The answer lies in the Australian rock band’s history and the story behind their iconic name.
The Origins of AC/DC
The name AC/DC was chosen by the band’s co-founders, Angus Young and Malcolm Young, in 1973. At the time, the band was still in its early stages, and they needed a name that would stand out and reflect their music style.
The Inspiration Behind the Name
The name AC/DC was inspired by the electrical term “alternating current/direct current.” The band members were fascinated by the concept of electricity and the differences between AC and DC. They wanted a name that would reflect their music’s energetic and dynamic nature. The term “alternating current” refers to the back-and-forth flow of electricity, while “direct current” refers to the steady, one-way flow of electricity. The band members were drawn to the idea of contrasting these two types of electricity, which they felt reflected the contrasting styles of their music.*
The Significance of the Name
The name AC/DC has become synonymous with hard rock and heavy metal music. The band’s music is characterized by its high-energy riffs, powerful vocals, and driving rhythms. The name AC/DC reflects the band’s music’s raw energy and power.
The band’s name was initially going to be “Electricity,” but it was later changed to AC/DC due to trademark issues.
The Birth of AC/DC
In the early 1970s, a group of young musicians in Sydney, Australia, came together to form a band that would eventually become one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. The band’s name, AC/DC, was born out of a conversation between the band’s lead vocalist, Bon Scott, and guitarist Angus Young.
The Name: A Spark of Inspiration
Margaret Young, the mother of Angus Young, is often credited with suggesting the name AC/DC. She got the inspiration from her sewing machine power adapter, which had a distinctive AC/DC symbol on it. The symbol, which represents the alternating current and direct current, was a common sight in many households at the time. The name AC/DC was initially going to be “Electricity,” but it was later changed due to trademark issues. The band’s logo, which features a lightning bolt, was also designed by Margaret Young.*
The Logo: A Symbol of Power
The lightning bolt in the band’s logo is a symbol of power and energy, and it was designed by Margaret Young.
“It’s a name that’s easy to spell, and it’s a name that’s easy to pronounce.”
The Birth of AC/DC
In the early 1970s, the band members were all part of the Sydney-based band The Easybeats. The Easybeats were a popular Australian rock band that had achieved significant success in the country. However, the band members were looking to start a new project, and they decided to form a new band. The original lineup consisted of: + Dave Evans (vocals) + Angus Young (guitar) + Malcolm Young (guitar) + Larry Van Kriedt (bass) + Colin Burgess (drums) + Colin Petersen (keyboards)
The Name and Early Years
The band’s name, AC/DC, was chosen due to the fact that it was an easy name to remember and spell.
The Origins of AC/DC
AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band formed in 1973. The band’s name is derived from the phrase “Anti-Christ/Devil’s-Child,” which was coined by a Reddit user. The band’s early years were marked by struggles, including a change in name from “The Angry Badgers” to “AC/DC.” The band’s first album, “High Voltage,” was released in 1975 and was a commercial success.
The Formation of the Band
The band’s original lineup consisted of brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, along with Larry Van Kriedt, Colin Burgess, and Dave Evans. The Young brothers were the primary songwriters and driving force behind the band. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was known for his energetic stage presence and schoolboy uniform. Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist, was the band’s primary songwriter and helped shape the band’s sound.
The Rise to Fame
AC/DC’s breakthrough came in 1975 with the release of their second album, “T.N.T.” The album was a commercial success, and the band’s popularity began to grow. The band’s third album, “High Voltage,” was released in 1975 and was also a commercial success. The band’s early years were marked by struggles, including a change in name from “The Angry Badgers” to “AC/DC.”
The Impact of “Highway to Hell”
The band’s fifth album, “Highway to Hell,” was released in 1979 and was a major commercial success.
The bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it’s said that Bon Scott would often visit The Riffs (not The Raffles) to drink and socialize.
The Origins of the Nickname
The nickname “Highway to Hell” was coined by the band’s lead singer, Bon Scott, in the early 1970s.