This listicle covers the ages of the iconic rock band AC/DC’s members, both past and present. If you’re a fan curious about how old these legendary musicians are or were during key moments in their career, this article offers detailed, accurate insights into their ages and timelines. Whether you want to understand the band’s history or just satisfy your curiosity about their ages, this list is for you.
Angus Young
Angus Young, the lead guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, was born on March 31, 1955. Known for his energetic performances and schoolboy outfit, Angus remains the youngest original member still active in the band. As of mid-2024, he is 69 years old. His youthful stage persona contrasts with his actual age, showing his enduring stamina and passion for rock music over nearly five decades.
Malcolm Young
Malcolm Young, Angus’s older brother and rhythm guitarist, was born on January 6, 1953. He was a founding member and a key songwriter for AC/DC until his retirement in 2014 due to dementia. Malcolm passed away in 2017 at age 64. His age at the band’s formation in 1973 was just 20, highlighting how young the brothers were when they started what would become a legendary rock career.
Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson, who replaced original lead singer Bon Scott after Scott’s death in 1980, was born on October 5, 1947. He was 33 years old when he joined AC/DC and brought a powerful, distinctive voice that helped propel the band’s success with the album “Back in Black.” As of 2024, Brian is 76 years old and continues to perform with the band, showcasing remarkable longevity in rock music.
Bon Scott
Bon Scott, AC/DC’s original lead vocalist, was born on July 9, 1946. He was 34 when he tragically died in 1980 from acute alcohol poisoning. Scott’s raw, charismatic vocals defined the band’s early sound, and his age during AC/DC’s rise to fame in the 1970s was in his late 20s to early 30s. His legacy remains a vital part of the band’s history despite his early death.
Cliff Williams
Cliff Williams, the band’s longtime bassist, was born on December 14, 1949. He joined AC/DC in 1977 at age 28 and remained a steady presence through many lineup changes. Williams retired in 2016 but rejoined the band for the 2020 album “Power Up.” As of 2024, he is 74 years old, illustrating the dedication and endurance of the band’s rhythm section.
Phil Rudd
Phil Rudd, AC/DC’s drummer, was born on May 19, 1954. He joined the band in 1975 at age 21 and played on many classic albums. Rudd’s career with AC/DC has had interruptions due to personal and legal issues, but he returned for the 2020 album and tour. At 70 years old, Phil remains an essential part of the band’s signature hard-driving sound.
Simon Wright
Simon Wright was born on June 19, 1963, and served as AC/DC’s drummer from 1983 to 1989. He was 20 years old when he joined the band, filling the gap left by Phil Rudd’s initial departure. Wright played on three studio albums, including “Fly on the Wall.” Though no longer with AC/DC, his youth at the time added fresh energy during a transitional period for the band.
Chris Slade
Chris Slade, born October 30, 1946, is another drummer who played with AC/DC from 1989 to 1994 and rejoined the band in 2015 for the “Rock or Bust” tour. He was 43 when he first joined, bringing veteran experience to the band. As of 2024, Slade is 77 years old, showing the band’s reliance on seasoned musicians who can deliver powerful performances.
Dave Evans
Dave Evans was AC/DC’s original lead singer before Bon Scott, born on November 29, 1953. He was 19 when he started with the band in 1973 but left in 1974. Though his tenure was brief, Evans was part of AC/DC’s earliest days, and his youth reflects how the band’s roots began with very young musicians eager to make their mark.
Stevie Young
Stevie Young, nephew of Malcolm and Angus Young, was born on December 11, 1956. He stepped in as rhythm guitarist in 2014 when Malcolm retired due to health issues. At 67 years old in 2024, Stevie carries on the family legacy, keeping the band’s classic sound alive with his close connection to AC/DC’s founding members.
How to Choose
When considering the ages of AC/DC band members, what really matters is their impact on the band’s music and legacy rather than just their birthdates. Age can reflect experience, longevity, and the era of the band’s history they represent. Younger members like Angus and Stevie Young bring continuity and energy, while older members such as Brian Johnson and Chris Slade contribute decades of expertise. For fans, understanding these ages helps contextualize the band’s evolution and the stamina required to perform hard rock at a high level over many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the oldest current member of AC/DC?
As of 2024, Brian Johnson and Chris Slade are the oldest active members, both in their mid-70s.
Q: How old was AC/DC when they released “Back in Black”?
Angus Young was 25, Brian Johnson had just joined at 33, and Malcolm Young was 27 during the 1980 release.
Q: Did the ages of members affect AC/DC’s sound?
Yes, changes in members’ ages often coincided with shifts in style and energy, with younger members injecting freshness and older members adding stability.
Q: Are any original members still performing?
Angus Young is the only original member still performing regularly with AC/DC as of 2024.
Q: How old was Bon Scott when he died?
Bon Scott died at age 34 in 1980, marking a tragic early end to his tenure with the band.
Q: Has age slowed down AC/DC’s touring?
While members are older, the band continues to tour and record, though their schedule is less intense than in their early years.
Final Thoughts
The ages of AC/DC’s band members offer a fascinating lens through which to view the band’s history and endurance. From the youthful energy of the Young brothers starting in their early 20s to the seasoned veterans like Brian Johnson performing in their 70s, AC/DC’s lineup reflects decades of rock evolution. Understanding these ages deepens appreciation for the band’s stamina and the legacy they continue to build. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, knowing the ages of these musicians adds a human dimension to one of rock’s greatest stories.
Related
- Top Duncan Sheik Albums You Should Listen To
- How to Slow Cook Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Flavor
- Has There Ever Been an NFL Game That Ended 0-0?