Despite being around for over half a century, many music enthusiasts are only now discovering the meaning behind the band name AC/DC.
The celebrated rock group is set to embark on a much-awaited European tour in 2025, but how many of those attending the concerts know the origin of their famous name?
While tracks like ‘Highway to Hell’ and ‘Thunderstruck’ are well-known, the significance of AC/DC’s name isn’t as widely recognized.
This topic gained attention on Reddit when a user posed the question: “What does AC/DC actually stand for?”
User @psychological_Ad8534 clarified the misconception, explaining that it stands for ‘anti-christ/devil’s child’, but the real meaning is: Alternating current/direct current.
In an interview with Podpokas, the original AC/DC frontman Dave Evans discussed the name, more than five decades after the band’s inception.
He explained: “And we said, ‘Okay, what is it?’ And Malcolm [Young] said, ‘AC/DC’. And I thought quickly, and I thought it’s an easy name to remember, AC/DC. And it was on the side of a lot of electrical appliances. AC/DC means alternate current and direct current.”
Evans further elaborated: “Alternate current means batteries. Direct current, plug it into the wall. And I had a portable record player, which had AC/DC on the side. So I could go to the park and just do it by batteries, then go back to the house and plug it in. AC/DC.”
Here’s an interesting fact: in Australia, the band is fondly called ‘Acca Dacca’, although the name is pronounced by saying each letter.
While AC/DC is gearing up for their European tour later this year, the event will be tinged with sadness due to the passing of drummer Colin Burgess at 77.
AC/DC shared the news of Burgess’ death on its social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
The post read: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician.”
“Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”
The current lineup of AC/DC consists of Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson, bassist Cliff Williams, drummer Phil Rudd, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, Angus’s nephew.