View source for Angus Young

{{short description|Australian musician; lead guitarist of AC/DC (born 1955)}}<!--Do not add "Scottish Born" or "Scottish" to the short description, Young's nationality is Australian per talk page consensus -->
{{For|the actor born Angus Young |Alan Young}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Use Australian English|date=November 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Angus Young
| image             = ACDCWembley030724 (115 of 169) (53844255247) (cropped).jpg
| caption           = Young performing in 2024
| birth_name        = Angus McKinnon Young
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1955|3|31}}
| birth_place       = [[Glasgow]], Scotland
| origin            = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| instrument        = Guitar
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[blues rock]]
* [[rock and roll]]
}}
| occupation        = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* songwriter
* producer}}
| years_active      = {{Start date|1970}}–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[EMI]]
* [[Epic Records|Epic]]
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[Albert Productions|Albert]]
* [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
}}
| current_member_of = <!-- Should be listed in alphabetical order per guidelines -->{{flatlist|
* [[AC/DC]]
}}
| past_member_of    = <!-- Should be listed in alphabetical order per guidelines -->{{flatlist|
* [[Marcus Hook Roll Band]]
}}
| website           = {{URL|acdc.com}}
}}

'''Angus McKinnon Young''' (born 31 March 1955) is an <!--Do not change to "Scottish", Young's nationality is Australian per talk page consensus -->Australian<!--Do not change to "Scottish", Young's nationality is Australian per talk page consensus --> musician, best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, songwriter, and the only continuous member of the [[hard rock]] band [[AC/DC]]. He is known for his energetic performances, schoolboy-uniform stage outfits and his own version of [[Chuck Berry]]'s [[duckwalk]]. Young was ranked 38th in the 2023 edition of ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}}s 250 greatest guitarists of all time list.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 October 2023 |title=The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-guitarists-1234814010/ |access-date=14 October 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014003828/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-guitarists-1234814010/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, Young and the other members of AC/DC were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].

==Early life==
Angus McKinnon Young was born on 31 March 1955 in Glasgow, Scotland. In the 1950s, Young's father, William Young (1911–1985), his mother, Margaret (1913–1988; maiden name also Young),<ref name="burleigh" /> and his elder seven siblings<ref name=easy/> lived at 6 Skerryvore Road in the [[Cranhill]] district of [[Glasgow]] in Scotland.<ref name="NAA A1877">{{cite web | url = https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7401044 | title = Item details for: A1877, May 1963 Young W | date = 13 February 2009 | publisher = [[National Archive of Australia]] | access-date = 23 October 2017 | archive-date = 23 October 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120051/https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7401044 | url-status = live }}</ref> Cranhill was a tough, working-class suburb with high unemployment.<ref name=easy/>

Prior to moving to Cranhill, William worked first as a wheel boy in a rope works and then as a machine/saw operator in an asbestos/cement business. In 1940 William joined the [[Royal Air Force]] serving in [[World War II]] as a flight engine mechanic. After the war William worked as a yard man for a builder and then as a postman. Margaret was a housewife.<ref name="NAA A1877"/>

Young spent the first seven years of his life in Scotland. His siblings were Stephen Crawford (1933{{ndash}}1989),<ref>{{cite web |title=Stephen Crawford Young, Sr. |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Stephen-Young-Sr/6000000043747900832?through=6000000043745980876 |website=Geni | date=8 March 2021 |access-date=24 January 2022 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124095443/https://www.geni.com/people/Stephen-Young-Sr/6000000043747900832?through=6000000043745980876 |url-status=live }}</ref> Margaret (1935–2019), John (born 1938), [[Alexander Young (musician)|Alexander]] (1938–1997), William (born 1940), [[George Young (rock musician)|George]] (1946–2017) and [[Malcolm Young|Malcolm]] (1953–2017).<ref name="mengleheart" />

Music was part of family life.<ref name="Tait"/>{{rp|6–7}} Stephen played the piano accordion and the piano,<ref name="mengleheart"/><ref name=easy/> Young's sister Margaret was passionate about music, John played the guitar, Alexander was an accomplished singer, bass guitarist and saxophonist who in the early 1960s left for a career in music in Europe, and George and Malcolm eventually became founding members of the [[The Easybeats|Easybeats]] and [[AC/DC]] respectively.<ref name="mengleheart" /> Stephen was the father of [[Stevie Young]] who in later years took over from Malcolm in AC/DC.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/acdcs-angus-young-says-steve-young-was-the-logical-choice-to-step-in-for-malcolm-young/|title=AC/DC's ANGUS YOUNG Says STEVIE YOUNG Was 'The Logical Choice' To Step in For MALCOLM YOUNG|date=24 November 2014|newspaper=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|language=en-US|access-date=7 October 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010063837/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/acdcs-angus-young-says-steve-young-was-the-logical-choice-to-step-in-for-malcolm-young/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Young himself took up the guitar at the age of five or six, receiving one lesson from Alexander, after which he was self-taught. Young also learned how to fight on Cranhill's tough streets, and, on one occasion was struck by a car.<ref name="mengleheart" />

Prompted by the [[Winter of 1962–1963 in the United Kingdom|winter of 1962–1963]], the worst winter on record in Scotland, and TV advertisements offering assisted travel for families to emigrate to Australia, the Youngs flew from Scotland to [[Sydney]], Australia, in late June 1963, when Young was eight years old.<ref name="NAA A1877"/><ref name=easy>{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlx5W0fCJWY | title = Easy Beats to AC/DC, The Story of Aussie Rock | date = 12 February 2016 | publisher = BBC TV | access-date = 4 November 2017 | archive-date = 23 February 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160223210258/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlx5W0fCJWY&gl=US&hl=en | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0949264/bio| title=Biography for Angus Young| publisher=IMDb, UK| access-date=7 February 2013| archive-date=18 January 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118103957/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0949264/bio| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaxess.com/biography-profile/angus-young |title=Biography – Angus Young |publisher=allaxess |access-date=7 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315054159/http://www.allaxess.com/biography-profile/angus-young |archive-date=15 March 2013 }}</ref> John migrated to Australia separately from his parents and siblings, while Alexander was the only child to remain in the UK.<ref name="Tait">{{Citation | author1 = Tait, John Francis | author2 = ProQuest | title = Vanda & Young: Inside Australia's Hit Factory | date = 2010 | publisher = [[University of New South Wales|University of New South Wales Press]] | isbn = 978-1-74223-217-1 }}</ref>{{rp|6–7}}

Initially staying at Villawood Migrant Hostel (a site later developed as [[Villawood Immigration Detention Centre]]) in [[Nissen huts]], brother George met and became friends with another migrant, [[Harry Vanda]], a relationship that grew into their professional careers in music.<ref name=easy/>

Young's family moved into a semi-detached house at 4 Burleigh Street in the [[Burwood, New South Wales|Sydney suburb of Burwood]].<ref name="burleigh">{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/yarranquint/docs/younghouseacdc_july2013_ed|title=The Young House, 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood|website=Issuu|access-date=19 November 2017|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507202032/https://issuu.com/yarranquint/docs/younghouseacdc_july2013_ed|url-status=live}}</ref> The house was demolished in December 2024, despite being on the [[National Trust]] List of Historic Homes since 2013.<ref name="9now-demo-jan25">{{cite news |last1=Swain |first1=Sarah |title='Sorry for this oversight': Developers demolish Sydney house where Aussie music icons AC/DC got together |url=https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/acdc-house-demolished-sydney/35a491a5-2c10-4d07-a5ff-bfa0ffa89f56 |access-date=10 August 2025 |work=9now.nine.com.au |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co. |date=6 January 2025 |language=en-AU}}</ref> Young attended Burwood Public School from 1960 to 1966 and in 1967,<ref>{{Cite web |title=BRUSH WITH FAME. WHEN AC/DC STAR FIRST WORE HIS SCHOOL UNIFORM. {{!}} Stage Whispers |url=https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/brush-with-fame-when-acdc-star-first-wore-his-school-uniform |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=www.stagewhispers.com.au |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106092651/https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/brush-with-fame-when-acdc-star-first-wore-his-school-uniform |url-status=live }}</ref> attended [[Ashfield Boys High School]], dropping out at age 15.<ref name=gibsoncom>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Russell|title=10 Things You Might Not Know About AC/DC's Angus Young|url=http://www.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/angus-young-0726-2011.aspx|publisher=[[Gibson Guitar Corporation|Gibson]]|access-date=4 August 2011|date=26 July 2011|quote=Young left school before his 15th birthday.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419084144/http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/angus-young-0726-2011.aspx|archive-date=19 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> While at high school, Young enjoyed only the art classes. He practised the guitar in his bedroom after school.<ref name="mengleheart" />

After high school, Young worked at various jobs, including night shifts at a butcher shop. Then he became an apprentice printer. For one week, a soft porn magazine called ''Ribald'' moved into the print shop where Young worked. Young set some type for that magazine, but, despite some claims, was never its employee.<ref name="mengleheart" />

Young first started playing on a [[banjo]], re-strung with six strings.<ref name="hell_aint">{{cite book|first=Mick |last=Wall |title=AC/DC: Hell Aint a Bad Place to Be |publisher=Orion Publishing group |location=London |year=2012 |isbn=9781409115359}}</ref> Young's first guitar was a cheap acoustic model purchased second-hand by his mother. After high school, and with a pay packet,<ref name="mengleheart" /> Young bought his first [[Gibson SG]] second-hand around 1970 from a music shop just down the street from his home: "I got out and got a Gibson SG that I played until it got wood rot because so much sweat and water got into it. The whole neck warped. I bought it second-hand; it was about a '67. It had a real thin neck, really slim, like a Custom neck. It was dark brown."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.classic-rock-legends-start-here.com/gibson-sg.html/ |title=Angus Young of ACDC sticks by his Gibson SG |website=Classic-Rock-Legends-Start-Here.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813125330/http://www.classic-rock-legends-start-here.com/gibson-sg.html/ |archive-date=13 August 2006 }}</ref>

==Career==
[[File:Angus Young - Manchester Apollo - 1982.jpg|thumb|upright|Young live with [[AC/DC]] in 1982 at the [[O2 Apollo Manchester|Manchester Apollo]]]]

Both Angus and Malcolm were in a band with George and his music partner Harry Vanda called [[Marcus Hook Roll Band]]. The project released an album in Australia called ''[[Tales of Old Grand Daddy]]''.<ref name="Vanda and Young">{{cite magazine|last1=Baker|first1=Glenn A.|title=Vanda and Young: AC/DC and the Young Brothers|magazine=Billboard|date=14 March 1981|volume=93|issue=10|page=VY-4, VY-11}}</ref>

Prior to forming AC/DC, Angus Young played in a local group called Kantuckee. Kantuckee's line-up included Bob McGlynn (vocals), Angus Young (guitar), Jon Stevens (bass) and Trevor James (drums).<ref name="hell_aint" /> The band split and was later called Tantrum with the following line up: Mark Sneddon (vocals-guitar), Angus Young (guitar), Jon Stevens (bass) and Trevor James (drums).

Young was 18 when he and Malcolm formed AC/DC in 1973. Young was on lead guitar, Malcolm on rhythm guitar, [[Colin Burgess (musician)|Colin Burgess]] on drums, [[Larry Van Kriedt]] on bass guitar and [[Dave Evans (singer)|Dave Evans]] on vocals.<ref name="hell_aint" /> The band had a recording contract with [[Albert Productions]]; it had also produced the work of the Easybeats.<ref name=easy />

"Can I Sit Next To You Girl", the band's first single, was later re-recorded with [[Bon Scott]] as their vocalist.<ref name="hell_aint" /> They decided upon the name AC/DC, suggested by their sister Margaret, who saw the letters "AC/DC" on the back of her sewing machine.<ref name="mengleheart">{{cite book | title=AC/DC Maximum Rock & Roll: The Ultimate Story of the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band | year=2006 | isbn=978-0-06-113391-6 | author1=Engleheart, Murray | author2=Durieux, Arnaud | pages=[https://archive.org/details/acdcmaximumrockr00murr/page/50 50–51] | publisher=Harper Collins | url=https://archive.org/details/acdcmaximumrockr00murr/page/50 }}</ref>

Young tried a number of stage costumes, such as [[Spider-Man]], [[Zorro]], a [[gorilla]], and a parody of [[Superman]] named Super-Ang,<ref name="cwalker">{{cite book | title=Highway to Hell: The Life and Times of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott | year=2001 | isbn=1-891241-13-3 | author=Walker, Clinton | pages=128–133| publisher=Verse Chorus Press }}</ref> before settling on his signature schoolboy look at the suggestion of his sister. To match this image the press and public were told that Young was born in 1959, not 1955. The original uniform was created by his sister Margaret and when it fell apart from wear and tear, he used his uniform from Ashfield Boys High School in Sydney.<ref name="hell_aint" />

AC/DC released their debut album, ''[[High Voltage (1975 album)|High Voltage]]'', exclusively in Australia on 17 February 1975, along with a single "[[Baby, Please Don't Go]]" / "Love Song". Over the next three years AC/DC cemented themselves as a popular hard rock act, especially in Australia, with the follow-up albums ''[[T.N.T. (album)|T.N.T.]]'', ''[[Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap]]'', ''[[Let There Be Rock]]'' and ''[[Powerage]]''. All their albums until this point were produced by Young's brother George in partnership with Harry Vanda.<ref name=easy/> Their 1979 studio album, ''[[Highway to Hell]]'', became their best-selling at the time and launched them to new heights of fame.

Months after this, Scott died from alcohol poisoning. Questions were raised as to whether the band could continue without him.<ref name="hell_aint"/> Young and his other bandmates soon decided they should finish the work they had begun for their new album, so they recruited ex-[[Geordie (band)|Geordie]] singer [[Brian Johnson]] to replace Scott. Five months later, ''[[Back in Black]]'' was released as a tribute to Scott.<ref name="hell_aint"/> It quickly became a huge success, far outselling any of their previous albums, and going on to reach 27x multi-platinum in the US alone, and selling 50&nbsp;million copies, the second highest-selling album worldwide, behind only [[Michael Jackson]]'s ''[[Thriller (Michael Jackson album)|Thriller]]''. AC/DC's next album, ''[[For Those About to Rock We Salute You]]'', cemented their position as the most popular hard rock act of the time.

AC/DC's popularity declined with their next three albums, ''[[Flick of the Switch]]'', ''[[Fly on the Wall (AC/DC album)|Fly on the Wall]]'' and ''[[Blow Up Your Video]]''. AC/DC looked as though they had reached their peak early in the 1980s and by the end of the decade were in decline.<ref name="hell_aint"/> Malcolm Young missed the majority of the band's 1988 Blow Up Your Video World Tour to address his drinking problem.<ref name="hell_aint"/> He eventually became sober and returned to the band. During his absence he was replaced by his nephew, Stevie Young.

The band's 1990 studio album, ''[[The Razors Edge (AC/DC album)|The Razors Edge]]'', brought them back into the spotlight, reaching 5x multi-platinum in the US alone and selling between 10 and 12&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref name="hell_aint"/> Over the next 10 years AC/DC released two other studio albums, ''[[Ballbreaker]]'' and ''[[Stiff Upper Lip (album)|Stiff Upper Lip]]'', which confirmed their renewed popularity and success. After a lengthy eight-year hiatus, AC/DC returned with a new studio album, ''[[Black Ice (album)|Black Ice]]'', in 2008. ''Black Ice'' debuted at number 1 in 29 countries and was certified multi-platinum in 14 of those, becoming one of their most successful albums worldwide, and was followed by a hugely successful world tour. In 2010, AC/DC released an album of songs used for the ''[[Iron Man 2]]'' soundtrack they had put together; this reached number one in many countries around the world, including the UK, and number four in the US. Malcolm Young confirmed in 2011 that AC/DC were working on a 16th studio album.

[[File:Angus Young - Reggio Emilia - 25 May 2024.png|thumb|alt=Angus, aged 69, is shown wearing his trademark schoolboy uniform. He faces away to his left, plays his Gibson SG guitar.|Young performing in [[Reggio Emilia]] in 2024]]
In April 2014 Malcolm was forced to leave the band due to ill health, leaving Young the sole continuous founding member left in the band. In May it was revealed that Stevie Young, Malcolm and Young's nephew, would stand in for his uncle to record AC/DC's latest record. In September Malcolm officially retired and Stevie was made AC/DC's official full-time rhythm guitarist. AC/DC released ''[[Rock or Bust]]'' in the fall of 2014. In March 2016, after the departure of both Malcolm Young and drummer [[Phil Rudd]], AC/DC was set back with yet another departure; long time lead singer Brian Johnson was ordered by doctors to stop performing or face total hearing loss. Young, determined to finish what the band started, recruited [[Guns N' Roses]] singer [[Axl Rose]] to stand in for Johnson for the remainder of the [[Rock or Bust World Tour]]. On 30 September 2020, the band's official [[Twitter]] account announced the pending release of a new album, [[Power Up (album)|''Power Up'']], with the lineup of Angus Young, Stevie Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/acdc/status/1311274601637240832 |title=ARE YOU READY? #PWRUP |publisher=AC/DC |via=Twitter |date=30 September 2020 |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930153342/https://twitter.com/acdc/status/1311274601637240832 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2003, AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the following year they were ranked number 72 on ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}}s list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". [[VH1]] ranked them number 23 on their list of the "100 greatest artists of all time" and number 4 in their list of the "100 greatest artists of hard rock".

==Personal life==
Young has been married to Ellen van Lochem, who is Dutch, since 1980. They have no children.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mosness |first1=Carissa |title=A Look at AC/DC’s Angus and Malcolm Young’s Brotherly Bond: ‘It Was Unique and Very Special’ |url=https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/angus-and-malcolm-young-the-bond-that-built-acdcs-legacy |website=Woman's World |access-date=7 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213005632/https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/angus-and-malcolm-young-the-bond-that-built-acdcs-legacy#:~:text=Unlike%20most%20rock%20and%20roll,remained%20together%20until%20he%20died. |archive-date=13 December 2024 |date=9 December 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> They own homes in Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands.<ref name="Hudson">{{cite news | work=The Sunday Telegraph | title=AC/DC star's mega-mansion | url=http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0,22049,21164917-5001026,00.html | first=Fiona | last=Hudson | date=4 February 2007 | access-date=4 February 2007 | archive-date=4 June 2012 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120604212748/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/acdc-stars-mega-mansion/story-e6frewt0-1111112937192 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Although a heavy smoker, Young is a [[Teetotalism|teetotaler]] and has been his entire life.<ref name=gibsoncom />

On 24 August 2006, Young received ''[[Kerrang!]]'' magazine's Legend Award from the editor, Paul Brannigan, who called AC/DC "one of the most important and influential rock bands in history".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/aug/25/arts.media | work=[[The Guardian]] | location=London | title=Lostprophets on their metal as they top the Kerrang! awards | first=Mark | last=Brown | date=25 August 2006 | access-date=25 April 2010 | archive-date=8 January 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108023258/http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,1858016,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 May 2012, he was named the "Best Australian Guitarist of All Time" in a poll conducted by ''Australian Guitar Magazine''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.australianguitarmag.com.au/2012/05/top-50-australian-guitarists-of-all-time/ |title=Best 50 Australian Guitar Players of all time &#124; Australian Guitar Magazine |publisher=Australianguitarmag.com.au |date=15 May 2012 |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=7 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707194253/http://www.australianguitarmag.com.au/2012/05/top-50-australian-guitarists-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Equipment==
===Guitars===
[[File:AngusYoung1.JPG|right|thumb|Young performing live in 2001 on the [[Stiff Upper Lip (album)|Stiff Upper Lip]] tour in Germany]]
Young has used [[Gibson SG]]s in various forms throughout his career. His original, and the basis for his current signature model, was a 1969–1971 SG Standard. One of his original SGs was given a lightning-bolt fingerboard during a repair by luthier John Diggins, and remained his most prominent studio guitar. His primary stage guitar is a 1967 ebony SG Standard. Diggins made at least one more SG for Young under his own "Jaydee" brand name.<ref name="Angus Young AC/DC jaydee SG guitar">{{cite web |url=http://www.jaydeecustomguitars.co.uk/angus_young.html |title=Angus Young AC/DC jaydee SG guitar |publisher=Jaydeeguitars.com |access-date=25 March 2010 |archive-date=11 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111043031/http://www.jaydeecustomguitars.co.uk/angus_young.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

At least two of his SGs, whether modified Gibson product or ground-up construction, circa 1977 and the Paris ''[[Let There Be Rock: The Movie – Live in Paris|Let There Be Rock]]'' tapings featured on-board [[wireless]] going to his amplifiers, the circuitry installed in a cavity routed into the back of the body.<ref name="Angus Young AC/DC jaydee SG guitar"/> This practice was discontinued due to the potential for electrical shorts due to sweat, and at least one of these guitars was repaired and used for the ''Rock or Bust'' tour.<ref name="Rig Rundown:AC/DC">{{cite web|url=https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/24660-rig-rundown-acdc|publisher=Premier Guitar|access-date=25 October 2017|title=Rig Rundown:AC/DC|date=7 September 2016|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122083340/http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/24660-rig-rundown-acdc|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gibson made a custom SG for Young with lightning bolt inlays to replace the Jaydee SG. Young's '69–'71 SG has T Top humbucking pick-ups. Another 1964 SG, which he used on the recording of ''Ballbreaker'', has patent # pick-ups. All of these are vintage-output [[Alnico]] II or V pick-ups with matched coils typically reading 7.5k–7.8k DCR. Beginning in 2009, Young started fitting [[Seymour Duncan]] humbuckers to all of his touring guitars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/seymour-duncan-company/seymour-duncan-helps-angus-young-with-his-tone|title=Seymour Duncan helps Angus Young with his tone|website=Seymour Duncan|date=22 September 2009 |access-date=6 November 2018|archive-date=7 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107104055/https://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/seymour-duncan-company/seymour-duncan-helps-angus-young-with-his-tone|url-status=live}}</ref> He uses [[Ernie Ball]] Super Slinky guitar strings (.009-.042)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ernieball.com/artist/24-Angus-Young#/product/RPS-9-Slinky-Nickel-Wound-009---042/ |title=Ernie Ball RPS-9 |publisher=Ernieball.com |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=24 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824024420/http://www.ernieball.com/artist/24-Angus-Young#/product/RPS-9-Slinky-Nickel-Wound-009---042/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Fender "Extra Heavy" picks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://killerguitarrigs.com/pick-power-angus-young-guitar-pick-brand-and-gauge/ |title=Pick Power – Angus Young Guitar Pick – Brand and Gauge |publisher=KillerGuitarRigs.com |access-date=5 August 2020 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921165819/https://killerguitarrigs.com/pick-power-angus-young-guitar-pick-brand-and-gauge/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Angus Young SG===
Young and [[Gibson Guitar Corporation]] have collaborated to make the Angus Young SG. It features a pick-up designed by Young himself, the Angus Young Signature Humbucker, in the bridge position, and a '57 Classic [[Humbucker]] in the neck. The neck has "lightning bolt" inlays.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-USA/Angus-Young-SG.aspx/ |title=Angus Young Signature SG |publisher=Gibson.com |date=24 June 2008 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=8 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608135032/http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-USA/Angus-Young-SG.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Amplifiers===
Young mainly uses [[Marshall Amplification|Marshall]] 1959 100 watt Super Lead Plexi heads and model 1960 AX and BX 4x12 cabinets with [[Celestion]] G12-65 speakers. Later amplifiers included Marshall JMP 2203 and most recently, Wizard Amplifiers. Early wireless systems, the [[Schaffer-Vega Diversity System]] that he began using in 1977, was also used as a [[Dynamic range compression|compressor]] and a booster in his signal to "fatten up" his tone. Ever since adding it to his rig, it was used on several albums in the studio for chosen rhythm guitar tracks and all lead guitar tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marshallforum.com/tone-zone/39812-did-angus-use-any-effects-2.html#post586728 |title=Did Angus use any effects? – Page 2 |publisher=Marshallforum.com |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=28 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428160920/http://www.marshallforum.com/tone-zone/39812-did-angus-use-any-effects-2.html#post586728 |url-status=live }}</ref> Beginning with ''Rock or Bust'', due to the discontinuation of the Schaffer system, Young began using a replica of the unit's preamp with a commercial wireless unit from [[Shure]].<ref name="Rig Rundown:AC/DC"/>

==Influences==
Young has stated that he first began playing guitar when he was "little, teeny. I would sort of dabble around five or six years old. That's when I started hearing [[Little Richard]]."<ref name="acdcwillie.tripod.com">{{cite web|url=http://acdcwillie.tripod.com/interview5b.htm |title=Angus Young |publisher=Acdcwillie.tripod.com |access-date=2 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110717101757/http://acdcwillie.tripod.com/interview5b.htm| archive-date= 17 July 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In an interview with ''The Guitar Show'', Young noted his influences include his brother Malcolm, [[Chuck Berry]], [[Freddie King]] and [[Muddy Waters]], while playing [[Lick (music)|licks]] relating to [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Pete Townshend]], [[John Lee Hooker]] and [[the Kinks]]' "[[You Really Got Me]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPf8xHuV3Tc |title=YouTube |via=YouTube |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=19 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619193758/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPf8xHuV3Tc&feature=related |url-status=live }}{{dead YouTube link|date=March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52mpf8FCBMo |title=YouTube |via=YouTube |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=19 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619190516/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52mpf8FCBMo&feature=related |url-status=live }}{{dead YouTube link|date=March 2022}}</ref>

Young has indicated that he was also influenced by [[Keith Richards]],<ref name="acdcwillie.tripod.com"/> as well as Chuck Berry's performing style, including his banter with audiences and duck walk.<ref name="Segment 2001">The Guitar Show television documentary, Segment: "Upfront with AC/DC's Angus Young", 2001.</ref> When the band covered Chuck Berry songs in their early years, audiences would recognise the song, while noting their renditions were very different from the source material.<ref name="Segment 2001"/>

==Style==
[[File:Angus Young - Toronto 2008.JPG|thumb|left|Young during a performance of "[[Let There Be Rock (song)|Let There Be Rock]]"]]

Young's playing style is influenced by straight blues playing in both the minor and major [[pentatonic]] [[twelve bar blues]]–type progressions. In AC/DC's earlier recordings, [[power chords]] can be heard in songs such as "[[T.N.T. (song)|T.N.T.]]" and "[[It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)]]". He also utilises touches of Scottish folk in his playing, and pull-off [[arpeggio]]s (pull-offs played one-handed) are a popular trick, appearing in songs such as "[[Who Made Who (song)|Who Made Who]]", "[[Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (song)|Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap]]", "Sin City", and live renditions of "[[Let There Be Rock (song)|Let There Be Rock]]". In 1976, the band recorded an instrumental arrangement of the Scottish traditional song "[[The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond|Loch Lomond]]", retitled "[[Fling Thing]]", which has appeared in their stage act over the years. The title refers to the [[Highland Fling]]. Young occasionally provides backing vocals along with Malcolm on songs such as "T.N.T." and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap".<ref name="hell_aint" />

[[File:AngusYoung-AMB.JPG|thumb|upright|Young onstage in 2009]]

Young is famous for his wild onstage antics, such as intense jumps and running back and forth across the stage. Once, he would clamber onto Bon Scott's or Brian Johnson's shoulders during concerts and they would make their way through the audience with smoke streaming from a satchel on Young's back, while he played an extended improvised guitar solo, usually during the song "[[Rocker (song)|Rocker]]" with Scott<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/images/acdc06.jpg |title=Photo |publisher=Nolifetilmetal.com |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=5 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905150318/http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/images/acdc06.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> or "Let There Be Rock" with Johnson.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/Nickster490/angus_young_brian_johnson.jpg |title=Young on Johnson's shoulders photo |publisher=I283.photobucket.com |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200618/http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/Nickster490/angus_young_brian_johnson.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> He frequently does his own version of Chuck Berry's duck walk,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/Nickster490/angusyoungduckwalk.jpg |title=Angus Young Duck Walk Photo |publisher=I283.photobucket.com |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714214416/http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/Nickster490/angusyoungduckwalk.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as a "spasm" during which he throws himself to the ground, kicking, shaking and spinning in circles while playing the guitar.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/Nickster490/angusyoungspasm.jpg |title=Angus Young Spasm Photo |publisher=I283.photobucket.com |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165642/http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/Nickster490/angusyoungspasm.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> In earlier years he might remove his jacket and shirt mid-song as a form of '[[striptease]]' to the confused bemusement of the crowd.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCjhgiVnYDs |title=AC/DC - Bad Boy Boogie (Live from Rock Goes to College) |date=31 July 2013 |publisher=AC/DC |via=YouTube |access-date=19 May 2021 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126021147/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCjhgiVnYDs |url-status=live }} (Angus 'strips' at the 4:30 mark.)</ref>

Young was advised by older brother George that, if he ever tripped over his guitar cable, to keep playing and make it look like part of the act.<ref name="hell_aint"/> Young also included a sort of striptease as part of a mid-show ritual, during which he slowly took off his schoolboy outfit, running across the stage to elicit cheers from the audience, culminating in a "[[mooning]]" gesture to expose his underwear, generally chosen with the colours of the local flag or occasionally offering a brief glimpse of his bare buttocks. He would then pull up his shorts, grab his guitar and play the remainder of the show topless. According to AC/DC video director [[David Mallet (director)|David Mallet]], although Young performs many of his trademark feats sometimes from a series of platforms, risers and ramps, he suffers from [[acrophobia|a fear of heights]]. This was discovered when Mallet chose to have Young lowered from a second story balcony onto a stage floor by wires for the video for "Who Made Who".<ref>Interview: Hard as a Rock (video)</ref>

==Discography==
===Marcus Hook Roll Band===
* ''[[Tales of Old Grand Daddy]]'' (1973 Australia, 1978 America, 2014 international)

===AC/DC===
{{main|AC/DC discography}}

==Awards and nominations==
===APRA Awards===
The [[APRA Awards (Australia)|APRA Awards]] are presented annually from 1982 by the [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters". They commenced in 1982.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History.aspx |title=APRA History |publisher=[[Australasian Performing Right Association]] (APRA) &#124; [[Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society]] (AMCOS) |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-date=20 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920230857/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{awards table}}
|-
| 1995 || "[[Big Gun]]" –  Angus Young, [[Malcolm Young]]<ref name="1995Win">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1995Winners.aspx | title = 1995 Winners | publisher = Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | access-date = 12 May 2010 | archive-date = 8 March 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110308005511/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/History/1995Winners.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> || Most Played Australian Work Overseas || {{won}}
|-
| 2001 || "[[It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)]]" –  [[Bon Scott]], Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apra.com.au/awards/music/2001_topten.asp |title=The final list: APRA's Ten best Australian Songs |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |date=28 May 2001 |access-date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416025157/http://apra.com.au/awards/music/2001_topten.asp |archive-date=16 April 2009 }}</ref> || [[APRA Top 30 Australian songs|Ten Best Australian Songs]] || {{won|Ninth}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2006|2006]] || "[[Highway to Hell (song)|Highway to Hell]]" –  Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="2006Nom">{{cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations2006.aspx |title=Nominations – 2006 |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918020105/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations2006.aspx |archive-date=18 September 2009 }}</ref> || Most Played Australian Work Overseas || {{nom}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2007|2007]] || "Highway to Hell" –  Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="MPAWONom">{{cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/MostPerformedAustralianWorkOverseasNominations2007.aspx |title=Most Performed Australian Work Overseas nominations – 2007 |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919093029/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/MostPerformedAustralianWorkOverseasNominations2007.aspx |archive-date=19 September 2009 }}</ref> || Most Played Australian Work Overseas || {{nom}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2009|2009]] || "Highway to Hell" –  Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="APRAWin2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/history/2009Winners.aspx |title=2009 Winners – APRA Music Awards |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=23 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112034047/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/history/2009Winners.aspx |archive-date=12 January 2010 }}</ref> || Most Played Australian Work Overseas || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[APRA Music Awards of 2010|2010]] || "Rock 'n' Roll Train" –  Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="APRAWin2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/history/2010Winners.aspx |title=2010 Winners – APRA Music Awards |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |access-date=24 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701075407/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/history/2010Winners.aspx |archive-date=1 July 2010 }}</ref> || Most Played Australian Work Overseas || {{won}}
|-
| Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="APRAWin2010"/> || Songwriters of the Year || {{won}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2011|2011]] || "Highway to Hell" –  Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="APRA2011">{{cite web | title = 2011 Winners | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/history/2011Winners.aspx | publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) | access-date = 30 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207132037/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/apraawards/musicawards/history/2011Winners.aspx| url-status = dead | archive-date = 7 December 2011 }}</ref> || Most Played Australian Work Overseas || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[APRA Music Awards of 2015|2015]] || "Play Ball"  - Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="2015APRA">{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/apras-song-of-the-year-shortlist-is-here/|title=APRA's Shortlist Of The Top Aussie Songs Of 2014 Is Hereng of the Year!|website=[[Music Feeds]]|date=15 January 2015|access-date=28 April 2022|archive-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428062443/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/apras-song-of-the-year-shortlist-is-here/|url-status=live}}</ref> || Song of the Year || {{shortlisted}}
|-
| "Rock or Bust"  - Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref name="2015APRA"/> || Song of the Year || {{shortlisted}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[APRA Music Awards of 2022|2022]] || "Shot in the Dark"<ref name="APRA2022Noms">{{cite web|url=https://theindustryobserver.thebrag.com/nominees-revealed-for-2022-apra-music-awards/|title=Nominees Revealed for 2022 APRA Music Awards|website=The Industry Observer|date=7 April 2022|access-date=9 April 2022|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531230042/https://theindustryobserver.thebrag.com/nominees-revealed-for-2022-apra-music-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> || Most Performed Rock Work || {{won}}
|-
| "Realize" - Angus Young, Malcolm Young<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about-us/news-and-events/2022-peer-voted-apra-song-of-the-year-shortlist-revealed|title=2022 Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year shortlist revealed!|website=[[APRA AMCOS]]|date=3 February 2022|access-date=26 April 2022|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426063729/https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about-us/news-and-events/2022-peer-voted-apra-song-of-the-year-shortlist-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref> || Song of the Year || {{shortlisted}}
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{wikiquote|Angus Young}}
* [http://www.acdc.com/ ACDC.com – official website]

{{AC/DC}}
{{2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Young, Angus}}
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:AC/DC members]]
[[Category:APRA Award winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian guitarists]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian multi-instrumentalists]]
[[Category:Australian heavy metal guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:Kerrang! Awards winners]]
[[Category:Australian lead guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian male guitarists]]
[[Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia]]
[[Category:People from Cranhill]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sydney]]
[[Category:Musicians from Glasgow]]
[[Category:People from the Sutherland Shire]]
[[Category:Scottish emigrants to Australia]]
[[Category:Young musical family (Scotland and Australia)|Angus]]
[[Category:Australian expatriates in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:People educated at Ashfield Boys High School]]
[[Category:Marcus Hook Roll Band members]]
[[Category:Australian blues rock musicians]]