On February 17, 1975, AC/DC released their debut LP High Voltage—the album that marked the beginning of one of the greatest rock bands in history. At the time, the release was only available in Australia, but just a year later, with the international version released in April 1976, the world was introduced to AC/DC’s raw and electrifying sound.
The Birth of a Legend
The band’s journey started in November 1973, when brothers Malcolm and Angus Young set out to create a rock band that would shake up the music scene. They were inspired by their family’s musical legacy, as their older brother George Young was already known as a member of The Easybeats.
The name AC/DC was suggested by their sister Margaret, after seeing it on an electrical appliance.
She also came up with Angus Young’s signature schoolboy outfit, which later became the band’s iconic stage look.
A New Voice and a Breakthrough in the Charts
After the release of their debut single "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", AC/DC went through key lineup changes. In September 1974, Bon Scott joined the band, becoming the defining voice of their early sound.
High Voltage was recorded with George Young on bass and co-produced by George Young and Harry Vanda.
The album reached #7 on the Australian charts, marking AC/DC’s first major success.
It paved the way for their next album, T.N.T. (1975), which firmly established AC/DC as a force to be reckoned with.
The international release of High Voltage (1976) turned the band into a global rock phenomenon.
A Legacy That Lives On
49 years later, High Voltage remains a hard rock classic, embodying the energy, attitude, and raw passion that made AC/DC a legendary band.
It was just the first electric shock, but it powered an entire era of rock history.