AC/DC - The Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band Ever? - Writers Forum

Sam Winchester · 06-07-2008, 05:04 PM

If you know anything about me, you know I'm an AC/DC aficionado. I've been to three of their concerts, and every single one was worth the money spent. Angus Young, in my humble opinion, is one of the classiest and most talented guitar players I've ever seen. He doesn't drink or touch drugs; although he does smoke quite a bit. Hey, nobody's perfect, right?

AC/DC - ROCK 'n' ROLL'S GREATEST

PROS

Their songs are revolutionary. AC/DC have produced some of the greatest rock hits ever, including Back in Black, Whole Lotta Rosie, Highway to Hell, Sin City, You Shook Me All Night Long, Shoot To Thrill, Hell's Bells and Are You Ready. The list is endless.
Their album Back in Black is the second best-selling album of all time - and the best-selling album ever by a group - with over forty million copies sold worldwide.
Their concerts are unforgettable. Rolling Stone recently named AC/DC the number one band to see before you die. (Or they die, whichever the case may be). His soloing aside, watching Angus Young rip up the stage with five minute improvised guitar riffs (during songs like Jailbreak and Let There Be Rock) is worth the admission price alone.
Never has there been a more successful band from "down-under". AC/DC are not only iconic worldwide, they are revered in Australia. There's even a street named after them.
They've broken America. Often the standard by which many bands are measured against, AC/DC have done something that not many of their Eastern counterparts have managed - make it big in America. Back in Black has sold 22 millions units in the US, making it the fifth best-selling ever there. They've also sold 70 million units overall in America.
They are synonymous with Rock 'n' Roll. Often wrongly mistaken as a hard-rock or heavy-metal band, AC/DC have always felt that their music is instead Blues-Rock. Nevertheless, there are not many bands who are as iconic and illustrious as them.
Their music is feel-good. Plug in the earphones, sit back, and write to your heart's content. No better feeling than listening to an Angus Young solo.

CONS
They have their critics. Some believe that a lot of AC/DC's songs are similar.
They've only released 2 albums in the last 13 years - Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip. When you consider that they released 12 in the first 15, you realise how much we've been missing!
Eh, that's about it!

__________________________________________________ _____________

So what do you think? Are AC/DC rock's greatest? Or is there a better rock band?

Sam.

Malone · 06-07-2008, 09:52 PM

Great, not the greatest. I won't try to name better bands, as it's too wide ranging and subjective, but I think for the reason you mentioned, similarity of songs, AC/DC can't be the greatest rock band. They're in my top ten, though.

JosephB · 06-07-2008, 10:04 PM

Top Ten, Yes. The Stones, Zeppelin, The Who?

ash somers · 06-07-2008, 10:37 PM

god, are these guys still going? they were huge here when i was a teenager
and i was seriously in love with bon scott, don't tell anyone
i cried for weeks when he died ...

i have many a fond memory of rocking out to these guys

JosephB · 06-07-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

and i was seriously in love with bon scott, don't tell anyone

I prefer Bon Scott era ACDC.

Edgewise · 06-07-2008, 10:55 PM

Brian Johnson is a talentless hack. He ruined AC/DC.

lin · 06-08-2008, 02:02 AM

Quote:

The Stones, Zeppelin, The Who?

Pink Floyd. The Who. The Band. Credence.

But know what, one of the most kickass concerts I ever saw was by a group I wouldn't have gone to except it was an assignment: The Kinks.

Edgewise · 06-08-2008, 02:27 AM

The Kinks are alright. Haven't seen them live of course, but they had some good songs (Well Respected Man).

For that era (late 60's, early 70's), my vote goes to either Creedence, or Canned Heat.

Edgewise · 06-08-2008, 02:29 AM

Oh, yeah. AC/DC is essentially Chuck Berry on meth. Not that that's a bad thing.

Sam Winchester · 06-08-2008, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edgewise

Brian Johnson is a talentless hack. He ruined AC/DC.

Yeah, because AC/DC have done nothing since Bon Scott died! Why do people say things like this? I have to admit, Bon Scott was the better frontman, but AC/DC were not ruined by Brian Johnson. In fact, they've done better since Johnson took over the reigns. Just look at their album sales. Of their 200 million units sold worldwide, over 100 of those have come since Johnson's arrival.

Tiamat10 · 06-08-2008, 04:53 AM

I wouldn't say they're the greatest ever simply because, while I do enjoy their music, I'm one of those critics that find they're songs similar to one another. Seems like most rock buffs give the greatest rock n roll band ever trophy to Zeppelin. Both are in my top 10, but neither is number one. I think I would probably have to give number 1 to Pink Floyd.

In fact, since you got me thinking about it, here's my top 10. Feel free to disagree as you see fit.

1. Pink Floyd
2. Led Zeppelin
3. AC/DC
4. The Eagles
5. Guns N Roses
6. Queen
7. CCR
8. Aerosmith
9. The Who
10. The Rolling Stones

Actually, I'm still kind of unsure about a few of these and where exactly to put them. Ah well, let's say it's my top 10 in no particular order after place 5. I think people would probably put Deep Purple on the list somewhere, but I get bored when I listen to them.

Sam Winchester · 06-08-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiamat10

I wouldn't say they're the greatest ever simply because, while I do enjoy their music, I'm one of those critics that find they're songs similar to one another. Seems like most rock buffs give the greatest rock n roll band ever trophy to Zeppelin. Both are in my top 10, but neither is number one. I think I would probably have to give number 1 to Pink Floyd.

In fact, since you got me thinking about it, here's my top 10. Feel free to disagree as you see fit.

1. Pink Floyd
2. Led Zeppelin
3. AC/DC
4. The Eagles
5. Guns N Roses
6. Queen
7. CCR
8. Aerosmith
9. The Who
10. The Rolling Stones

Actually, I'm still kind of unsure about a few of these and where exactly to put them. Ah well, let's say it's my top 10 in no particular order after place 5. I think people would probably put Deep Purple on the list somewhere, but I get bored when I listen to them.

The similarity thing is the same with all blues musicians. A lot of Stevie Ray Vaughan's songs were similar. Blues music is generally the same chords just improvised differently. If we're going with lists, here's my top ten.

1. AC/DC
2. Guns N' Roses
3. Queen
4. Pink Floyd
5. ZZ Top
6. Led Zeppelin
7. Skid Row
8. Def Leppard
9. Aerosmith
10. Oasis

Malone · 06-08-2008, 05:14 AM

The new frontman is definitely good. Lots of charisma, presence, and the ability to get the crowd hyper pumped.

Intel · 06-08-2008, 07:28 AM

R.E.M. will always remain the greatest band ever. Joseph, you're a sellout. You should be ashamed.

Foxee · 06-08-2008, 07:36 AM

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Queen.