AC/DC is clearly one of the most famous and popular rock bands of all time. It was formed back in 1973 by Angus and Malcolm Young. The Australian rock band first released its debut album “High Voltage” in 1975 and since then they have released several albums till now. Their latest album was released nearly two years ago on November 13, 2020, named Power Up.
And for those who thought that the band is dead, AC/DC proved them wrong because their album Power Up went top in various music charts including Billboard’s Canadian Albums and many more. Furthermore, their album was also nominated for Best Rock Album at Grammy Awards.
AC/DC have released many albums and certainly, they have numerous songs. However, even though it was tough, Angus picked and talked about his favorite songs from the band. In this handy article, we will discuss Angus’ favorite track or song from his band AC/DC.
What is Angus Young’s favorite AC DC song?
We can imagine that writing all those songs and picking favorites is really tough, however, when asked about his favorite songs from AC/DC Angus did not hesitate to answer the question. After all, it is one of the most asked questions. Angus revealed two of his favorite songs from his band, so what songs are they? let’s talk about it one by one.
Riff Raff
Angus was talking to Vulture about their new album Power Up and as mentioned above he was asked about his favorite track from the band. Angus revealed that the song Riff Raff from the band’s 1978 album Powerage is one of his favorites.
Talking about the song Young explained, “Oh, jeez. That can be very tough. I’m biased because I’ve been on them all, you know? [Laughs.] If I was just thinking of the guitar, since I’m a guitar player, I’d say ‘Riff Raff.”
However, it is really easy for us to understand why this is one of his favorites, after all, it is one of AC/DC’s most popular and fan-favorite songs. Furthermore, just like Young explained, we can hear the beautiful guitar riffs in this song. In fact, according to Rocking Roll, the opening forty seconds of Young’s guitar playing in this song is “one of the most tension-filled and anticipatory in all of rock & roll.”
As mentioned, Angus also revealed another favorite song from AC/DC, so let’s talk about Angus’ other favorite song from the band.
Thunderstruck
In the same interview with Vulture, Angus revealed another one of his favorite tracks from his band. He said that the “guitar work was a challenge but interesting in the way the song [Riff Raff] rolled out.” And just as he finished talking about Riff Raff he said, “if it’s for a whole song, Thunderstruck is a big one. I like that answer.”
Thunderstruck is a song from AC/DC’s 1990 album The Razors Edge. Moreover, thunderstruck also remains one of AC/DC’s most popular songs and there are also several people who even claim that it is the best AC/DC song ever. Furthermore, it seems that this song is not only a fan favorite but even the creator’s favorite.
Angus is not only famous for his songs or his band but he is also really popular and famous because of his schoolboy uniform and duck walking. Now let’s bend the topic a little bit and talk about the co-founder of the band AC/DC and Angus’ brother Malcolm Young. Back in 2017, Malcolm died which really affected AC/DC and his fans. So what was the reason for his death? and how did his death affect the band? let’s find out.
AC/DC after Angus brother Malcolm’s death
As mentioned Malcolm was the co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and back vocalist of the band AC/DC. Furthermore, he was also a songwriter so he was a really important member of AC/DC. Unfortunately, on November 18, 2017, Malcolm died at Lulworth House in Elizabeth Bay. He was 64 years old at the time of his death. Malcolm’s funeral was held ten days after his death on November 28 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.
So how did he die? well, in 2014 it was announced that Malcolm was really ill and retiring. It was reported the same year that Malcolm was diagnosed with dementia. And in 2017 as a result of the dementia effect, Malcolm passed away. Certainly, it was really sad news for all music lovers and the music industry. Many celebrities and bands paid tribute to Malcolm including Black Sabbath, Eddie Van Halen, Foo Fighters, and more.
And what about AC/DC? how did the band take Malcolm’s death? certainly, they were saddened beyond words because they lost one of the band’s founders. As mentioned, even before his death, it was announced that he was very ill and was retired so after that, Young’s nephew Stevie Young took his place and replaced him. And now, Stevie is a permanent member of the band.
Before Malcolm’s death in 2016, the band’s lead vocalist Brian Johnson had to stop touring because of his hearing problem and the doctor suggested he stop touring as it might worsen his hearing. So, he had to stop touring, Axl Rose, Guns N’ Roses’ vocalist came in his place for their shows. Later even Cliff Williams, the back vocalist, and bassist of AC/DC retired from the band however, the band reunited in 2020 and released their new album Power Up.
Malcolm was a precious member of AC/DC and his death really saddened the band and its fans. The band members were retiring but it seems that their reunion and the new album were only possible because of Malcolm’s death. As per the sources, AC/DC reunion was sworn at Malcolm’s funeral, and Angus even said that their 2020 album Power Up is a tribute to his brother Malcolm Young. Angus said, “This record [Power Up] is pretty much a dedication to Malcolm, my brother.”
Brian Johnson said that something happened at Malcolm’s funeral. Johnson explained, “That was a lovely day, the band members sat together and talked. I’m not a religious or spiritual kind of person, but it’s so obvious now that something happened.” It is clear that the band’s reunion was only possible because of Malcolm, a true legend, we will miss you forever.
