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Angus Young

Angus Young is an Australian musician and songwriter best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and only continuous member of AC/DC.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Angus Young is an Australian musician and songwriter best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and only continuous member of AC/DC. He is widely recognized for his energetic stage performances, schoolboy-style outfits, and signature guitar style. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he formed AC/DC in Sydney in 1973 with his brother Malcolm Young.

Early life

Angus Young was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 31 March 1955. He later moved to Australia as a child.

AC/DC

Young and his older brother Malcolm formed AC/DC in Sydney in 1973. Angus became the group's lead guitarist and a defining part of its sound and image. He is the only continuous member since its formation.

Stage persona and style

Young is widely identified by his school-uniform-style clothing and high-energy stage movement. His performance style has become one of the most recognizable in hard rock.

Recognition

Young and the other members of AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. He was ranked 38th in Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time.

Key facts

  • Angus Young co-founded AC/DC in Sydney in 1973 with his brother Malcolm Young.
  • He is the band's lead guitarist and the only continuous member since its formation.
  • He is known for his energetic live performances and schoolboy-uniform stage image.
  • He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with AC/DC in 2003.
  • He was ranked 38th in Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time.
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Canadian context

Angus Young has toured extensively in Canada with AC/DC, making him a familiar figure in Canadian rock music culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Angus Young?
He is an Australian musician and songwriter best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of AC/DC.
Where was Angus Young born?
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on 31 March 1955.
What is Angus Young known for on stage?
He is known for his energetic performances, schoolboy-style outfit, and signature duckwalk-inspired movement.
When did Angus Young form AC/DC?
He co-founded AC/DC in Sydney in 1973 with his brother Malcolm Young.
Was Angus Young inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. He and the other AC/DC members were inducted in 2003.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_Young
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, role in AC/DC, continuous membership, stage image, and Hall of Fame induction
  2. National Portrait Gallery (Australia) — https://www.portrait.gov.au/people/angus-young-1955
    Supports: Biography, co-founding AC/DC with Malcolm Young, school uniform stage image, and biography publication
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angus-Young
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, and identification as an Australian musician
  4. Guitar World — https://www.guitarworld.com/features/angus-young-on-life-in-one-of-the-worlds-biggest-rock-bands-an-in-depth-interview-with-the-acdc-icon
    Supports: Formation of AC/DC in Sydney, childhood migration to Australia, and discussion of his role in the band