AC/DC: Born in the 70s

One of the most widely known rock and roll bands is AC/DC, who was born out of the 1970s.  Originating in Australia and making its way in to the rock and roll world were brothers, Malcolm and Angus Young, who formed the band and went through several lineups before releasing their first record.  AC/DC's first album was released in February of 1975 called "High Voltage".    On their second album "T.N.T" they released the single "Its a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)", which became their perennial rock anthem.

"Its a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" - 1975

The bands first recorded album's were Australian only, it was not until 1976 that the band went international when they signed a deal with Atlantic Records.  Also to help aid the band in going international between 1974-1977 was regular appearances on ABC's pop music television show.  AC/DC were somewhat an influence on British Heavy Metal bands who emerged in the late 1970s.  Although AC/DC was more popular in the 80s, their style and sound was born in the 70s. 

Since their style was seen as a hard rock or heavy metal, they often got the “finger of blame” pointed at them for the influencing teenagers to act out in various violent ways.  It is evidence through the lyrics of many of AC/DC’s songs that they could have a very negative influence on the youth. 

“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976)

“If you're havin' trouble with your high school head

He's givin' you the blues

You wanna graduate but not in 'is bed

Here's what you gotta do

Pick up the phone, I'm always home

Call me anytime

Just ring: three-six-two-four-three-six, hey

I lead a life of crime"

Also songs such as “Let There Be Rock” release in 1977 expresses the bands feelings towards rock & roll, “Sin City” release in 1978 describes the party life of a rockstar, and “Highway to Hell” released in 1979 says, “Hey Satan, payin’ my dues... I’m on the Highway to Hell.” The content of the lyrics mixed with a heavy rock and roll sound produces a music that becomes very popular and listened to by many teens all over the world.  Which in return has a major influence in the way kids started to experiment with drugs and alcohol.  Drugs and long hair “became a fashion accessory and a means of escaping reality.”

            By the end of the 1970s, AC/DC hit a major breakthrough with their album “Highway to Hell”.  This was also the last album that Bon Scott, lead vocalist, would record before his death in February of 1980.  The band considered breaking up, but Scott’s parents persuaded them to continue playing their music.  Fortunately, the Young brothers listened and replace Scott with Brian Johnson, who would help them finish the songwriting for their album “Back in Black.”  Since the 70s, AC/DC has been very successful and is still widely listened to today.  “AC/DC has sold nearly 71 million albums in the U.S. alone, making AC/DC one of the five top-selling bands in American music history.” 

Works Cited

“The Official AC/DC Site.”  The Official AC/DC Site.  N.p., n.d.  Web. 19 Nov. 2012.  http://www.acdc.com/

“MusicMight: Artists: AC/DC” Biography.  N.p., n.d.  Web. 19 Nov. 2012.  http://www.musicmight.com/artist/australia/ac+2+dc

“1970’s Decade Overview.”  American Hit Radio-1970’s.  N.p., n.d.  Web.  19 Nov.  2012.  http://www.americanhitnetwork.com/ahn/decade-overview.cfm/decade/1970