AC/DC aren't a 'punk fad', Bon Scott 1977 interview | Australian Story

Key Concepts

• Pioneering Punk Band: The band's claim to be among the earliest, predating the formal emergence of "punk" as a genre.
• New Wave and Punk Fad: The perception of punk and new wave as temporary trends.
• Band's Enduring Appeal: The band's ability to draw larger crowds than newer acts, attributed to their established fanbase rather than genre affiliation.
• Authenticity and Non-Conformity: The band's commitment to their established sound and refusal to change for different markets or trends.
• Impact on Rock Music: The idea that punk and new wave, despite being fads, provided a significant jolt to the rock music scene.

Band's Historical Context and Emergence

The band asserts their status as pioneers, claiming to have been active and established "before the sexes were even sort of, you know, thought of." They suggest that people are now recognizing this legacy and seeking more than just "anarchy." The interviewer identifies them as "the first of the punk bands to emerge," referencing subsequent acts like the Sex Pistols and the proliferation of bands with similar names.

Reaction to New Wave and Punk Scene

When asked about returning to a scene where "new wave sort of going crazy in England," the band's response is confident: "Well, we're pulling bigger crowds than they are." They attribute their success not to aligning with new wave or punk, but to their existing fanbase who appreciate them as a "rock band." The band initially feared that the punk and new wave trends might negatively impact them, but found that "it hasn't at all." They characterize these movements as a "big fad," similar to "anything else," with some still clinging to it, but emphasize their primary impact: "it give rock music a real kick in the gut."

Band's Approach to Performance and Market

The band maintains a consistent approach regardless of the market or audience. When questioned if the band changes or plays the same thing for every market using the same approach, the answer is a definitive "Exactly the same." Their reasoning is straightforward: "There's no need to change. I mean we're what we are. Yeah. And uh we ain't going to change for nobody." This highlights a strong sense of identity and a refusal to compromise their artistic integrity for external pressures or trends.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The transcript reveals a band with a strong sense of their historical significance and an unwavering commitment to their identity. They view the punk and new wave movements as transient fads that, while impactful on the broader rock landscape, do not define their enduring appeal. Their success is attributed to a loyal fanbase and their refusal to alter their authentic rock sound, demonstrating a perspective that prioritizes artistic integrity and established legacy over fleeting trends.