1976 made AC/DC their first performance outside of Australia – at the dance floor Cortina in Vinberg, Halland. Many in the audience held their ears and went home. But despite a less successful premiere, AC/DC became a success in Sweden shortly afterwards.
Sweden was already in the mid-70s very hard rock-friendly, says author and music journalist Anders Tengner, who remembers that Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin also made early performances in Sweden.
Tengner worked at the music magazine Okej during the 80s until 2005. He has interviewed AC/DC about ten times and seen the band live on more occasions than he can count.
Can't be imitated
He thinks that AC/DC carved out their own niche within hard rock as musically distinct as Angus Young's "duckwalk".
It simply can't be imitated, these rhythmically steady riffs, agile solos, catchy refrains and an intense, almost a little dirty singing on the verge of cracking. All attempts make you immediately think that it's AC/DC copies, says Anders Tengner.
AC/DC returns to Ullevi for the first time since 2009 after a tough decade. 2014 was affected by guitarist Malcolm Young's dementia and died in 2017. 2016 got singer Brian Johnson hearing problems and was temporarily replaced by Axl Rose. At the same time, bassist Cliff Williams retired.
Comeback album "Power up" (2020), included both Williams and drummer Phil Rudd, who in 2015 was sentenced to house arrest for murder threats and drug possession. But neither Williams nor Rudd could participate in the tour. Angus Young is now the only original member left on stage. The first singer Bon Scott died in 1980 and was replaced by Englishman Brian Johnson.
70-year-old in school uniform
They're starting to get a little old, how long can they continue?
There's something very strange about hard rock that for so many years was the music of youth. The whole generation that was involved in creating and then managing hard rock's legacy, they're now between 75 and 80 years old. Angus Young is 70 years old and bounces around in a school uniform, says Anders Tengner.
Yet, he emphasizes that AC/DC is still vital.
It's because they've always kept their concept. I have no idea where Angus gets all the riffs from. Actually, it's the same song 500 times.
Do you think this could be the last chance to see them in Sweden?
I usually say that when it comes to these old guys, you never know.
Formed: 1973 in Sydney, Australia
Members: Angus Young – guitar (founder since 1973), Brian Johnson – vocals (1980–2016, 2018–present), Stevie Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (since 2014), Phil Rudd – drums (returned 2018, but not touring since 2023), Cliff Williams – bass (returned 2018, but not participating in the tour).
Tour line-up on "Power up tour": Angus Young – guitar, Brian Johnson – vocals, Stevie Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, Matt Laug – drums (borrowed studio and tour drummer), Chris Chaney – bass, backing vocals (borrowed bassist).
AC/DC – Albums with highest sales:
"Back in black" (1980) – has been sold in over 50 million copies globally and is one of the best-selling albums in music history, with hits like “You shook me all night long” and “Hells bells”.
"Highway to hell" (1979) – has been sold in approximately 15 million copies globally. "The razors edge" (1990) – estimated 10–12 million globally and contains “Thunderstruck” which became an arena classic.
"Dirty deeds done dirt cheap" (1976/1981 internationally) – approximately 10.7 million copies globally.
"For those about to rock we salute you" (1981) – just over 10 million copies sold internationally. "Black Ice" (2008) – became a bestseller after an eight-year hiatus with 8 million copies sold globally.
AC/DC is estimated to have sold up to 200 million records in total.
Currently with: ”Power up tour” which comes to Ullevi in Gothenburg on July 28 and August 1.
