Following the completion of the band's most recent world tour, the fate of AC/DC has become a recurring topic of discussion for people around the world.
With talks of former members returning and new additions willing to stay on, we can’t be sure what is to come for the Australian hard rockers, as only one original member remains.
I mean, yeah they are Rock and Roll pioneers, and a global treasure cherished by millions of people — but for us die-hard fans, loving AC/DC is akin to traversing a Highway to Hell.
It all kicked off with the loss of the problem child himself, Bon Scott, in 1980. The band and fans across the world were devastated.
One of rock's original bad boys and most stellar vocalists had left this world too early. We were left marooned with some of the band's most famous and beloved tracks, and albums such as Dirty Deeds, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this week.
Though the loss of this rock and roll legend hurt like hell, we gained another incredible powerhouse vocalist, Mr. Brian Johnson.
Known for his grueling vocals, Johnson brought a whole new sound to the band and fans were filled with hopes that AC/DC was here to stay.
With Johnson at the helm, AC/DC continues to shake up the rock scene.
After releasing top album after top album, like Back in Black and Razors Edge, the band has paved their way to becoming known as one of the world’s greatest.
In 2014, the band suffered more terrible losses. Following the departure of founding guitarist, Malcolm Young due to his battle with dementia. The band received a sea of support from fans who showed them that we just wouldn’t give up.
In November 2015, just as the band was gearing up for their Rock or Bust world tour, Drummer Phil Rudd was forced to leave the band due to possible jail time.
Another heavy blow was the heart-wrenching news that Brian Johnson would have to step down as doctors warned he was facing irreversible ear damage.
The news left us Thunderstruck, yet we understood and would not show Johnson anything but respect for his contributions to the band.
Things took an interesting turn when Guns n’ Roses lead singer, Axl Rose stepped up to the plate to try and fill in —quite a tough act to follow and fans all over the world were skeptical.
Though Rose has a powerful vocal register and has taken this tour more seriously than expected, it just hasn’t been the same.
In July of 2016 Bassist, Cliff Williams announced his departure from the group after almost 40 years of dedicated rocking.
Williams made his decision more concrete in an emotionally charged thank you video released on September 20, 2016.
Following his final performance in Philadelphia, Angus Young invited Williams up to the front of the stage so he could get a well-deserved thank you from fans.
We cannot be sure what is to come following this world tour. Perhaps the end of an era? Is this perhaps the start of something new? What happens next is left up to the last man standing, world-renowned guitarist and legend, Angus Young.
It has been said that Rose is willing to stay with the band, and it is rumoured that Phil Rudd would return if Rose steps down, leaving Young with a difficult choice.
We cannot be sure, but one thing is for certain: AC/DC fans have gone through hell and back for this band and we aren’t going anywhere, any time soon.
To Bon, Brian, Malcolm, Phil and Cliff, we salute you. And to Angus, let there be rock!
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