Malcom was honestly the secret magic to that whole band. I'm not trying to take anything away from Angus, but AC/DC wouldn't be what it was with anyone other than Malcom.
Rhythm guitarists know what's up with Mal... AC/DC fanatics REALLY know what's up with Mal. (LOL) It was his band, he was the band leader... and he was every bit as good of a player as Angus. Angus took the lead spot because his personality fit the position better. Mal stuck to rhythm because he knew how important a great foundation is to a song. Anyway, the history of his one and (almost) only Gretsch, "The Beast", has been covered by some other youtubers. Just do a quick search and you'll find some good videos.
@@joshuagibson2520 - This is true, and even Angus said so; in an early interview in a guitar magazine Angus said that Malcolm was really the whole show, and that he considered what he did to be "just a little sprinkle of flavoring over what Mal does..."
I have always loved AC/DC, but these past few months have propelled them to elite status. And it's a credit to how Angus and Malcolm shaped hard rock. Frankly, I love the SG. I played Telecasters for years, but once I discovered P90s, my whole perspective changed. While Angus isn't known for P90s, aside from the Howard Stern clip you shared, it's difficult to separate the man from this iconic guitar. For me, it's greatest rock machine ever built. And yes, AC/DC makes me want to throw those devil horns in the air and stomp to the thunderous beat.
Angus has been my favorite guitarist for more than 40 years. Back in Black is my favorite guitar album. And the SG is my favorite guitar. Thanks, Keith, this one's gonna rock!
@@santosmadrigal3702 I was forbidden to play guitar as a child. My mom said only white trash play guitar so I was beaten n forced to learn classical piano.lolhahahaha. seriously beaten n I never bothered to learn I grue up in Nashville TN n when we were down town in see guitars in the widow of music store n just stare. I later would get one n hide it from my my mom n she would find it n bust it over my head. I finally got a teley with a stray neck in Berkeley in the 60s . I actually got my mom to buy me a crappy 13 string Japanese electric that she liked. I played the shit out of it but didn't really learn much. My neighbor was Julian Schnabel the fim maker n artist n tried to play music with him but nothing happened. I ended up repairing guitars n have worked in 2 countries repairing. I knew Stevie ray Vaughan n I know Eric Johnson but haven't seen him in years. He's really nice but Stevie used to help me learn n he's put his arms around me n held the guitar to show me how to play a piece.i was learning. Hendrix stuff. Stevie was the nicest person. Saw him years later at a concert where he gave me tickets n refered to me on stage during the show. I've done coke with him. To many stories. To many years. I be broken my left hand so many times it ain't all that good anymore but I'm still at it. I've got ,2 Les Paul's n a teley or 2 a Les Paul bass from 75 n a bunch of other stuff. Lots o pedals. really into ukuleles but I play plectrum style English waltzes on.uke. a build guitars n ukes n some electric guitars. Bon appetit
@@russelmurray9268 one of the best stories I've heard cool I started playing guitar in 79 and still at it with a newer les paul now that they've fixed some things with the new owners it might be heavy but sounds awesome
I've never gotten along with SG's, but man this makes me want to try another one out. Something about a SG in aged cherry is just so beautiful! Great video as always Keith!
AC/DC have been themselves forEVER, and it's awesome. Angus is insane, And Malcolm was one of the top 3 or 4 rhythm players who ever lived. Rest in peace, and likewise to Phil Rudd.
As a teenager hearing their early albums with Bon Scott hearing angus with an sg through marshalls I fell in love with that simple raw blues rock tone, that's what guitars are supposed to sound like! that is rock and roll. I then spent hopeless hours trying to make my hondo II through a princeton reverb sound like angus. i eventually gave up on sounding like angus. Wish I had 5 watt world back then in the 70s so I could have understood why. took a long time to figure it out.
I saw AC/DC in 1978 “Day on the Green “ Oakland!!! His energy was unbelievable!!!! I’m surprised any of his guitars survived the tour because he ran into everything on stage!! It was crazy!!!!
WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL BY THE odot MAN. ACDC waSs the band for the real bay area guys even in the 90s. You had all the Primus fellasand i saw Rush at odot like 20 times lol. The shows i wanted tro see were your time man and you saw the greatest all around rocj band ever with the coolest singer ever. If they have good virtual concerts thats the 78 Powerage concert i want to see lmao. Powerage and Let there be Rock best album.
I didn't come to AC/DC late in life, but it did take me many years before truly appreciating them. I listened to AC/DC a LOT as a teenager in the 80s learning to play guitar. At some point, I got burned out on their music, not listening to really anything by them for a couple of decades or me, save "For Those About to Rock" and "Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution." I've never denied the power of their music, but I guess I just didn't "get it" either at the time. When Power Up was released, I found myself gravitating to the music and purchasing a copy. Since then, I've replaced my old cassette copy of Back in Black and working towards adding some others. The guitar tones of Malcolm and Angus draw me more than anything, but the pure simplicity of their music speaks to everyday working folks, like most of us here. I've found that on a tough day at work, Back in Black melts the stress away.
In 1988 my neighbor and friend Rich tells me he had a great time with, smoked a few joints with, and had a lot of laughs with...ACDC (WTF) while caddying them around the golf course at the 4 seasons hotel (Dallas, TX, 1988). Rich worked there. I was so jealous of his report! We both had tickets to the show (Blow Your Video tour) that night, and he told me we could meet the band between the bus and the front door (after the show, also in Dallas, at Fair Park). He was right, and we did exactly that. Angus, his nephew Stevie (Malc was away in alcohol rehab), Brian, Cliff and Simon were in no hurry to get away from me, Rich and maybe a half dozen to dozen other star-struck fans. ACDC seemed to be appreciating the time with a handful fans collecting signatures, asking for photos etc. Time stood still. I have a photo still taken that night, amazing memory, amazing and very down to earth rock stars.
I have been a fan of AC/DC since I first saw them perform Countdown in 1975. Angus's playing was full of the energy that drove the band then, as he does now! With the great Bon Scott as fronting the band, they made a formidable paring , with a sound that set them apart from the other Australian bands on the scene at that time. With their brother George Young and writing / production partner Harry Vanda guiding them , they were set on a path to greatness, with there own unique style of hard driving rock and roll! Angus's energetic soloing was a very important element to their successful formula!
I love the mixture of humor and admiration in your comments. This is testament to the importance of the player of the guitar: ordinary rig; great sounds. Thanks for making this video available like this.
Keith, thank you for another riveting "Short History". These installments are simply amazing and I tend to watch each one, three or four times to make sure I did not miss anything. I anxiously await your next installment of a "Short History"! Until then, stay well and may GOD bless you and yours.
Thanks Keith for this. I've been an AC/DC fan since 1976. The first time I saw them was when they opened up for Ted Nugent in 1977 I saw them on the Highway to hell tour. I was 19 at the time. Then I saw them in 1980 on the back in Black tour. Then I saw them in 81' or 82' for the For those about to rock. I didn't see them again in concert till 2009. 26 year break. I was 50 years old then. I was astonished just how well they sounded. And hadn't lost any of their electricity they bring to their shows. The one thing I can say is this. One of the best rock shows I ever saw. And still the three day recoup of my hearing from the show. I have a soft spot for the boys from down under. Glad you found them. They are a big part of rock today. Peace and love man.
12:09 My brother left me his acoustic. A Fender he lovingly called his pawnshop prize. I absolutely understand the feeling held in those pictures of Angus at Malcolm's funeral, absolutely felt choked up as you were describing the very feeling. A terrible day, but a beautiful sentiment captured in photographs.
It's really nasty weather down here in Texas, we are shut down and I'm getting cought up on your videos....Just want to tell you how incredible your channel really is and say simply THANK YOU.
The only time I've seen Angus Young play a guitar that wasn't his usual SG. and it was at a Stones concert. where they invited him and Malcolm on to the stage to jam with them. and Malcolm had his Gretsch. and my jaw slammed on to the floor, and my eyes bugged out, when I seen Angus Young playing a red ES 335 and it is was amazing. a person might think that guitar would be sort of a handful for him. but Oh no it was quite the opposite. it was just another day in the office for Angus. it was definitely a sight to see for sure. I will never forget it no doubt.
Another fantastic video Keith! Angus and crew were always one of my favorites and a huge inspiration when I was a young guitar player. I still listen to them regularly to this day. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, Keith. this is solid gold. Growing up in the 70's and 80's, I cut my guitar teeth on AC/DC. Angus and Malcolm are epic. Back in Black is one of the albums I could play from beginning to end. I still play several songs of theirs while I'm picking, and admire the timelessness of the riffs. As a kid from East Tennesse, before MTV and even cable TV in my area, I really appreciate this. HOOYAH!
Great video about my favorite guitar hero and band, thanks a million Keith 👌🏻🙌🏻 Making a video about Malcolm’s the beast to honor him was a great idea!
Malcolm's Gretsch. A late friend of mine was in a band in Sydney in the 60's and they would sometimes support the Easybeats. According to my friend, the Jet Firebird belonged to Harry Vanda at the time and it was offered for sale to my friend. He passed on it as he was happy with his Burns Marvin. My friend guessed it was later offered to Malcolm via his brother George.
It's a joy to see another thoroughly-researched 'short history' presented with insight, passion and in-depth knowledge. Thank you, Keith! P.S. Bonus points for including a map of where I was born and grew up... ;)
Awesome thanks for this Keith. I watch the Rig Run down regularly as I'm sure most of your viewers do. And it always makes me laugh watching the AC/DC one. Angus - An SG, standard pickups and 3x 100W Marshalls cranked. Malcolm - Jet Firebird, one pickup and 3x 100W marshalls cranked. The end. So funny when you watch some of the complicated rig run downs like Aerosmith and look at the amount of things they all have on stage with them in comparison.
I was too busy at work today to watch this live and it ticked me off! On the commute home AC⚡️DC came on & I cranked it to 10 as always. As I yelled & played air guitar I was thinking how perfect their songs are for our listening pleasure. All the notes, chords, guitars, drums, vocals, and what's that other one? Oh yeah, the bass. Ha! All mix perfectly to drive your speakers, woofers, tweeters and titties into a frenzied, gyrating, sinful dance. Love you guys! My favorite band!!! Akka-Dakka baby! 😎 Thanks Keith! Thank you for helping my work day fade away.
G'day Keith, Like many others here, I never thought you'd give us a short history of Angus' guitars. I could imagine the script being... "If you see long hair, & a Gretch, that could be Malcolm Young. If there's an SG & a school uniform, that IS Angus, it was Malcolm, & this is AC/DC." I'm not a huge fan of AC/DC, but I always enjoyed watching AC/DC on TV in the 70's, and now on TH-cam. I'm always amazed at the ages of AC/DC fans. I always have a giggle about the girl who tackled Bon Scott during a Countdown performance (I think it was Dirty Deeds), & wonder if her granddaughter is in the crowd at Donnington or Riverplate. Thanks for another great video. I really didn't expect this one. Keep up the good work Andrew
I was in my teens in high school when AC/DC hit the scene. Seems like yesterday, I graduated high school in 1980 and that was around the time Back in Black came out. Thinking back that was about the pinnacle of Rock music, super bands and all that was good back then. Radio was king, it was our internet. What a great time to be alive and experience. No one younger then say 40 years old or so now has a clue what it was like. Sad to think about really but that's how it goes I guess. I feel extremely lucky and grateful I lived it. I was all into it back in the day too. Great video, thanks for making it.
I met Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams at a bar in Boston the night after their concert on the Black Ice Tour. I struck up a conversation and was surprised by how down to earth and nice they were! They asked for my name and introduced themselves. We chatted for a bit about the show and Brian mentioned how “bloody hot” it was on stage. He informed me that they had “another gig in New York in a few days” as though they were some lower level band playing at a small venue! That cracked me up! That experience made me an even bigger fan!
Man, Im glad you made this video, your content is always top quality, so this is gonna be really good to watch. Always wanted Angus made a talk about his guitar collection.
Simply put, AC/DC is the shit. The best pure rock and roll band that has ever been. They never had a "phase". Pure. Rock. And. Roll. Don't forget Malcolm! No Mal, no Angus. Love your work!
Thank you for this great history. As a lifelong Marvel and AC/DC fan I find it hilarious that it took the combination of the two to get you into them. And every video with Phil X is always a treat! Now, about that Iceman history... 😎
Accidently got a ticket to the money talks tour. Omg. That is still the most energy and best concert, right up there with srv concert. I've been to several dozen shows through the years.
Growing up in the 70s, I had always dismissed AC/DC as just a loud 1 trick pony. Then on the Black Ice tour they came to Fresno. We decided to take our 3 sons ages 12 to 17. The show opened with a flaming locomotive bursting through the back of the stage. I was schooled, and enlightened. They may still be a one trick pony, But the trick is awesome!🎸🎸
“I’m sick to death of people saying we’ve made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we’ve made 12 albums that sound exactly the same.” - Angus Young
Growing up listening to AC/DC I always assumed Angus just had one guitar. While he's stuck with his SGs, it's cool to see how many different ones he's had. Great research as always!
As has the rest of the world I've been waiting eagerly for this one Keith..ty so much. One of my favorite guitarists ever and to see him live ( 3 times myself) twice in my hometown arena in upstate NY 🤘
Thank you Keith. I don't currently have the means to support your channel currently other than likes and views. You are truly the best in the biz at what you do. Keep em coming!
Awesome. Thanks 5 Watt World! That Koch sample was toothy and had that harmonic rip that I like. A little bright to me though. Treble knob. You were right Keith. The pic of Angus leaving Malcolm's funeral with his Gretsch at 12:45 sure made me well up. For the good. Thank you for all the music Malcolm.
I saw AC/DC in 79 in Neurenberg Germany with Bon Scott, Then the news of him passing. Couldn't believe they recorded 'Back in Black' by 1980. What a great album that is! Oh, the memories!
AC ⚡ DC Is in the blood. Angus and Malcom laid the foundation and that is why I believe they will for ever be my favorite band. I took my kids to see them during the Black Ice tour in 2008. My daughter was 12yrs old and my son was 9yrs old and to this day whenever I hear AC ⚡ DC blasting out of their cars I know I raised them right and it chokes me up a bit. Thanks for this Keith
There are a few rare shows where Angus played different guitars. He's played an ES-335 a few times, a Les Paul at least once, and there was one picture I saw where he was playing a 60's Hagstrom. There's also an early promo photo where he's holding a Fender Mustang, but that was probably just a prop for the shoot.
Super video Keith. I love how you build the excitement for the short history with the intro comments...There is just something so powerful about AC/DC music... I had John Diggins put a Khaler trem in a hardtail Fender strat in the early 80s. One of the new USA models with only 1 tone pot. John threw in a setup. Wow, that guitar played beautifully after his setup. Really nice chap too.
Love ACDC angus young was one of my first inspirations as i was 7 years old. Thanks for the detailed info. I actually got the 61 reissue today. I love it
I've been into AC/Dc since I first heard Powerage when it came out in 1976. I've been rocking out to them ever since. Yes indeed, the perfect live show rock band!
I was in a pool hall with great speakers in 79 when whole lotta Rosie came on. I was so blown away by the energy I had to stop playing. Had not heard of them before that. What a memory.
I first saw these guys , back in 77-78 , let there be rock , and the second was in this old opera house in Pittsburg pa. At the Stanley Theater, it had really plus red crushed velvet seats , and thick carpet , and a balcony , where we sat front row center , I don’t remember much of the first gig I saw them at , but the second at the Stanley was one of the best , out of hundreds I saw , they were just right there in front of me , and they became my favorite band , after the first show , and highway to hell was the last tour with Bon , I saw them at least 3 times , back in black in 80 , and 2 other ones , but I was really a Angus fan ever since I first them , and he never let me down ! And in the beginning I thought he was like 16-18 , but later I found out he was just born the year after me , but to this day he has been my favorite guitarist of all time !
Hey Keith, Considering how big this channel has become, you stay on top of virtually every comment. Thanks for your creations of music history. We all appreciate it.
1:00 - Correction: Angus Young is wearing an *Australian* school boys uniform (although he does say later on that the costume was based on his Ashfield Boys High uniform).
A "Decades" series on "A Short History" would be fun -- not brand focused, but innovations, dominant trends, cutting edge designs, etc in guitars for various decades -- each episode on a specific decade. Love the show.
I saw the Let There Be Rock movie when I was 10, I'd been messing around on n old acoustic until then. I got n epiphone sg for my 11th birthday. ACDC was all I wanted to play. I'm 44 now n still miss that sg. It was dirty sweet n bluesy as hell... Just like my inspiration
Loved this episode Keith, have been a fan of ACDC since the later part of the 1980s, saw them first on the Razors Edge tour and a few times since then. Definitely one of my favorite bands and nice to see Angus's guitars covered as well as the late Malc's Gretsch, well done!
Great video! Angus first guitar was a walnut 1970 SG. The volume/tone pot caps are actually Gibson's style from the 67 to 70 models. I do own a 1970 SG that matches exactly all the features on his first SG as in color, neck volute, Gibson logo and writing, trus rod cover, pickups, pot caps and stuff. Pretty cool! I can't sound as good tho, the magic is in the player! But the tone is killer
AC/DC is not my favorite band, but virtually everything they play is incredible. They are always reliable for rock solid heavy music. They know what works and never stray from those basics.
Thanks, Keith, I really enjoy these vids. I bought let there be Rock when it came out and it will always be in my top five and the following album. Powerage was phenomenal. Saw them at Oxford Apollo and it was only about 2/3 full. The death of bon sort of finished it for me and could never understand the truly phenomenal rise to global level after his death. Angus is a grossly underrated player and for me, the solos on let there be Rock totally stand out specially the sound that is generated. On the Cleaner side, fantastic player, and well worthy of a five watt world episode.
AC/DC was one of the first bands I heavily got into back when I first started playing guitar at 9-10 years old (just turned 24 last Saturday) and I saw them in Montreal back in 2016 when I was 17, Angus has always been one of my favourite guitarists and a huge influence on my playing. Definitely one of the best rock guitarists out there, his style is so distinct and just one of the reasons why AC/DC's music has stood the test of time for so long
Great effort but lots of miss information in this video. Angus's first SG was walnut and 2nd SG the highway to hell SG in cherry. Although it was mentioned the other way around in this video. When his black and white custom is first mentioned in the video none of those pictures are actually of that guitar but infact the pictures are another custom he also had still stock at the time in walnut with 3 pickups that is used alot around 80-81. The all black guitar in the rig run down is not a 68 but a 1963. The black and white custom was one of but not "the" main guitar used on the back in black tour. The seymour ducan pickups high-voltage set only the neck is 7.6 the bridge is 8.6. Angus in the earlier years like 70s and early 80s used 8 gauge strings then 9s. Also you keep referring to his cherry red highway to hell guitar as walnut. Like in the section around 1983 when it had the zebra neck pickup and the jaydee bridge pickup which you show in a picture at the 10min mark. It wasn't a guitar brought back by diggins. He bought that red Highway to Hell SG Sept 28th 1978 in NY and he used it live all the time from then up until the later mid 80s.
@@fivewattworld I do have some help and sources as well and run a Angus guitar face book group. but most of it has just been being a huge Angus fan for the last 15 years and spending that long doing detective work as well. Have collected thousands of pictures from all tours. Hundreds of live footage. I am not always right either but I can 100% say those things I said are correct and they are easily found by just looking at some pictures. Have lots of great Angus Young guitar videos on my channel. Again great effort though :)
@@fivewattworld Kyle is correct the first SG was walnut and the factory 2nd from NYC was cherry. The photos you used even show this. Still enjoyed the video.
I watched-listened to a Howard Stern AC-DC interview, November 19th 2014 and at the 23 minute mark,there's some really interesting photographs of both Angus and Malcolm's guitars,in the studio. Very interesting
Phil's reimagined solo is kickin'. I'm doing some mods to a new SG standard I recently bought, different pickups, pickguard, wiring, that sort of thing. John Diggins use of a pickup ring at the bridge position is a great idea. I'm doing it.
Angus is the living embodiment of "the most music with the least gear".
Kinda. But he owns a hell of a lot of them!
That's a fact and well said man!
His rig rundown would say different
Couple hundred SGs and Marshalls?
@fixedgear37 All the amps and cabinets are running when he's playing live.
This will be the shortest history yet!
You beat me to it. This was my thought as well
Thought exactly the same. “Here is his SG”
@@bazilbrushrockshe wouldn’t be the same without one though
I see what you did there 🤣
This will be the shortest and an episode about Joe Bonamassa would be the longest and take 14 years to research. 😂
Yeah I want a short history on Malcolm’s guitar, he’s a guitar god in his own right. Rhythm guitarist know what’s up with Malcolm.
I guess. If Angus lists Malcolm as an influence, you know he’s worthy of guitar god, in the vein of Bo Diddley.
U got it Bro! Malcolm wrote most o them riffs n he was like a drummer:Mr.Time
Malcom was honestly the secret magic to that whole band. I'm not trying to take anything away from Angus, but AC/DC wouldn't be what it was with anyone other than Malcom.
Rhythm guitarists know what's up with Mal... AC/DC fanatics REALLY know what's up with Mal. (LOL) It was his band, he was the band leader... and he was every bit as good of a player as Angus. Angus took the lead spot because his personality fit the position better. Mal stuck to rhythm because he knew how important a great foundation is to a song.
Anyway, the history of his one and (almost) only Gretsch, "The Beast", has been covered by some other youtubers. Just do a quick search and you'll find some good videos.
@@joshuagibson2520 - This is true, and even Angus said so; in an early interview in a guitar magazine Angus said that Malcolm was really the whole show, and that he considered what he did to be "just a little sprinkle of flavoring over what Mal does..."
The secret to AC/DC’s brilliance is the killer rhythm section. So tight and in the groove.
Yes, but there are no well known bass lines.
Its all the drums and Malcom's rtymn guitar.
I have always loved AC/DC, but these past few months have propelled them to elite status. And it's a credit to how Angus and Malcolm shaped hard rock. Frankly, I love the SG. I played Telecasters for years, but once I discovered P90s, my whole perspective changed. While Angus isn't known for P90s, aside from the Howard Stern clip you shared, it's difficult to separate the man from this iconic guitar. For me, it's greatest rock machine ever built. And yes, AC/DC makes me want to throw those devil horns in the air and stomp to the thunderous beat.
Angus has been my favorite guitarist for more than 40 years. Back in Black is my favorite guitar album. And the SG is my favorite guitar. Thanks, Keith, this one's gonna rock!
He couldn't run around that way with a 9lbs les paul he might of been shorter lol
You very limited tastes in music lolhahahaha but there are lots of people who only like one band
I look back on it all ... I was raised on AC-DC . I was brought up playing guitar . It was mandatory for me to learn AC-DC songs .
@@santosmadrigal3702 I was forbidden to play guitar as a child. My mom said only white trash play guitar so I was beaten n forced to learn classical piano.lolhahahaha. seriously beaten n I never bothered to learn I grue up in Nashville TN n when we were down town in see guitars in the widow of music store n just stare. I later would get one n hide it from my my mom n she would find it n bust it over my head. I finally got a teley with a stray neck in Berkeley in the 60s . I actually got my mom to buy me a crappy 13 string Japanese electric that she liked. I played the shit out of it but didn't really learn much. My neighbor was Julian Schnabel the fim maker n artist n tried to play music with him but nothing happened. I ended up repairing guitars n have worked in 2 countries repairing. I knew Stevie ray Vaughan n I know Eric Johnson but haven't seen him in years. He's really nice but Stevie used to help me learn n he's put his arms around me n held the guitar to show me how to play a piece.i was learning. Hendrix stuff. Stevie was the nicest person. Saw him years later at a concert where he gave me tickets n refered to me on stage during the show. I've done coke with him. To many stories. To many years. I be broken my left hand so many times it ain't all that good anymore but I'm still at it. I've got ,2 Les Paul's n a teley or 2 a Les Paul bass from 75 n a bunch of other stuff. Lots o pedals. really into ukuleles but I play plectrum style English waltzes on.uke. a build guitars n ukes n some electric guitars. Bon appetit
@@russelmurray9268 one of the best stories I've heard cool I started playing guitar in 79 and still at it with a newer les paul now that they've fixed some things with the new owners it might be heavy but sounds awesome
I've never gotten along with SG's, but man this makes me want to try another one out. Something about a SG in aged cherry is just so beautiful! Great video as always Keith!
Neck profiles vary, recommend Gibson SG classic mid 90's to 2015 700.00 and up
Every one I've played neck dives. I love them too, but I can't play a guitar that I have to hold up all night.
I strongly recommend the new '61 Standard SGs. I never bonded with the SG until I picked up one of those.
AC/DC have been themselves forEVER, and it's awesome. Angus is insane, And Malcolm was one of the top 3 or 4 rhythm players who ever lived. Rest in peace, and likewise to Phil Rudd.
As a teenager hearing their early albums with Bon Scott hearing angus with an sg through marshalls I fell in love with that simple raw blues rock tone, that's what guitars are supposed to sound like! that is rock and roll. I then spent hopeless hours trying to make my hondo II through a princeton reverb sound like angus. i eventually gave up on sounding like angus. Wish I had 5 watt world back then in the 70s so I could have understood why. took a long time to figure it out.
I saw AC/DC in 1978 “Day on the Green “ Oakland!!! His energy was unbelievable!!!! I’m surprised any of his guitars survived the tour because he ran into everything on stage!! It was crazy!!!!
Try drinking English tea all day & night for 30 days, you'll be duck walking into everything too. Angus is God, Clapton is his jester. 🤣🤣🤣
WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL BY THE odot MAN. ACDC waSs the band for the real bay area guys even in the 90s. You had all the Primus fellasand i saw Rush at odot like 20 times lol. The shows i wanted tro see were your time man and you saw the greatest all around rocj band ever with the coolest singer ever. If they have good virtual concerts thats the 78 Powerage concert i want to see lmao. Powerage and Let there be Rock best album.
I didn't come to AC/DC late in life, but it did take me many years before truly appreciating them. I listened to AC/DC a LOT as a teenager in the 80s learning to play guitar. At some point, I got burned out on their music, not listening to really anything by them for a couple of decades or me, save "For Those About to Rock" and "Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution." I've never denied the power of their music, but I guess I just didn't "get it" either at the time. When Power Up was released, I found myself gravitating to the music and purchasing a copy. Since then, I've replaced my old cassette copy of Back in Black and working towards adding some others. The guitar tones of Malcolm and Angus draw me more than anything, but the pure simplicity of their music speaks to everyday working folks, like most of us here. I've found that on a tough day at work, Back in Black melts the stress away.
In 1988 my neighbor and friend Rich tells me he had a great time with, smoked a few joints with, and had a lot of laughs with...ACDC (WTF) while caddying them around the golf course at the 4 seasons hotel (Dallas, TX, 1988). Rich worked there. I was so jealous of his report! We both had tickets to the show (Blow Your Video tour) that night, and he told me we could meet the band between the bus and the front door (after the show, also in Dallas, at Fair Park). He was right, and we did exactly that. Angus, his nephew Stevie (Malc was away in alcohol rehab), Brian, Cliff and Simon were in no hurry to get away from me, Rich and maybe a half dozen to dozen other star-struck fans. ACDC seemed to be appreciating the time with a handful fans collecting signatures, asking for photos etc. Time stood still. I have a photo still taken that night, amazing memory, amazing and very down to earth rock stars.
I have been a fan of AC/DC since I first saw them perform Countdown in 1975. Angus's playing was full of the energy that drove the band then, as he does now! With the great Bon Scott as fronting the band, they made a formidable paring , with a sound that set them apart from the other Australian bands on the scene at that time.
With their brother George Young and writing / production partner Harry Vanda guiding them , they were set on a path to greatness, with there own unique style of hard driving rock and roll! Angus's energetic soloing was a very important element to their successful formula!
I love the mixture of humor and admiration in your comments. This is testament to the importance of the player of the guitar: ordinary rig; great sounds. Thanks for making this video available like this.
Keith, thank you for another riveting "Short History". These installments are simply amazing and I tend to watch each one, three or four times to make sure I did not miss anything. I anxiously await your next installment of a "Short History"! Until then, stay well and may GOD bless you and yours.
Thanks Keith for this. I've been an AC/DC fan since 1976. The first time I saw them was when they opened up for Ted Nugent in 1977 I saw them on the Highway to hell tour. I was 19 at the time. Then I saw them in 1980 on the back in Black tour. Then I saw them in 81' or 82' for the For those about to rock. I didn't see them again in concert till 2009. 26 year break. I was 50 years old then. I was astonished just how well they sounded. And hadn't lost any of their electricity they bring to their shows. The one thing I can say is this. One of the best rock shows I ever saw. And still the three day recoup of my hearing from the show. I have a soft spot for the boys from down under. Glad you found them. They are a big part of rock today. Peace and love man.
12:09
My brother left me his acoustic. A Fender he lovingly called his pawnshop prize. I absolutely understand the feeling held in those pictures of Angus at Malcolm's funeral, absolutely felt choked up as you were describing the very feeling. A terrible day, but a beautiful sentiment captured in photographs.
Really loved this one! And you added in a bit about Malcolm RIP and Cliff too. I love Angus's philosophy of 'less is more'. It really works for him.
Just wanna say thank you sir for all the hard work and dedication you put into these videos! I can’t live without them now in my life
I appreciate that
I'm always here for a parade of vintage SG's. Cheers!
Angus's solo tone on "Ride On" is as good as rock tone gets.
It's really nasty weather down here in Texas, we are shut down and I'm getting cought up on your videos....Just want to tell you how incredible your channel really is and say simply THANK YOU.
Thanks Stan!
Thanks for being you Keith. No one else could do this like you.
Thanks man!
The only time I've seen Angus Young play a guitar that wasn't his usual SG. and it was at a Stones concert. where they invited him and Malcolm on to the stage to jam with them. and Malcolm had his Gretsch. and my jaw slammed on to the floor, and my eyes bugged out, when I seen Angus Young playing a red ES 335 and it is was amazing. a person might think that guitar would be sort of a handful for him. but Oh no it was quite the opposite. it was just another day in the office for Angus. it was definitely a sight to see for sure. I will never forget it no doubt.
Another fantastic video Keith! Angus and crew were always one of my favorites and a huge inspiration when I was a young guitar player. I still listen to them regularly to this day. Keep 'em coming!
Talk about dedication, Keith! You even got a guy called Angus to play the intro music! Awesome work as always man
So glad you did this, not enough credit is given to the master of blues-inspired hard rock
@Ralph Reilly he certainly is but not always recognized as such
Angus and his band is the reason I'm a guitar player. Started on my 13th birthday. I grew up on AC/DC. 16 years later, still playin.
Thanks, Keith. this is solid gold. Growing up in the 70's and 80's, I cut my guitar teeth on AC/DC. Angus and Malcolm are epic. Back in Black is one of the albums I could play from beginning to end. I still play several songs of theirs while I'm picking, and admire the timelessness of the riffs. As a kid from East Tennesse, before MTV and even cable TV in my area, I really appreciate this. HOOYAH!
Great video about my favorite guitar hero and band, thanks a million Keith 👌🏻🙌🏻
Making a video about Malcolm’s the beast to honor him was a great idea!
Angus is the reason I got my first SG! Followed by an Angus Young 2012 signature last year! Both excellent instruments
Yep, an SG and 9 marshall super leads, and that's it.
Strangely, he is the man who has made the most music from the least gear.
Unless the amount of gear is judged by weight
Yep. Only nine $5000 100Watt vintage Marshall heads, not to mention all the cabs to go along with them. Such a minimalistic rig!
Malcolm's Gretsch. A late friend of mine was in a band in Sydney in the 60's and they would sometimes support the Easybeats. According to my friend, the Jet Firebird belonged to Harry Vanda at the time and it was offered for sale to my friend. He passed on it as he was happy with his Burns Marvin. My friend guessed it was later offered to Malcolm via his brother George.
@Andrew G. I think you're spot on. Harry definitely gifted that guitar to Malcolm later, declaring that it was "The best investment that I ever made."
It's a joy to see another thoroughly-researched 'short history' presented with insight, passion and in-depth knowledge. Thank you, Keith!
P.S. Bonus points for including a map of where I was born and grew up... ;)
Awesome thanks for this Keith.
I watch the Rig Run down regularly as I'm sure most of your viewers do. And it always makes me laugh watching the AC/DC one.
Angus - An SG, standard pickups and 3x 100W Marshalls cranked.
Malcolm - Jet Firebird, one pickup and 3x 100W marshalls cranked.
The end.
So funny when you watch some of the complicated rig run downs like Aerosmith and look at the amount of things they all have on stage with them in comparison.
I was too busy at work today to watch this live and it ticked me off! On the commute home AC⚡️DC came on & I cranked it to 10 as always. As I yelled & played air guitar I was thinking how perfect their songs are for our listening pleasure. All the notes, chords, guitars, drums, vocals, and what's that other one? Oh yeah, the bass. Ha! All mix perfectly to drive your speakers, woofers, tweeters and titties into a frenzied, gyrating, sinful dance. Love you guys! My favorite band!!! Akka-Dakka baby! 😎
Thanks Keith! Thank you for helping my work day fade away.
G'day Keith,
Like many others here, I never thought you'd give us a short history of Angus' guitars. I could imagine the script being... "If you see long hair, & a Gretch, that could be Malcolm Young. If there's an SG & a school uniform, that IS Angus, it was Malcolm, & this is AC/DC."
I'm not a huge fan of AC/DC, but I always enjoyed watching AC/DC on TV in the 70's, and now on TH-cam. I'm always amazed at the ages of AC/DC fans. I always have a giggle about the girl who tackled Bon Scott during a Countdown performance (I think it was Dirty Deeds), & wonder if her granddaughter is in the crowd at Donnington or Riverplate.
Thanks for another great video. I really didn't expect this one.
Keep up the good work
Andrew
I was in my teens in high school when AC/DC hit the scene. Seems like yesterday, I graduated high school in 1980 and that was around the time Back in Black came out. Thinking back that was about the pinnacle of Rock music, super bands and all that was good back then. Radio was king, it was our internet. What a great time to be alive and experience. No one younger then say 40 years old or so now has a clue what it was like. Sad to think about really but that's how it goes I guess. I feel extremely lucky and grateful I lived it. I was all into it back in the day too. Great video, thanks for making it.
I met Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams at a bar in Boston the night after their concert on the Black Ice Tour. I struck up a conversation and was surprised by how down to earth and nice they were! They asked for my name and introduced themselves. We chatted for a bit about the show and Brian mentioned how “bloody hot” it was on stage. He informed me that they had “another gig in New York in a few days” as though they were some lower level band playing at a small venue! That cracked me up! That experience made me an even bigger fan!
That sounds so cool, lol
Man, Im glad you made this video, your content is always top quality, so this is gonna be really good to watch. Always wanted Angus made a talk about his guitar collection.
Thanks!
Simply put, AC/DC is the shit. The best pure rock and roll band that has ever been. They never had a "phase". Pure. Rock. And. Roll.
Don't forget Malcolm! No Mal, no Angus.
Love your work!
Angus Youngs playing style got me into playing blues, he really makes that SG sing!!! RIP Malcolm 🤘🏼
Thank you for this great history. As a lifelong Marvel and AC/DC fan I find it hilarious that it took the combination of the two to get you into them. And every video with Phil X is always a treat! Now, about that Iceman history... 😎
Accidently got a ticket to the money talks tour. Omg. That is still the most energy and best concert, right up there with srv concert. I've been to several dozen shows through the years.
Growing up in the 70s, I had always dismissed AC/DC as just a loud 1 trick pony. Then on the Black Ice tour they came to Fresno. We decided to take our 3 sons ages 12 to 17.
The show opened with a flaming locomotive bursting through the back of the stage. I was schooled, and enlightened.
They may still be a one trick pony,
But the trick is awesome!🎸🎸
“I’m sick to death of people saying we’ve made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we’ve made 12 albums that sound exactly the same.” - Angus Young
Loved this. That pic of him from 72-73 was a trip. Never seen that before
Thanks for the video on Angus Young and his guitars 🎸. I have been a AC/DC fan since they came out with there first album in 1973.
I think you could have talked aboug Angus’ wall of Marshalls. Be sure to do that when you do Yngwie next.
Growing up listening to AC/DC I always assumed Angus just had one guitar. While he's stuck with his SGs, it's cool to see how many different ones he's had. Great research as always!
The title warranted an automatic like from me. Angus was my gateway drug into guitar almost 20 years ago.
Angus is the very reason I picked up guitar as a young hooligan. That decision altered the course of my entire life. I wish I could thank him somehow.
As has the rest of the world I've been waiting eagerly for this one Keith..ty so much. One of my favorite guitarists ever and to see him live ( 3 times myself) twice in my hometown arena in upstate NY 🤘
Thank you Keith. I don't currently have the means to support your channel currently other than likes and views. You are truly the best in the biz at what you do. Keep em coming!
Awesome. Thanks 5 Watt World! That Koch sample was toothy and had that harmonic rip that I like. A little bright to me though. Treble knob.
You were right Keith. The pic of Angus leaving Malcolm's funeral with his Gretsch at 12:45 sure made me well up. For the good. Thank you for all the music Malcolm.
10:20 "Hello There" Cheap Trick jamming. Nice. Excellent informational video as always. Ignore the haters!
Thanks Keith. Another moving tribute to the artist and gear that gives us so much joy.
Thanks David
I saw AC/DC in 79 in Neurenberg Germany with Bon Scott, Then the news of him passing. Couldn't believe they recorded 'Back in Black' by 1980. What a great album that is! Oh, the memories!
AC ⚡ DC Is in the blood. Angus and Malcom laid the foundation and that is why I believe they will for ever be my favorite band. I took my kids to see them during the Black Ice tour in 2008. My daughter was 12yrs old and my son was 9yrs old and to this day whenever I hear AC ⚡ DC blasting out of their cars I know I raised them right and it chokes me up a bit. Thanks for this Keith
Great story
There are a few rare shows where Angus played different guitars. He's played an ES-335 a few times, a Les Paul at least once, and there was one picture I saw where he was playing a 60's Hagstrom. There's also an early promo photo where he's holding a Fender Mustang, but that was probably just a prop for the shoot.
Super video Keith. I love how you build the excitement for the short history with the intro comments...There is just something so powerful about AC/DC music... I had John Diggins put a Khaler trem in a hardtail Fender strat in the early 80s. One of the new USA models with only 1 tone pot. John threw in a setup. Wow, that guitar played beautifully after his setup. Really nice chap too.
Charlotte NC 1979. Loud!!! Loved every minute of it. RIP Bon. BTW, he did not use an HHH SG- it was a Std.
Great vid thanks. I've been following ACDC since I saw them multiple times around Melbourne AU in the mid-late 70s.
Wonderful memories.
Omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg!!!!!!!! My very first guitar hero and the reason I've owned 5 SGs!!!!! (I have the "lifer" now lol)
Love ACDC angus young was one of my first inspirations as i was 7 years old. Thanks for the detailed info. I actually got the 61 reissue today. I love it
I've been into AC/Dc since I first heard Powerage when it came out in 1976. I've been rocking out to them ever since. Yes indeed, the perfect live show rock band!
I was in a pool hall with great speakers in 79 when whole lotta Rosie came on. I was so blown away by the energy I had to stop playing. Had not heard of them before that. What a memory.
Angus Young is one of the people because of whom I started playing guitar. Thanks for the video, Keith. You've made an amazing resource again.
Thanks Keith! Always appreciate your videos!
I first saw these guys , back in 77-78 , let there be rock , and the second was in this old opera house in Pittsburg pa. At the Stanley Theater, it had really plus red crushed velvet seats , and thick carpet , and a balcony , where we sat front row center , I don’t remember much of the first gig I saw them at , but the second at the Stanley was one of the best , out of hundreds I saw , they were just right there in front of me , and they became my favorite band , after the first show , and highway to hell was the last tour with Bon , I saw them at least 3 times , back in black in 80 , and 2 other ones , but I was really a Angus fan ever since I first them , and he never let me down ! And in the beginning I thought he was like 16-18 , but later I found out he was just born the year after me , but to this day he has been my favorite guitarist of all time !
Not to take anything away from Angus, but Malcom was what tied it all together. Please do one on Malcom too! Thank you.
Hey Keith,
Considering how big this channel has become, you stay on top of virtually every comment.
Thanks for your creations of music history. We all appreciate it.
Good to see you here Henry. How’s my favorite Dutch/Canadian sound engineer?
@@fivewattworld LOL! I shall send you an e-mail soon.
1:00 - Correction:
Angus Young is wearing an *Australian* school boys uniform (although he does say later on that the costume was based on his Ashfield Boys High uniform).
This was the perfect missed opportunity to make as an April fool’s day video where you just said “He plays an SG”
A "Decades" series on "A Short History" would be fun -- not brand focused, but innovations, dominant trends, cutting edge designs, etc in guitars for various decades -- each episode on a specific decade. Love the show.
I saw the Let There Be Rock movie when I was 10, I'd been messing around on n old acoustic until then. I got n epiphone sg for my 11th birthday. ACDC was all I wanted to play. I'm 44 now n still miss that sg. It was dirty sweet n bluesy as hell... Just like my inspiration
Don't know if you've covered Malcom's guitars, but I'd love to see that. After all, he was the rhythm.
This is such a cool series! Angus Young was the sole reason I got into guitars in the first place. I would love if you did "James Hetfield's Guitars".
😎👍Great contributions by Phil & Greg!
AC/DC - I have ALWAYS liked the music, but the more I learn about the band, you just gotta love em.
My favorite band of all time, since I can remember. There can only be one ACDC and one Angus and Malcolm Young. Great job 5 Watt World !
I remember Malcolm using a Gretsch Falcon at one point.A nice chunky piece of gear.
My first guitar, and I still have it, is a 2005 black Epiphone SG Special with no pickguard. I absolutely love it and it's my main guitar to this day.
Loved this episode Keith, have been a fan of ACDC since the later part of the 1980s, saw them first on the Razors Edge tour and a few times since then. Definitely one of my favorite bands and nice to see Angus's guitars covered as well as the late Malc's Gretsch, well done!
Great video! Angus first guitar was a walnut 1970 SG. The volume/tone pot caps are actually Gibson's style from the 67 to 70 models. I do own a 1970 SG that matches exactly all the features on his first SG as in color, neck volute, Gibson logo and writing, trus rod cover, pickups, pot caps and stuff. Pretty cool! I can't sound as good tho, the magic is in the player! But the tone is killer
Another brilliantly educational FiveWatt Installment.
@Fivewattworld897 no one that I follow uses Telegram to communicate and your handle is fake.
AC/DC is not my favorite band, but virtually everything they play is incredible. They are always reliable for rock solid heavy music. They know what works and never stray from those basics.
Thanks, Keith, I really enjoy these vids. I bought let there be Rock when it came out and it will always be in my top five and the following album. Powerage was phenomenal. Saw them at Oxford Apollo and it was only about 2/3 full. The death of bon sort of finished it for me and could never understand the truly phenomenal rise to global level after his death. Angus is a grossly underrated player and for me, the solos on let there be Rock totally stand out specially the sound that is generated. On the Cleaner side, fantastic player, and well worthy of a five watt world episode.
AC/DC was one of the first bands I heavily got into back when I first started playing guitar at 9-10 years old (just turned 24 last Saturday) and I saw them in Montreal back in 2016 when I was 17, Angus has always been one of my favourite guitarists and a huge influence on my playing. Definitely one of the best rock guitarists out there, his style is so distinct and just one of the reasons why AC/DC's music has stood the test of time for so long
Ground and made my coffee watching this video. Bravo and thanks Keith!
Bonjour old friend!
Great effort but lots of miss information in this video. Angus's first SG was walnut and 2nd SG the highway to hell SG in cherry. Although it was mentioned the other way around in this video. When his black and white custom is first mentioned in the video none of those pictures are actually of that guitar but infact the pictures are another custom he also had still stock at the time in walnut with 3 pickups that is used alot around 80-81. The all black guitar in the rig run down is not a 68 but a 1963. The black and white custom was one of but not "the" main guitar used on the back in black tour. The seymour ducan pickups high-voltage set only the neck is 7.6 the bridge is 8.6. Angus in the earlier years like 70s and early 80s used 8 gauge strings then 9s. Also you keep referring to his cherry red highway to hell guitar as walnut. Like in the section around 1983 when it had the zebra neck pickup and the jaydee bridge pickup which you show in a picture at the 10min mark. It wasn't a guitar brought back by diggins. He bought that red Highway to Hell SG Sept 28th 1978 in NY and he used it live all the time from then up until the later mid 80s.
I only know what my sources say. You seem to have others.
@@fivewattworld I do have some help and sources as well and run a Angus guitar face book group. but most of it has just been being a huge Angus fan for the last 15 years and spending that long doing detective work as well. Have collected thousands of pictures from all tours. Hundreds of live footage. I am not always right either but I can 100% say those things I said are correct and they are easily found by just looking at some pictures. Have lots of great Angus Young guitar videos on my channel. Again great effort though :)
@@fivewattworld Kyle is correct the first SG was walnut and the factory 2nd from NYC was cherry. The photos you used even show this. Still enjoyed the video.
I’ve been saying for years Gibson needs a semi-permanent signature SG series for Angus the same way they do the Slash Les Pauls.
They do have one. It has that Gibson tremolo on it that everyone doesnt use.
@@sopwithsnoopy8779 I mean like a whole line, ala “The Slash Collection”
I watched-listened to a Howard Stern AC-DC interview, November 19th 2014
and at the 23 minute mark,there's some really interesting photographs of both Angus and Malcolm's guitars,in the studio.
Very interesting
Now they are a rock and roll band! Thanks again Keith. Excellent video as always 👍
Phil's reimagined solo is kickin'. I'm doing some mods to a new SG standard I recently bought, different pickups, pickguard, wiring, that sort of thing. John Diggins use of a pickup ring at the bridge position is a great idea. I'm doing it.
Angus lured me, I stayed for Malcolm. Best Rhythm guitarist ever.
Greatest brother duo in rock history. Kick ass!!!
Thanks a lot! It’s a great one. Angus was associated with the Sg 62 they reissued in 86 but never really seen playing them
I've come to just click the thumbs up with this guy without even watching the whole video as I KNOW its going to be good! Keep on rocking man!!!!
Thanks so much for covering Angus!!