AC/DC

The definition of a hard-rocking, good-timing band, Australian rockers AC/DC are also one of the few bands to maintain worldwide popularity after the death of their original lead singer. Guitarists Malcolm and Angus Young founded AC/DC in 1973; both were younger brothers of Harry Young who'd been in Australia's best-known '60s band, the Easybeats. He and Easybeats partner Harry Vanda became mentors and producers for AC/DC beginning with their first single, "Can I Sit Next To You." Though not a hit, the single led to the band relocating from Sydney to Melbourne, where their first classic-era lineup fell into place with bassist Mark Evans (replaced by Cliff Williams in 1977) and drummer Phil Rudd. Most notably, their driver Bon Scott stepped in when original singer Dave Evans got stagefright. Apparently born for the rock & roll stage, Scott embodied the band's hard-living personality. And their trademark sound was in place from the start: Bone-crunching riffs, raspy vocals, fist-waving choruses, and lyrics heavy on double entendres. After years of international touring, the band began to crack America after the 1978 live album If You Want Blood You've Got It and its studio followup, Highway to Hell, whose title track became an immediate radio staple and a high-school and frat-party favorite for decades to come. The latter album began a fruitful collaboration with producer Mutt Lange, giving them a heavier arena sound. But disaster struck on February 19, 1980 when Scott collapsed after a night out at the Music Machine in London; he was pronounced dead of alcohol poisoning the next morning. After a short break, the band auditioned a few singers including Englishman Brian Johnson, from the lesser-known band Geordie, whose rendition of early live staple "Whole Lotta Rosie" got him the gig. While the next album's title Back in Black referred to mourning, the best known tracks ("You Shook Me All Night Long," "Hell's Bells") were hedonistic as ever. AC/DC was now one of the world's biggest bands, a status they'd maintain for most of the '80s, even as new rounds of personnel changes began (notably with Chris Slade temporarily replacing Rudd on drums). But neither lineup changes, nor a '90s commercial decline would derail their single-minded pursuit of a good time. AC/DC was still rock royalty in the new millennium, but the 2010s would prove a tough stretch. An ailing Malcolm Young retired in 2014; later that year Phil Rudd (who'd rejoined in 1994) was arrested for drug possession (a second charge of procuring a murder was dropped). Chris Slade replaced him a second time. Finally, Brian Johnson parted ways with the band; conflicting reports say he left due to hearing loss, or was fired. After weeks of rumor and speculation, Guns 'n' Roses frontman Axl Rose was revealed to be stepping in for the tour. While reaction to the initial dates was favorable, AC/DC announced no plans beyond the 2016 tour.