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To say 2020 has been a turbulent year is a bit of an understatement. Still, in these times of uncertainty, we’re heartened that AC/DC are providing some consistency.
The latest album, “Power Up”, delivers everything you expect from Australia’s greatest rock n’ roll export, and during these strange times, that familiarity is like a much-needed comfort blanket.
In celebration of AC/DC’s triumphant return, we’ve selected a few notable quotables from the band’s interviews over the years. Some offer insight into their creative process and inspiration, others reflect the band’s distinctive humour.
So, pour yourself a cold one, crank up “Power Up”, and read on!
Angus Young
“I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same, In fact, we've made 12 albums that sound exactly the same.”
“Every guitarist I would cross paths with would tell me that I should have a flashy guitar, whatever the latest fashion model was, and I used to say, 'Why? Mine works, doesn't it? It's a piece of wood and six strings, and it works.”
“I honestly believe that you have to be able to play the guitar hard if you want to be able to get the whole spectrum of tones out of it. Since I normally play so hard, when I start picking a bit softer my tone changes completely, and that's really useful sometimes for creating a more laid-back feel.”
Malcolm Young
“Rock bands don't really swing... a lot of rock is stiff. They don't understand the feel, the movement, you know, the jungle of it all.”
“If there was a wrong note, it didn't matter as long as it was rocking.”
“My brother John loved Big Bill Broonzy, and from that, Angus and I discovered Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. We could relate to what they were singing about. When a family uproots itself and moves to the other side of the world because your dad couldn't get a job, you didn't feel part of the system, if there even was a system.”
Bon Scott
“No matter how long you play rock n roll songs might change just as the balls are there, the rock balls. And that's what's important to us.”
“I've never had a message for anyone in my entire life. Except maybe to give out my room number.”
“We just want to make the walls cave in and the ceiling collapse. Music is meant to be played as loudly as possible, really raw and punchy, and I'll punch out anyone who doesn't like it the way I do.”
Brian Johnson
“I'm an out and out basic man and AC/DC are one of the best rock'n'roll bands in the world, doing things just to the basics, you know.”
“People are famous for being famous and for nothing else. And good luck to them, because it lasts about a year and then they're nothing again.”
What is your favourite AC/DC moment? Have you listened to the new record? As always, share your stories in the comments.
When we’re young, there are several firsts that we’re not aware of, though our parents may relish in those moments. These are milestones such as first steps, first words, first trips to the potty, and so on.
As we age, there are more firsts that we become more aware of, such as our first kisses, first dates, and first times behind the wheel (often to our parents’ great fear in the passenger seat).
While punk and pop-punk are arguably defined by stacks of power chords and clean guitar passages, incorporating capos benefits the genre.
They can make some things more accessible to play. In interviews, Mike Ness of Social Distortion said he has a Gold Top Les Paul tuned down from E standard to Eb standard and capos the guitar at the second fret. This is to make playing certain things more accessible and comfortable, accommodating an old injury on his fretting hand. Thanks to capos, Ness can play in different keys.
While he can imitate the greats, his voice on the instrument is also distinct, blending virtuosic technique, great tone, incredible musicality and a healthy dose of humour. All of that has made him an in-demand clinician and very busy player, recording and touring with Asia, Dizzee Rascal, Steven Wilson, Hans Zimmer, and his project, The Aristocrats.
One does not travel this world without gaining experience and wisdom, which Guthrie has shared with many through the years. Without further ado, here is some of the knowledge he has passed on over the years.
