AC/DC: Powering Up!

AC/DC’s vitality is off the charts when it comes to a band approaching their sixth decade. Power Up, AC/DC’s 17th studio album, is proof of that vitality. Front-and-center lead guitarist Angus Young fortifies the group though his undeniable spark and iconic stage image. He admits, however, that it was his brother Malcolm who had led AC/DC throughout the decades with a strong determination as well as solid guitar rhythm.

Malcolm Young left AC/DC in 2014 due to complications from dementia. Young’s nephew Stevie Young then took over as the band's rhythm guitarist, but Malcolm was still able to contribute his uncanny knack for catchy riffs to Power Up.

Malcolm Young passed away before the completion of Power Up. In a recent talk with Goldmine editor Patrick Prince, Angus Young says it was only natural that the newest album be dedicated to his late brother.

GOLDMINE: It’s a weird time to release an album. I’m not sure you can even tour to promote the album in Australia, but I know you can’t tour here in America. I don’t know what it would be like there.

ANGUS YOUNG: I don’t know about (other) bands, but I know they have pubs opening up so…

GM: Have you ever thought about doing a virtual event?

AY: You never know. We don’t know what’s coming down the line, do we? It’s either that or we have to get our audience in outer space.

GM: It’s a new era.

AY: Maybe our album will inspire some medical Einstein to come up with something new.

GM: Well, all the boys are back — Brian (Johnson, vocals) Phil (Rudd, drums), Cliff (Williams, bass) — and it’s been about six years since the last album. Feels like a long time, but seems to be the norm between albums with AC/DC, because you tend to do a lot of touring and the like.