Angus Young: The Untold Story Of His Family, Siblings, And AC/DC's Rise
Could the raw, untamed energy of a schoolboy uniform and a Gibson SG truly revolutionize rock and roll? For Angus Young, the youngest of eight children, the answer was a resounding, amplified yes, a testament to the enduring power of youthful rebellion and musical genius.
Born on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, Angus McKinnon Young's life was a world away from the stadiums he would later dominate. He, along with his seven siblings, called 6 Skerryvore Road in the Cranhill district home. This modest address in Glasgow would become the genesis of a legend. In 1963, seeking a better life, the Young family, including Angus, his parents William and Margaret, and siblings Malcolm, George, and Margaret, embarked on a journey to Sydney, Australia. The family's story, from the working-class streets of Glasgow to the sun-drenched shores of Australia, is a powerful narrative of migration and the pursuit of dreams, the kind of dreams that would eventually shape the landscape of rock music forever. Even as a child, the impact of this relocation was clear, setting the stage for the creative fire that would soon ignite the world.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Angus McKinnon Young |
Date of Birth | March 31, 1955 |
Place of Birth | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom |
Parents | William Young and Margaret Young |
Siblings | Stephen Young, Margaret Horsburgh, William Young Jr., Alex Young, George Young, Malcolm Young, and one other. |
Instrument | Guitar |
Band | AC/DC |
Key Contributions | Lead Guitarist, Songwriter, stage presence |
Formed AC/DC | 1973 (with Malcolm Young) |
Emigration to Australia | 1963 |
First Instrument | Banjo |
Reference | AC/DC Official Website |
The story of Angus Young is deeply intertwined with his family, especially his older brother, Malcolm. The bond between the two was forged in the crucible of shared experience: the cramped tenement flat in Glasgow, the journey to a new land, and, crucially, their shared passion for music. It was in Sydney, in 1973, that this fraternal collaboration crystallized. Malcolm and Angus, barely out of their teens, ignited the raw energy that would become AC/DC. What's often overlooked is the vital role that their older brother, George Young, and Harry Vanda played in the band's early success, contributing significantly to the songwriting and production that defined the band's sound. The band took their name from the AC/DC abbreviation found on their sister Margaret's sewing machine.
The family's move to Australia was a pivotal moment. It wasn't just a change of scenery; it was a rebirth. The five Young boys, heavily influenced by the burgeoning rock and roll scene, were deeply involved in music. In the vastness of the Australian landscape, Angus and Malcolm, along with George and their sibling, Margaret, found a new kind of freedom a freedom that manifested in their music. From a modest start, the family would play an important role in the music industry in Australia.
Angus, known for his electrifying stage presence and schoolboy uniform, immediately began learning chords, immersing himself in the music of the day. However, it was the influence of his older brother Malcolm that was most critical. Malcolm held down the rhythm guitar, providing the bedrock for Angus's legendary stage antics and guitar playing. The synergy between them was undeniable, a symbiotic relationship that fueled AC/DC's ascent. The impact of George Young and Harry Vanda cannot be overstated, either. They had been key contributors in the studio, and they returned to Sydney in 1973 to work as in-house producers for Ted Albert at Albert Productions. Their experience in producing their own music as well as that of other successful bands proved invaluable for their younger brothers.
The story of Angus Young also includes other family members. Alex Young, Angus's older brother, remained in Scotland, while Stevie Young, the son of Stephen Crawford Young, is also a musician, curiously close in age to Angus. Stephen Crawford Young, Sr., also has a rich family history, as he married and had children. Angus's immediate family, along with his siblings, shared the experiences of a tenement flat and, later, the vast opportunity of Australia.
The impact on the music scene was almost instantaneous. AC/DC quickly gained a following. Angus, with his electrifying stage presence, became synonymous with the band. The Gibson SG, which he purchased at the age of sixteen from a shop near his Sydney home, became an extension of his persona, another symbol of AC/DC's impact on rock and roll. The band quickly found themselves playing at pubs and venues, honing their craft, and building a reputation.
The Young brothers, specifically Angus and Malcolm, formed a powerful combination. While Angus's high-energy performances and stage presence are well-documented, it was Malcolm's consistent rhythm guitar that anchored the band's sound. Their combined efforts helped AC/DC become one of the most successful rock bands in history. The brothers shared a bond forged in the heart of a working-class family from Glasgow. That connection, combined with their musical talent and drive, propelled AC/DC to international fame. The early years were characterized by both joy and hardship. Their early successes, punctuated by the death of the group's lead singer and dear friend of the Youngs, were a testament to their resilience and determination.
AC/DC's story is a complex tapestry woven with threads of family, hardship, and sheer musical genius. Angus, a prolific songwriter, has always remained true to his roots, maintaining a raw energy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As of now, AC/DC continues to be a relevant band in today's music.



Detail Author:
- Name : Ransom Ratke MD
- Email : balistreri.vivian@steuber.com
- Birthdate : 1976-05-29
- Address : 348 Davis Brook Gerholdburgh, AZ 17559
- Phone : +18288769539
- Company : Funk LLC
- Job : Librarian
- Bio : Id similique cumque aperiam incidunt. Quam quae debitis ipsum et non cupiditate libero. Impedit dignissimos aliquid occaecati animi reprehenderit eaque.