The Australian group AC/DC formed 1973 in Sydney, 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.

The heavy-metal band features knickers-clad guitarist Angus Young, who became 
as famous for mooning audiences regularly as for his gritty blues-based lead guitar, 
and songs about sex, drinking, and damnation. Their raucous image, constant 
touring, and raw, juvenile yet amusing lyrics in songs like "Big Balls" and "The Jack" 
helped make them one of the top hard-rock bands of the Eighties and Nineties. 
The group has remained a top concert draw, and its albums consistently go platinum 
despite its never having had a Top Twenty single in the U.S.

The Young brothers moved with their family from Scotland to Sydney in 1963. 
In 1973 they formed the first version of AC/DC with Bon Scott. After a year of working
with temporary bassists and drummers they settled on drummer Philip Rudd and 
bassist Mark Evans in 1974. Their first four albums were produced by ex-Easybeats 
Harry Vanda and George Young, Angus’ older brother. The group had gained a solid 
reputation in their homeland early on, but it wasn’t until 1979 with the platinum 
Highway to Hell (#17,1979) that they became a presence on the American charts.

Within months of AC/DC’s American success, vocalist Scott died from choking on his 
own vomit after an all-night drinking binge. Two months later he was replaced by 
ex-Geordie vocalist Brian Johnson, and less than four months after that, Back in Black 
began a year-long run on the U.S. chart, peaking at #4 (1980), selling over 10 million 
copies, and featuring the double-entendre-ridden "You Shook Me All Night Long." 
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, a 1981 reissue of a 1976 Australian LP, went to #3 in the 
US, followed by For Those About to Rock We Salute You, the group’s first and, to date, 
only U.S. #1 LP, in late 1981.

The relatively disappointing showings of the gold albums Flick of the Switch (#15, 1983) 
and Fly on the Wall (#32, 1985) gave way to the multiplatinum Who Made Who 
(the soundtrack to Maximum Overdrive) and The Razors Edge (#2, 1990). The latter 
contains the group’s closest thing to a hit single, "Moneytalks" (#23, 1991). In January 
1991 three fans were crushed to death at an AC/DC show in Salt Lake City, Utah. In late 
1992 the group paid the families of the three deceased teenagers an undisclosed sum, 
following an out-of-court settlement. Other parties to the settlement included the 
convention center, the concert’s promoter, and the company in charge of security.