Angus Young, the electrifying guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, remains one of rock music’s most enduring icons in 2024.

Known worldwide for his signature schoolboy outfit, blistering guitar riffs, and high-energy performances, Angus has shaped the sound and spirit of hard rock for nearly five decades.

As AC/DC continues to tour and captivate audiences globally, Angus’s lifestyle and career reflect a blend of relentless dedication, personal passion, and a grounded life away from the spotlight.

This article explores the journey, achievements, and current life of this legendary musician.

 

Born on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, Angus McKinnon Young was the youngest of eight siblings in a musically inclined family.

The Young family emigrated to Sydney, Australia, in 1963, a move that set the stage for Angus’s future in music.

From an early age, Angus showed a keen interest in stringed instruments, starting with a banjo repurposed from a broken toy ukulele.

His brothers, especially Alex and George, played pivotal roles in nurturing his musical talents.

His first guitar, a secondhand acoustic gifted by George, became the foundation for countless hours of practice.

 

Angus attended Ashfield Boys High School but dropped out at 15 to pursue music full-time.

Before forming AC/DC, he played in a band called Kentucky (later renamed Tantrum), honing his skills and stage presence.

 

In 1973, Angus and his older brother Malcolm formed AC/DC, a band that would revolutionize rock music.

The band’s name, suggested by their sister Margaret after seeing the letters on her sewing machine, symbolized the raw, energetic power of their music.

Angus’s iconic schoolboy outfit, also inspired by Margaret, was designed to make him stand out on stage due to his relatively short stature.

This costume became his trademark, complementing his dynamic performance style, including his famous duckwalk—a nod to Chuck Berry.

 

AC/DC’s rise to fame was marked by relentless touring and a string of successful albums.

Their debut, *High Voltage* (1975), laid the groundwork, but it was *Highway to Hell* (1979) that catapulted them to global stardom.

The tragic death of lead singer Bon Scott in 1980 could have ended the band, but with Brian Johnson stepping in, AC/DC released *Back in Black* as a tribute.

This album became one of the highest-selling records ever, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.

 

Angus Young’s guitar work—characterized by gritty riffs and electrifying solos—has influenced countless musicians and defined hard rock’s sound.

His energetic stage presence and dedication have kept AC/DC relevant across generations.

 

Despite his rock star status, Angus Young’s lifestyle includes some surprising personal choices.

Unlike many rock legends, Angus does not drink alcohol, preferring chocolate milk instead—a quirky detail that sets him apart from typical rockstar stereotypes.

He is also a smoker but leads a relatively private life offstage.

 

Angus’s musical tastes are eclectic; he has a profound appreciation for jazz and counts Louis Armstrong among his influences.

This diverse musical background enriches his approach to rock guitar and performance.

 

Angus has been married to Ellen Young (née Navan Loam) since 1980.

The couple met in the Netherlands through a mutual friend and quickly formed a strong bond.

Ellen, originally from the Netherlands, maintains a low profile and rarely appears in public.

The couple has no children and prefers a private life away from the limelight.

 

Family ties remain central to Angus’s life.

His older brother Malcolm, co-founder of AC/DC, was a crucial influence on his career until his retirement.

Angus’s relationships within the music industry, including a close friendship with Keith Emerson, have provided personal support through challenging times.

Angus and Ellen own multiple homes around the world, reflecting their international lifestyle.

Their properties include a tranquil residence in Kangaroo Point, Sydney, known for its stunning harbor views, and a grand mock chateau in Altena, the Netherlands, celebrating Ellen’s Dutch heritage.

They also maintain a home in Glasgow, Scotland, connecting Angus to his roots.

 

Angus is a passionate collector of classic cars, with the Chevrolet Camaro SS standing out as his favorite.

This car mirrors his style—powerful, iconic, and timeless.

 

Angus Young’s financial success parallels his musical achievements.

As co-founder of AC/DC, Angus has amassed an estimated net worth of around $160 million.

The band’s record sales, especially from *Back in Black*, generate substantial royalties.

Their relentless touring schedule, including the highly lucrative Black Ice tour, has grossed hundreds of millions of dollars.

 

Beyond music, Angus has secured income through endorsements and merchandise sales, leveraging his iconic status.

His financial portfolio reflects decades of hard work and the global appeal of AC/DC’s music.

 

In 2024, Angus Young remains a vibrant force in rock music.

AC/DC is back on the road with the PowerUp tour, electrifying stages across Europe.

This tour marks the band’s first live performances since 2016 and includes stops at legendary venues like London’s Wembley Stadium and Dublin’s Croke Park.

 

The band’s lineup has evolved, with new members Matt Logan (drums) and Chris Cheney (bass) joining following the departures of Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams.

Despite these changes, Angus’s presence remains the heart of AC/DC’s thunderous sound.

Angus Young shows no signs of slowing down.

In interviews, he emphasizes his commitment to staying true to AC/DC’s roots and continuing the band’s legacy.

His passion for music and performance remains undiminished, driving the band’s ongoing success.

 

This phase of Angus’s career highlights not only a return to form but also a dedication to pushing forward, ensuring that AC/DC remains a powerhouse in rock music.

 

Angus Young’s life and career in 2024 embody the spirit of rock and roll: relentless energy, creativity, and resilience.

From his humble beginnings in Scotland to global superstardom, Angus has never lost sight of his passion for music.

His unique personality, grounded lifestyle, and unwavering dedication to AC/DC continue to inspire fans and musicians alike.

 

As AC/DC tours the world once more, Angus Young proves that true rock never dies.

His legacy is not just in the riffs he plays or the albums he records but in the enduring spirit he brings to every stage performance.

For fans old and new, Angus Young remains a symbol of rock’s electrifying power and timeless appeal.

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