Australian rock band AC/DC formed in 1973 and over the past few decades, have endured the highs of massive popularity to the lows of losing band members. With millions of records sold and chart-topping albums as well as sold out concert tours, AC/DC has long been a pinnacle of music success. Here are a few fun facts about the legendary rockers.

The Band. The original version of AC/DC consisted of Angus Young on lead guitar and Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar as well as Dave Evans on vocals, Larry Van Kriedt on bass and Colin Burgess on drums. When Larry Van Kriedt left the group, George Young, brother of Angus and Malcolm, filled in until a permanent bassist could be found. Evans was eventually replaced by legendary front man Bon Scott and by 1975, the line-up included Bon and the Young brothers as well as drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Mark Evans. When Evans was ousted in 1977, Cliff Williams became AC/DC’s bassist.

Tragedy struck on February 19th, 1980 when Bon Scott was found dead in London. Although distraught, the band continued with new lead singer, Brian Johnson, of Geordie fame. Later in 1983, Phil Rudd was fired from the band and replaced with Simon Wright. When Wright later left AC/DC in 1989 to join Dio, he was replaced by Chris Slade he would stay until Phil Rudd’s return in 1994.
The line-up of Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young, Angus Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd would remain intact until 2014 when Malcolm retired due to his battle with dementia. (Malcolm would later succumb to the disease in 2017.) He was replaced by the Young’s nephew, Stevie Young. Rudd was also out again and replaced by Chris Slade. In early 2016, during their Rock Or Bust tour, Brian Johnson had to be replaced by Guns N’ Roses front man, Axl Rose, when he was ordered by doctors to stop touring or risk further hearing loss. At the end of the tour, in September 2016, Cliff Williams officially retired. As of now, Angus and Stevie Young along with Axl Rose plan to continue recording as AC/DC.

The Name. The name AC/DC was taken from the emblem found on Margaret Young’s (sister of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young) sewing machine. They thought the term, which is a designation of electrical power for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), would showcase the bands raw, high powered performances.

The Uniform. It was Angus and Malcolm Young’s sister, Margaret, who suggested Angus wear the now iconic school boy uniform while playing live on stage.

The Records. AC/DC have had two albums top the billboard charts: “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” in 1981 and “Black Ice” in 2008.
Back In Black. 1980’s “Back in Black”, the band’s first album with Brian Johnson, is AC/DC’s top selling album. It’s one of a few records to reach diamond status, with over ten million units in sales. It currently stands at twenty-two million.

On The Cover. AC/DC has only appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine once—on the October 30th, 2008 issue. (They did, however, receive a negative review of their very first record in a 1976 issue.)

The Grammys. Although they’ve been nominated seven times, AC/DC has only won one Grammy during their career. The band won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2010 for “War Machine”.

PMRC. In 1985, the Parents Music Resource Center aka the PMRC listed fifteen songs they deemed offensive and recommended they be banned due to their subject matter. AC/DC’s song “Let Me Put My Love Into You” ranked number six.
The Night Stalker. AC/DC became unceremoniously linked to the serial killer Night Stalker during his 1984-1985 crime spree in California. After committing another heinous crime, the murderer left behind one piece of evidence—an AC/DC hat. Others tried to link the Night Stalker to one of the songs from “Highway to Hell”, released several years prior. However, Malcolm Young in numerous interviews would debunk the theory, reminding people the song is named “Night Prowler”.

Hall Of Fame. On March 10, 2003, AC/DC was formally inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame by famed Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler.
The Road. Corporation Lane in Melbourne, Australia officially became known as AC/DC Lane on October 1st, 2004. The name change was done in tribute to the band.