AC/DC Recent events (2000–present)
 In September 1974, Bon Scott replaced Dave Evans. Scott was a former lead vocalist with The Spektors (1964–66), The Valentines (1966–70), and Fraternity (1970–73). The band had recorded only one single with Evans, Can I Sit Next to You / Rockin' in the Parlour, and Can I Sit Next to You was eventually re-recorded with Bon Scott under the title Can I Sit Next to You Girl.
By January 1975, the Australia-only album High Voltage had been recorded. It took only ten days, and was based on instrumental songs written by the Young brothers with lyrics added by Scott. Within a few months, the band's line-up had stabilized, featuring Scott, the Young brothers, bassist Mark Evans and drummer Phil Rudd. Later that year they released the single It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), which became their perennial rock anthem. It was included on their second album, T.N.T., which was also released only in Australia and New Zealand. The album featured another classic song, High Voltage.
Audio samples:
It's a Long Way to the Top (1975)
The second single of High Voltage demonstrates a combination of bagpipes with more traditional rock instruments while the lyrics discuss the perils of being in a rock band.
Jailbreak (1976)
Jailbreak, first released in Australia on Dirty Deeds, relates a man's attempts to escape from prison after receiving a 16-year sentence for murder.
Riff Raff (1978)
Riff Raff displays warp speed, long instrumental breaks and solos. It is the first track on the first AC/DC live album, If You Want Blood, and was first released in the same year on Powerage.
Problems playing the files? See media help.
Between 1974 and 1977, aided by regular appearances on Molly Meldrum's Countdown, a nationally broadcast pop music television show, AC/DC became one of the most popular and successful acts in Australia. Their performance on 3 April 1977 was their last live TV appearance for over twenty years.
|
