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The life and career of Angus Young
by MATT R
March 20, 2010
Many of us have heard the main riff of the song “Back in Black,” but who’s the lead guitarist shredding on the complex guitar solos midway into the song? This guitarist was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 1955, under the name Angus McKinnon Young. Angus is co-founder and lead guitarist for the rock band AC/DC.
Angus was pronounced 96 on the Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time. When asked if 96 was an appropriate spot for Angus, Brandon S, 7th grader, replied, “No, I think he should have been in the top twenty, because he’s skilled, and definitely better than most people that were ranked before him.” In addition to the list, Angus is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Before Angus went out and joined AC/DC, he lived in Sydney, Australia with his family. Angus is the youngest of his seven siblings. Since Angus and his brother Malcolm formed AC/DC, they are the most famous members of the family, even though their two brothers Alex and George became musicians. Angus and Malcolm came up with the name AC/DC, because the name was on their sister’s sewing machine.
Angus’s guitar work is not the only reason he attracted so many fans. Dressed in a schoolboy-uniform, he was known for some pretty bizarre gimmicks. For example, during concerts, he would climb onto the lead singer’s shoulders while playing guitar, and the two would make their way through the audience, while smoke was coming from a satchel on Angus’s back. His gimmicks also included the Duck Walk, originated by Chuck Berry, and he would also perform a gimmick called the “spasm,” where he falls to the ground and practically has a seizure. He invented the move when he once tripped on a cord during a gig at a small club. He made it look like he did it on purpose, by using the gimmick.
Though many think he was great, some have their doubts about Angus. Mrs. Darnton, teacher, has this to say, “I don’t think he’s technically gifted. He puts on a good show.” Mrs. Darnton rated him a “high-medium” in terms of skill level. Some die-hard fans might disagree, but many would agree that guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix blow Young out of the water.
Angus is a unique guitar player who inspired many. Young helped influence bands like Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Metallica, Disturbed, and many more. When asked how good of a guitarist Angus is, Brandon replied, “He’s a legendary artist, but deserves more credit.”
by MATT R
March 20, 2010
Many of us have heard the main riff of the song “Back in Black,” but who’s the lead guitarist shredding on the complex guitar solos midway into the song? This guitarist was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 1955, under the name Angus McKinnon Young. Angus is co-founder and lead guitarist for the rock band AC/DC.
Angus was pronounced 96 on the Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time. When asked if 96 was an appropriate spot for Angus, Brandon S, 7th grader, replied, “No, I think he should have been in the top twenty, because he’s skilled, and definitely better than most people that were ranked before him.” In addition to the list, Angus is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Before Angus went out and joined AC/DC, he lived in Sydney, Australia with his family. Angus is the youngest of his seven siblings. Since Angus and his brother Malcolm formed AC/DC, they are the most famous members of the family, even though their two brothers Alex and George became musicians. Angus and Malcolm came up with the name AC/DC, because the name was on their sister’s sewing machine.
Angus’s guitar work is not the only reason he attracted so many fans. Dressed in a schoolboy-uniform, he was known for some pretty bizarre gimmicks. For example, during concerts, he would climb onto the lead singer’s shoulders while playing guitar, and the two would make their way through the audience, while smoke was coming from a satchel on Angus’s back. His gimmicks also included the Duck Walk, originated by Chuck Berry, and he would also perform a gimmick called the “spasm,” where he falls to the ground and practically has a seizure. He invented the move when he once tripped on a cord during a gig at a small club. He made it look like he did it on purpose, by using the gimmick.
Though many think he was great, some have their doubts about Angus. Mrs. Darnton, teacher, has this to say, “I don’t think he’s technically gifted. He puts on a good show.” Mrs. Darnton rated him a “high-medium” in terms of skill level. Some die-hard fans might disagree, but many would agree that guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix blow Young out of the water.
Angus is a unique guitar player who inspired many. Young helped influence bands like Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Metallica, Disturbed, and many more. When asked how good of a guitarist Angus is, Brandon replied, “He’s a legendary artist, but deserves more credit.”
