This list covers the original members of AC/DC, the iconic Australian rock band known for its electrifying sound and timeless hits. If you’re a fan of classic rock or want to understand the roots of one of the most influential bands in music history, this guide will introduce you to the founding members who shaped AC/DC’s early years and helped launch their legendary career.
Malcolm Young – Rhythm Guitar
Malcolm Young co-founded AC/DC in 1973 alongside his brother Angus Young. As the band’s rhythm guitarist, his powerful riffs and tight playing style created the backbone of AC/DC’s sound. Malcolm’s songwriting partnership with Angus was crucial, and his dedication to the band lasted until his retirement in 2014 due to health issues, marking him as a cornerstone of the band’s identity.
Angus Young – Lead Guitar
Angus Young, Malcolm’s younger brother, is the lead guitarist and the band’s most recognizable member thanks to his schoolboy uniform stage outfit and energetic performances. His explosive guitar solos and riffs, such as those on “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell,” have defined AC/DC’s sound. Angus is not only a founding member but also the driving force behind the band’s longevity and global success.
Dave Evans – Lead Vocals
Dave Evans was AC/DC’s original lead singer when the band formed in late 1973. He performed on the band’s first single, “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,” but was replaced by Bon Scott in 1974. Though his tenure was brief, Evans was the voice on the early recordings and helped the band take its initial steps in the Australian rock scene.
Bon Scott – Lead Vocals
Although not an original founding member, Bon Scott replaced Dave Evans in 1974 and became AC/DC’s iconic frontman until his death in 1980. His distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence helped define the band’s identity during their rise to international fame. Bon was central to classic albums like “Highway to Hell,” making him an essential figure in AC/DC’s early legacy.
Mark Evans – Bass Guitar
Mark Evans joined AC/DC in 1975, replacing the band’s original bassist, Larry Van Kriedt. He played on the band’s first two studio albums, “T.N.T.” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” Evans contributed to the band’s early hard rock sound with his solid bass lines before being replaced by Cliff Williams in 1977.
Phil Rudd – Drums
Phil Rudd joined AC/DC in 1975, rounding out the classic lineup that recorded several of the band’s most celebrated albums. Known for his steady, no-frills drumming style, Rudd provided the rhythmic foundation on landmark records like “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black.” Despite some interruptions in his tenure, he remains one of the most recognizable original members.
Larry Van Kriedt – Bass Guitar
Larry Van Kriedt was AC/DC’s very first bassist when the band formed in 1973, although his time with the group was short-lived. He played on early rehearsals and demos but left before the band recorded their first official album. Van Kriedt’s role was foundational as part of the initial lineup that set the stage for AC/DC’s future sound.
Colin Burgess – Drums
Colin Burgess was the original drummer for AC/DC during their earliest gigs and rehearsals in 1973. His tenure was brief, and he left the band before they recorded their first album. Burgess’s involvement helped the band establish its initial rhythm section before Phil Rudd took over the drums.
Peter Clack – Drums
Peter Clack replaced Colin Burgess and played drums for AC/DC during 1974–1975. He performed on some early recordings and live shows but was replaced by Phil Rudd before the band’s major breakthrough. Clack’s contributions were part of the band’s formative stage, helping them transition from local gigs to recording sessions.
Bon Scott’s Role in the Original Lineup Evolution
While Bon Scott wasn’t an original member from day one, his joining in 1974 was pivotal in defining AC/DC’s sound and image. His songwriting input and distinctive vocals elevated the band’s profile internationally. Scott’s influence is often considered part of the “classic lineup” that many fans regard as the band’s true origin point.
How to Choose
When exploring AC/DC’s original members, it’s important to distinguish between founding members and those who joined shortly after but significantly impacted the band’s sound. For fans interested in the band’s earliest formation, Malcolm Young, Angus Young, Dave Evans, Larry Van Kriedt, and Colin Burgess represent the true original lineup. However, for those focused on the band’s breakthrough era and classic albums, the lineup including Bon Scott, Mark Evans, Phil Rudd, and Malcolm and Angus Young is more relevant. The key is understanding whether you want to focus on the band’s very beginnings or the lineup that created their signature sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the founding members of AC/DC?
Malcolm Young, Angus Young, Dave Evans, Larry Van Kriedt, and Colin Burgess were the founding members when the band formed in 1973.
Q: Was Bon Scott an original member of AC/DC?
No, Bon Scott joined AC/DC in 1974, replacing original singer Dave Evans, but he is often considered a key member of the classic early lineup.
Q: Which AC/DC member has been in the band the longest?
Angus Young has been continuously active since the band’s formation and is the longest-serving member.
Q: Who replaced the original drummer Colin Burgess?
Peter Clack replaced Colin Burgess, and later Phil Rudd took over the drums in 1975.
Q: Why did Dave Evans leave AC/DC?
Dave Evans was replaced due to differences in musical direction and the band’s desire for a different vocal style, leading to Bon Scott joining as the new frontman.
Q: Did any original members leave AC/DC and then return?
Phil Rudd left the band in the early 1980s but returned in the 1990s, remaining a key member afterward.
Final Thoughts
Understanding AC/DC’s original members offers valuable insight into how this legendary band evolved from a local Australian act to global rock icons. While the very first lineup laid the groundwork, it was the addition of key members like Bon Scott and Phil Rudd that helped shape the band’s distinctive sound. Fans appreciating both the origins and the classic era will find that each member contributed uniquely to the lasting legacy of AC/DC’s music.
Related
- How Do I Find Out If an Estate Was Probated? 10 Easy Ways
- How Do I Find Out If an Image Is a Source? 10 Proven Methods
- How to Check How Many Points Are on Your Driving Licence