Angus Young
Origins and Early Years
Angus McKinnon Young was born on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland. His family emigrated to Sydney, Australia, in 1963. Influenced by his older brothers, notably George Young (a member of the Easybeats), he started playing guitar at a very young age and developed a sharp, high-energy style deeply rooted in the blues of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.
In 1973, he co-founded AC/DC with his brother Malcolm Young. His schoolboy outfit, created by his sister Margaret, quickly became his trademark on stage. The band built a reputation as a formidable live act in the pubs of Sydney and Melbourne.
Rise and Breakthrough
The early Australian albums, including High Voltage (1975) and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976), established the band on the global rock scene. Singer Bon Scott gave the group a raw and wild identity with his raspy voice and provocative lyrics.
After the tragic death of Bon Scott on February 19, 1980, the band recruited Brian Johnson. The album Back in Black (1980) became one of the best-selling records in history, with over 50 million copies sold. Its opening riff and the funeral bells paying tribute to Scott have become legendary.
Style and Legacy
Angus Young is inseparable from his Gibson SG, which he has used since the band’s early days. His playing is defined by powerful riffs, a highly recognizable overdriven tone, and legendary stage energy. His duckwalks, inspired by Chuck Berry, and his frantic solos make him one of the most electrifying performers in rock.
AC/DC has sold over 200 million albums worldwide. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2020, despite health issues affecting several members, the band returned with Power Up, a tribute album to Malcolm Young, who passed away in 2017.
Iconic Guitar
The Gibson SG Standard remains Angus Young’s signature instrument. He has also used Gibson SG Custom models and Jaydee SG signature guitars. Gibson has released several Angus Young Signature SG models, recognizable by their high-output humbucker pickups and slim neck profile.
