AC/DC prepares to rock Australia once more | 7.30

Key Concepts

• AC/DC's Global Impact: The band's immense popularity, record-breaking ticket sales, and multi-generational fan base across continents.
• Scale of Production: The massive logistical and technical requirements for their tours, including steel for the stage and audio equipment.
• Sound Intensity: The extreme decibel levels of AC/DC concerts, comparable to a 747 jet.
• Band History and Evolution: Key members, their contributions, and significant events like Bon Scott's death and Brian Johnson's joining.
• Founding Vision and Ambition: The early goals and drive of Angus and Malcolm Young.
• Mark Evans' Journey: His experience as an early bassist, his departure, and his current role as a music teacher.
• Legacy and Enduring Appeal: The band's ability to connect with new generations and the timeless quality of their music.

AC/DC's Touring Machine and Global Reach

AC/DC's current tour is a testament to their enduring global power, requiring approximately 300 tons of steel for the stage and 28 tons of audio equipment. The sound produced during their concerts is exceptionally loud, reaching 103 decibels (dB) at the mixing desk, which is comparable to the sound of a 747 jet at full thrust at the end of a runway. This intensity allows the audience to "literally feel it."

The band's "Power Up" tour has once again shattered ticketing records in Australia, marking the biggest ticket-selling day in Ticket Tech history with 370,000 tickets sold in a single day. This highlights their status as global icons and, according to the speaker, "easily, I think, the greatest rock band ever."

Historical Context and Longevity

AC/DC's journey began with early shows at Melbourne's Festival Hall, and they have since progressed to playing the world's largest venues. As Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, they have released 17 albums over more than 50 years. Their album Back in Black remains the second highest-selling record of all time, surpassed only by Michael Jackson's Thriller. The band is widely considered Australia's greatest musical export, boasting a significant fan base across generations: five generations of fans in Australia, four in Europe, and three in the US, spanning 30 to 50 years of generational appeal.

Mark Evans: From Bassist to Music Educator

Mark Evans, the band's former bass guitarist, now teaches music at a "School of Rock" in Leichhardt, Sydney. He describes music as "the closest thing I know to magic" and feels "very lucky" to be working there. Evans joined the band in Melbourne in 1975 at the age of 19. During his tenure, the band was performing multiple gigs a day for a modest sum, with one worksheet indicating they received $450 for the whole band for some performances.

Founding Vision and Early Days

Founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, guided by their older brother George Young (a member of The Easy Beats), had a clear and ambitious vision. Malcolm's ambition was to "take over the world." Evans recalls filming the music clip for "Long Way to the Top" in 1976 with the band's then-frontman, Bon Scott. He describes Bon Scott as the "social director" and a "great bunch of guys."

The filming involved miming the song on a flatbed truck down Melbourne's Swanson Street for the ABC's Countdown program. Pipers Kevin Conlan and Les Kenfield were also involved. Conlan, then secretary of the pipe band, received a call from Bon Scott asking how long it would take to play the pipes, as Scott wanted to appear as if he was playing. Conlan noted that the significance of this event wasn't fully realized at the time but now considers it "one of the greatest things, probably the greatest thing I've ever done in my life." He also sensed Bon Scott's strong presence when he walked into band practice.

Band Evolution and Member Changes

Brian Johnson joined AC/DC as lead singer in 1980, in the months following the death of Bon Scott from alcohol poisoning. Angus' brother, Malcolm Young, who played rhythm guitar, passed away in 2017 after a battle with dementia. Angus Young is now the sole remaining founding member and is noted as "the only person on the face of the earth that's been to every AC/DC gig."

Mark Evans was dismissed from the band in 1977, reportedly due to musical differences. He reflects that the separation was difficult and attributes his departure to not taking the opportunity "seriously enough," stating, "it was, it all happened so easily, um, that I probably didn't give it its correct weight." Despite past legal issues with the band over royalties, Evans expresses his admiration for what AC/DC has achieved and what Angus is continuing, calling it "really special" and appreciating the opportunity to pass it on to younger people.

Enduring Musical Appeal

For younger generations, while some might perceive AC/DC's music as "old," the sentiment expressed is that "just cuz it's old doesn't mean it's not good, right? It's great music. It's gold. Gold." This underscores the timeless quality and universal appeal of their rock and roll sound.