Original AC/DC Members - The Story Behind The Thunder

When you think about rock music that really gets your blood pumping, there's a good chance AC/DC comes to mind. Their sound, you know, it's just raw, energetic, and it has this way of hitting you right in the gut. It's music that makes you want to move, to feel something big, and honestly, it has influenced so many other groups that came after them. The band's impact on the music world is pretty huge, leaving a mark that's still felt today, even after all these years.

But before the stadium-filling shows and the anthems everyone knows, there was a beginning, a time when a few individuals with a shared idea got together. It was a time of figuring things out, of trying to create something special, something that would resonate with people who loved loud guitars and powerful singing. That early vision, really, it was all about making music that had a real punch to it, a sound that was truly their own. They wanted to make noise that mattered, you know, something that would stick with you.

So, who were these folks who first lit the fuse? Who were the actual original AC/DC members that started it all, laying down the groundwork for what would become one of the biggest rock outfits in history? It's a question many fans ask, and the answer, well, it's a bit more involved than just the famous faces we often picture. Getting to know these early players gives you a much better appreciation for how the whole thing came together, and how their distinct contributions shaped the sound we recognize instantly.

• Skinwalker Ranch Current Status
• Who Is Nancy Mckeon Married To
• Michael Schoeffling Wife
• John Mayer Allegations
• %D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BD %D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4 %D0%BC%D1%83%D1%9A%D0%B8%D0%B7

Table of Contents

• The Early Sparks - Who Kicked Things Off?
• The Core That Shaped the Sound - Original AC/DC Members' Impact
• Bon Scott - The Voice of the Early Days
  • Was Bon Scott the First Original AC/DC Member on Vocals?
• The Rhythm Engine - Malcolm Young's Steady Hand
• The Young Brothers - A Shared Vision
• The Unsung Heroes - Other Early Original AC/DC Members
  • What Happened to the Other Original AC/DC Members?
• The Drummer and Bass Player - Keeping the Beat and Bottom End
  • How Did the Lineup of Original AC/DC Members Settle?

The Early Sparks - Who Kicked Things Off?

The story of AC/DC, you see, it really starts with two brothers, Malcolm and Angus Young. They were the ones with the big idea, the ones who wanted to create a band that sounded like nothing else. They had a clear picture in their heads of the kind of loud, blues-infused rock they wanted to make, something that would just grab people. So, in late 1973, they got things moving in Sydney, Australia. Their initial idea was to put together a group that had a powerful, no-nonsense sound, and that vision, well, it stayed with them through everything. They were pretty much the architects of the whole sound.

The very first lineup, it included a few people who aren't as widely known today. There was Dave Evans on vocals, a guy named Larry Van Kriedt playing the bass guitar, and Colin Burgess hitting the drums. Malcolm was there on rhythm guitar, of course, and Angus was doing his thing on lead guitar. This early formation, it was a bit of a testing ground, a way for them to try out their ideas and see how they sounded together. It was a time of figuring out the chemistry, you know, seeing if they could make that loud, driving sound they were going for. This initial group, in a way, laid the first bricks of the building that would become AC/DC.

These initial members, while not sticking around for the long haul, were absolutely vital in getting the band off the ground. They helped shape those first sounds and played those early gigs that built a small but dedicated following. It's almost like they were the first rough sketches of a masterpiece, providing the initial energy and direction. Without them, the Young brothers wouldn't have had the platform to experiment and find the right mix of talent that would eventually make them global sensations. Their contributions, though brief, were truly important to the beginning of the original AC/DC members' story.

• Pirata De Culican
• The Fan Bus
• Is Ryan Kelly Still With Celtic Thunder
• Andre Rison Wife
• Blue Buzzballz

The Core That Shaped the Sound - Original AC/DC Members' Impact

When most people think of the "original" AC/DC members, they're often picturing the lineup that truly broke through and made the band famous. This group, it usually includes Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams. This particular combination of musicians, well, it clicked in a way that just produced something special. They had a chemistry that allowed their raw, bluesy rock to really shine, creating a sound that was both simple and incredibly powerful. This was the group that truly defined what AC/DC was all about, you know, that unmistakable roar.

Angus Young, with his schoolboy outfit and wild stage antics, became the visual face of the band. His guitar playing, it's just so distinctive, full of energy and memorable riffs that stick in your head. He plays with a kind of raw passion that's infectious, and his solos, they're not overly technical, but they have a feeling that just screams rock and roll. He's the guy who runs around like crazy, but he's also the one delivering those unforgettable guitar parts. His presence, honestly, it's a huge part of the band's appeal, making him a central figure among the original AC/DC members.

Malcolm Young, Angus's older brother, was the steady hand, the quiet force behind the scenes. He was the rhythm guitarist, and his playing, it was the bedrock of the band's sound. He laid down those solid, driving chords that gave Angus the freedom to go wild. Malcolm's approach was all about consistency and power, making sure the groove was always there, strong and unyielding. He was, in a way, the band's musical anchor, keeping everything tight and focused. His contribution, though less flashy, was absolutely vital to the band's overall sound and direction.

Then there was Bon Scott, the voice of the early AC/DC. His singing, it was just so gritty, full of character, and packed with a kind of rebellious spirit. He had this unique way of delivering lyrics that made every song feel like a story, a real glimpse into a wild life. Bon wasn't just a singer; he was a performer, a poet of the streets, and his charisma, it was undeniable. He brought a certain attitude and authenticity to the band that truly resonated with audiences. His time with the group, though cut short, left an indelible mark on their legacy, making him one of the most beloved original AC/DC members.

Phil Rudd on drums provided the band's powerful, no-frills beat. His drumming style, it's very much about the groove, about hitting hard and keeping a steady, unwavering rhythm. He didn't do a lot of fancy fills or complicated patterns; instead, he focused on providing a solid foundation that allowed the guitars and vocals to shine. His simple, yet incredibly effective, drumming was a huge part of what made AC/DC's sound so direct and impactful. He was the engine room, you know, keeping everything moving forward with a relentless pulse.

Cliff Williams joined a little later than some of the others, but he became the long-standing bass player, cementing the classic lineup. His bass lines, they're not flashy either, but they are absolutely essential. He provides the low-end rumble that gives the band its weight and depth, working in perfect sync with Phil Rudd's drums. Together, they formed a rhythm section that was incredibly tight and powerful, allowing the Young brothers to build their guitar attack on a rock-solid foundation. His presence, for many, defines the classic lineup of original AC/DC members.

Bon Scott - The Voice of the Early Days

Bon Scott, born Ronald Belford Scott, was more than just a singer for AC/DC; he was the band's spirit animal for their formative years. His voice, you know, it had this raw, bluesy quality that perfectly matched the band's rough-around-the-edges sound. He sang about everyday life, about good times and bad, about being on the road and just living for the moment. His lyrics, they were often humorous, sometimes a bit cheeky, but always honest and relatable. He had a way of connecting with people through his words that was pretty unique, making him a true voice of the common person.

His stage presence, too, was something special. Bon was a natural showman, full of energy and a kind of mischievous charm. He'd interact with the crowd, tell stories, and just generally make everyone feel like they were part of something exciting. He lived the rock and roll lifestyle, and that authenticity, it shone through in every performance. He was the kind of guy you'd want to have a beer with, and that down-to-earth appeal made him incredibly popular with fans. He truly embodied the spirit of the original AC/DC members' raw energy.

Was Bon Scott the First Original AC/DC Member on Vocals?

This is a common question, and the simple answer is, no, he wasn't the very first singer. Before Bon Scott joined the band in September 1974, a guy named Dave Evans was the band's initial vocalist. Dave was part of that very first lineup that the Young brothers put together. He sang on their first single, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl," which was released in Australia. So, in terms of who was literally the first person to sing for AC/DC, that would be Dave. His time with the band, though brief, was a part of their early development, even if he's not as famous as his successor. It's a detail that many people overlook when thinking about the original AC/DC members.

Dave Evans' style, you see, it was a bit more glam rock, which didn't quite fit the harder, bluesier direction the Young brothers wanted to take the band. They were looking for a grittier, more raw vocal delivery, something that would really complement their guitar sound. When Bon Scott came along, he brought that exact quality. His voice and his personality, they just clicked with what Malcolm and Angus were trying to achieve. So, while Dave was the first, Bon was the one who truly defined the sound of the early, breakthrough AC/DC. It's almost like a different chapter in the band's book.

The Rhythm Engine - Malcolm Young's Steady Hand

Malcolm Young, the older brother, was the quiet force, the rhythmic heartbeat of AC/DC. While Angus got all the attention with his wild stage presence, Malcolm was the one holding everything together, laying down the foundation for their sound. His rhythm guitar playing, honestly, it was just so precise, so powerful, and so consistent. He rarely stepped into the spotlight, preferring to stay in his spot, churning out those thick, driving chords that were the very essence of the band's music. He was the anchor, you know, the guy who made sure the whole ship stayed steady.

He was known for his incredible discipline and his unwavering commitment to the band's signature sound. Malcolm was a stickler for the groove, making sure every riff was tight and every beat had maximum impact. He wasn't interested in flashy solos; his focus was always on the song as a whole, on making it sound as big and as powerful as possible. His contributions, though often understated, were absolutely crucial to AC/DC's success. He was, in many ways, the true leader and musical director among the original AC/DC members, even if he didn't seek the limelight.

The Young Brothers - A Shared Vision

The core of AC/DC, from the very beginning, was the partnership between Angus and Malcolm Young. They were brothers, yes, but they were also incredibly different in their personalities and their roles within the band. Angus was the flamboyant showman, the energetic performer who captivated audiences with his guitar playing and his wild movements. Malcolm, on the other hand, was the steady, grounded force, the one who kept the musical ship on course. Despite their differences, they shared a singular vision for the band's sound: loud, simple, blues-based rock and roll, stripped down to its bare essentials. They really knew what they wanted to create.

Their collaboration was what made AC/DC so unique. Malcolm would come up with the basic riffs, the skeletal structure of the songs, and then Angus would add his distinctive lead guitar work and solos. It was a symbiotic relationship, where each brother's strengths complemented the other's. They understood each other's musical instincts implicitly, often communicating with just a look or a nod. This shared understanding, this almost telepathic connection, was what allowed them to create so many memorable songs that have stood the test of time. Their bond, you know, it was truly the driving force behind the original AC/DC members' musical journey.

The Unsung Heroes - Other Early Original AC/DC Members

While the classic lineup is what most people remember, it's worth remembering the other musicians who were part of AC/DC's very early days. These folks, they played a part in getting the band off the ground, even if their time with the group was short. Larry Van Kriedt was the first bass player, and Colin Burgess was the first drummer. They were there right at the start in 1973, helping the Young brothers figure out their sound in those initial rehearsals and early gigs. Their contributions, while not as widely celebrated, were still important to the band's formation. It’s a bit like seeing the first few strokes of a painting before it really takes shape.

Mark Evans also served as the bass player for a significant period in the mid-1970s, playing on several of their early albums like "T.N.T.," "High Voltage" (international version), "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," and "Let There Be Rock." He was a solid, reliable bassist who contributed to some of the band's most iconic early recordings. His presence helped solidify the rhythm section during a crucial time for the band, as they were starting to gain international recognition. He was definitely a key part of the sound during that important phase of the original AC/DC members' development.

What Happened to the Other Original AC/DC Members?

The music business, you see, it can be a tough place, and band lineups often change as groups find their footing and try to achieve their ultimate sound. Dave Evans, the first singer, parted ways with the band because his vocal style didn't quite match the harder direction the Young brothers wanted to go. Larry Van Kriedt and Colin Burgess, the initial bassist and drummer, also moved on relatively quickly. These early changes were, in a way, part of the band's process of finding the right chemistry and the right musical fit. It's almost like a natural selection process in the world of rock and roll.

Mark Evans, the bassist who followed Larry Van Kriedt, was with the band for a few years and played on some really important albums. However, he left in 1977, reportedly due to personality clashes and financial disagreements. His departure paved the way for Cliff Williams to join, solidifying the lineup that would go on to achieve massive global success. These changes, while sometimes difficult for the people involved, were ultimately part of the band's evolution, allowing them to refine their sound and find the musicians who would help them reach their full potential. The journey of the original AC/DC members, you know, it was full of these kinds of shifts.

The Drummer and Bass Player - Keeping the Beat and Bottom End

Every great rock band needs a rhythm section that's just locked in, providing that solid, unshakeable foundation. For AC/DC, that foundation came from Phil Rudd on drums and Cliff Williams on bass. Phil Rudd, he joined the band in 1975, and his drumming style, it's very much about feel and groove. He's not a flashy drummer; you won't hear him doing complicated solos or intricate fills. Instead, he plays with a powerful simplicity, focusing on hitting the beat hard and consistently, providing that driving pulse that's so characteristic of AC/DC's sound. His contribution, honestly, it's often overlooked but absolutely essential.

Cliff Williams came into the picture in 1977, replacing Mark Evans. His bass playing is also about laying down a rock-solid bottom end without drawing too much attention to himself. He and Phil Rudd formed an incredibly tight rhythm section, working together to create that powerful, unwavering groove that allows Angus and Malcolm's guitars to really shine. They were the engine room, you know, the unsung heroes who made sure the band always sounded incredibly tight and powerful. Their steady presence was a huge factor in the band's ability to create such consistently impactful music, defining the sound of the classic original AC/DC members.

How Did the Lineup of Original AC/DC Members Settle?

The process of finding the right lineup for AC/DC was, in a way, a gradual one, involving a few changes before they landed on the group that would achieve lasting fame. After the very first formation with Dave Evans, Larry Van Kriedt, and Colin Burgess, the Young brothers brought in Bon Scott, who proved to be the perfect vocal fit. Then, Phil Rudd joined on drums, bringing his distinctive, powerful simplicity to the rhythm section. Later, when Mark Evans departed, Cliff Williams stepped in on bass, completing what many consider to be the classic and most impactful lineup of the band. It was a journey of finding the right pieces, you know, the ones that truly fit together to create something special.

This core group – Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams – became the definitive sound of AC/DC for their most influential early period. Their combined talents and shared musical vision created a unique and powerful sound that resonated with millions of fans around the world. While there were earlier members, this particular combination of original AC/DC members is the one that truly defined the band's identity and propelled them to international stardom. It's almost like a perfect storm of talent, all coming together at just the right moment.

So, we've talked about the very first people who started AC/DC, like Dave Evans, Larry Van Kriedt, and Colin Burgess, who helped kick things off. We also looked closely at the core group that really made the band famous: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams. We explored Bon Scott's important role as the voice of the early band and clarified that he wasn't the very first singer. We also touched on Malcolm Young's quiet but steady influence and the strong partnership between the Young brothers. Finally, we mentioned other early members like Mark