For over 50 years, AC/DC, the legendary rock band featuring Angus Young, Brian Johnson, and more, has been belting out hits. Yet, some fans have only just learned what their name means.
The Australian rock legends, founded by brothers Malcolm Young and Angus Young, feature a star-studded line-up with lead guitarist Angus, bassist Cliff Williams, drummer Phil Rudd, vocalist Brian Johnson, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, who is also Angus and Malcolm's nephew. The band recently played Croke Park, their first Irish show in nine years.
While their history goes back to 1974, AC/DC has bagged 17 awards and received another 50 nominations at prestigious events like the Grammy Awards, ARIA Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards (VMA). Despite their success and iconic status, there seems to be some confusion among their fanbase about the band's musical genre. Some consider them hard rock, while others argue for heavy metal or blues rock.
The band's hit list, featuring crowd-pleasers like You Shook Me All Night Long, Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Highway to Hell, It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, undoubtedly keeps the fans hooked.
However, one dedicated fan recently had an epiphany while jamming to AC/DC, leading them to turn to Reddit for enlightenment. They asked, "What does AC/DC actually stand for?"
While some believe AC/DC is short for 'Anti-Christ/Devil's Child', the real story of its name is far less sinister. The rock band's moniker originated during a brainstorming session for a catchy name. Malcolm and Angus' sister, Margaret, spotted the letters AC/DC on her sewing machine's power adapter. This sparked inspiration, and they embraced the acronym, representing alternating current/direct current electricity, perfectly mirroring their electrifying performances.
Fans have been vocal about the name's roots, with one saying, "I thought it meant Alternate/ Direct Current." Another joked, "Angus Can Dance Cool." And yet another fan added, "It's a play on a theme, and a damned good one if you ask me."
Despite the simple explanation, the revelation about AC/DC's name has surprised some fans, demonstrating the enduring power of music and the surprising secrets that can lie beneath the surface of even the most iconic bands. Even after 50 years, AC/DC continues to captivate and surprise their fans, proving that their electrifying energy and musical prowess remain as potent as ever.
