The Gibson SG guitar became a central fixture of hard rock performance in the hands of Angus Young, who relied on the instrument throughout his decades-long tenure with AC/DC. Born in Glasgow in 1955, Young migrated to Australia with his family in 1963, eventually establishing himself as a driving creative force in the Sydney music scene.
Early Development and Migration
Young spent his childhood in the Cranhill district of Glasgow before his family relocated to Sydney in June 1963. After living temporarily in the Villawood Migrant Hostel, the family settled in Burwood. Young attended Burwood Public School and later Ashfield Boys' High School, leaving at age 15. During his teenage years, he worked various jobs, including a role as an apprentice printer, while honing his guitar skills on a second-hand acoustic model and eventually a Gibson SG.
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Before co-founding AC/DC in 1973 alongside his brother Malcolm, Young performed in local groups including Kantuckee and Tantrum. He also participated in the Marcus Hook Roll Band project with his brother George and Harry Vanda. Upon the formation of AC/DC, the group secured a contract with Albert Productions. The band's initial lineup featured Young on lead guitar, Malcolm on rhythm guitar, Colin Burgess on drums, Larry Van Kriedt on bass, and Dave Evans on vocals.
Defining a Sound and Aesthetic
Young established his signature stage presence by adopting a schoolboy uniform, a concept suggested by his sister Margaret. This aesthetic complemented a sound rooted in hard rock. Between 1975 and 1979, the band released a series of successful albums produced by George Young and Harry Vanda, including High Voltage, T.N.T., and Highway to Hell. Following the death of vocalist Bon Scott, the band recruited Brian Johnson and released Back in Black, which attained significant international commercial success.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 March 1955, Glasgow
- Education: Ashfield Boys' High School
- Primary Instrument: Gibson SG
- Associated Bands: AC/DC, Marcus Hook Roll Band
- Migration to Australia: June 1963
- Nationality: Australia, United Kingdom
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 2003
Questions readers ask
What was the first band Angus Young performed in?
Before AC/DC, Young was a member of a local group called Kantuckee, as well as the Marcus Hook Roll Band.
How did the schoolboy outfit originate?
The signature look was suggested by his sister, Margaret, who also created the original uniform.
Achievements
- Instruments: Gibson SG
- Genres: hard rock, blues rock and rock and roll
