated to Malcolm Young. The band is actively touring the album in 2024–2025. No official announcement has been made about a follow‑up album, but the band remains active.
Phil Rudd (drums) and Cliff Williams (bass) are part of the band but are not touring in 2025. On stage, Matt Laug has been handling drums since 2023, and Chris Chaney has been on bass since 2024.
Is AC/DC Going on Tour in 2025?
As of mid‑2025, AC/DC is actively touring with the Power Up tour. The tour kicked off in Europe in 2024 and is scheduled to continue through North America and additional European dates in 2025. Specific dates and venues are posted on the official AC/DC website.
What Is the AC/DC Power Up Tour?
The Power Up tour is the band’s first major concert series since the Rock or Bust tour. It supports the 2020 album Power Up, which was the first to feature Stevie Young in place of his uncle Malcolm. The setlist includes classic hits like “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “Highway to Hell,” alongside newer material.
Is AC/DC Still Touring?
Yes. The band remains on the road, with no announced plans to retire or disband. Ticket availability can be checked through official outlets. A 2025 Concert Tour Guide is available for more information on live music events this year.
As of July 2026, no specific public tour schedule for 2025 appears in official announcements. The latest confirmed activity is the Power Up tour cycle, which began in 2024. Check the band’s official site for the most up‑to‑date dates.
What Are the Most Popular AC/DC Songs and Albums?
AC/DC has released 18 studio albums, but none compare to the monumental success of Back in Black. Released in 1980, it became the second best‑selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold globally according to some estimates, and more than 10 million in the United States alone.
What Is AC/DC’s Best‑Selling Album?
Back in Black is the band’s best‑selling album. It was recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, produced by Robert Lange, and engineered by Tony Platt. The album is a tribute to Bon Scott and features some of the band’s most enduring songs.
What Is the Story Behind AC/DC’s Back in Black?
After Bon Scott’s death from alcohol poisoning in February 1980, the band recruited Brian Johnson and quickly returned to the studio. The album was dedicated to Scott and became a landmark of resilience. Songs like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and the title track “Back in Black” are celebrated as rock anthems.
What Are the Top AC/DC Songs?
- Back in Black – The title track that became a tribute to Scott.
- You Shook Me All Night Long – One of the band’s most famous tracks, regularly played on classic rock radio.
- Highway to Hell – The pre‑Scott breakthrough from 1979.
- Thunderstruck – A high‑energy blues‑rock powerhouse from 1990.
- Shoot to Thrill – Another staple from the Back in Black sessions.
If you are new to AC/DC, start with Back in Black and Highway to Hell. For a deeper dive, explore The Razors Edge (featuring “Thunderstruck”) and Power Up, their most recent album.
What Is AC/DC’s Complete Timeline?
- 1973 – Band formed in Sydney by Malcolm and Angus Young.
- 1975 – Debut Australian album High Voltage released.
- 1976 – International debut with the High Voltage compilation.
- 1979 – Breakthrough album Highway to Hell released.
- 1980 – Bon Scott dies; Brian Johnson joins; Back in Black released.
- 1981 – For Those About to Rock We Salute You released.
- 1990 – The Razors Edge released featuring “Thunderstruck.”
- 2008 – Black Ice released; massive world tour.
- 2014 – Malcolm Young retires due to dementia; Stevie Young replaces him.
- 2017 – Malcolm Young dies.
- 2020 – Power Up album released, dedicated to Malcolm Young.
- 2024 – Power Up tour begins in Europe.
- 2025 – Tour continues in North America and Europe.
What Is Known vs. Unknown About AC/DC?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Band is actively touring in 2025; no breakup announced. | Whether the band will release a new studio album after Power Up is unconfirmed; no official plans have been disclosed. |
| Brian Johnson is the current lead singer and is performing on tour. | Brian Johnson’s long‑term health status beyond the current tour is private and not publicly detailed. |
| Stevie Young has permanently replaced Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar. | Whether Phil Rudd or Cliff Williams will return to touring is not officially known; for now, substitutes are used. |
Why Has AC/DC Remained So Influential?
AC/DC’s enduring appeal lies in their consistent, no‑frills hard rock sound and iconic stage presence, led by Angus Young’s schoolboy uniform. The band’s resilience after the death of Bon Scott is a landmark story in rock history, demonstrating the power of a strong musical identity over any single member.
Their music has been used extensively in film, television, and sports, cementing their place in popular culture beyond just the music charts. The Power Up album and tour represent a tribute to co‑founder Malcolm Young, reinforcing the band’s legacy and family ties.
For another perspective on iconic musicians, read about Buddy Holly – Biography, Death, and Iconic Songs.
What Do the Band Members Say About Their Music?
“It’s a hard rock band that plays blues‑based rock and roll. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s timeless.”
— Angus Young (various interviews)
“Back in Black was our tribute to Bon. We knew we had to make the best album of our lives.”
— Malcolm Young (archived interviews)
“We’re not going to change. We’re AC/DC. That’s what we do.”
— Brian Johnson (concert interviews)
What’s Next for AC/DC?
The band is expected to continue touring the Power Up album through 2025, with potential for a live album or concert film. No new studio album is confirmed, but AC/DC remains active and open to future projects. Fans can follow official channels for announcements. For more on musical legacies, explore Leonard Cohen – Biography, Songs, Albums & Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is AC/DC?
AC/DC is primarily classified as hard rock, with strong influences of blues rock and heavy metal.
How many albums has AC/DC sold?
AC/DC has sold an estimated 200 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Who wrote AC/DC songs?
The majority of AC/DC songs were written by the Young brothers, Angus and Malcolm, with lyrics often contributed by the lead singers (Bon Scott and Brian Johnson).
What is the story behind AC/DC’s Back in Black?
Back in Black was the band’s first album with new lead singer Brian Johnson, released in 1980 as a tribute to the late Bon Scott. It became their best-selling album.
When did AC/DC form?
AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, in November 1973.
Is AC/DC in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
What does AC/DC stand for in electrical terms?
AC/DC stands for Alternating Current / Direct Current, a term the band adopted from a sewing machine label.
Did Axl Rose really sing for AC/DC?
Yes, in 2016 Axl Rose temporarily replaced Brian Johnson for the remainder of that year’s tour due to Johnson’s hearing issues.
Sophie Larkin is Music News Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering artist announcements, releases, charts, labels, streaming platforms and the UK music industry.