The Most Infamous Stories About AC/DC

AC/DC’s Journey through Rock History

In the vast annals of rock history, none can outshine the plethora of insane stunts perpetrated by AC/DC. From drugs and dementia to the lamentable passing of guitarist Malcolm Young, their journey to rock ‘n’ roll supremacy was undoubtedly a long and tumultuous one.

The Drummer VS. A Hitman
Phil Rudd, the drummer, once delved into the realm of criminality, attempting to hire a hitman to menace someone’s life. His misadventure also involved the possession of methamphetamine. The claim suggests that Rudd dangled a tempting offer of $133,000 and the hitman’s preferred sports car to dispatch a contractor and his daughter. Subsequently, Rudd faced the repercussions, landing an eight-month house arrest sentence after pleading guilty.

Official Verdict on Bon Scott’s Demise: “Death By Misadventure”
The demise of Bon Scott stands out as the most infamous chapter in AC/DC’s story. After six years of contributing to the band and releasing seven albums, Scott’s tragic end occurred at the age of 33. Heavy drinking, following a night at the London club The Music Machine, led to Scott being left in a friend’s car to sleep it off. However, he was discovered lifeless the next morning, and upon reaching the hospital, pronounced dead on arrival. Officially attributed to “acute alcohol poisoning,” Scott’s death remains shrouded in mystery, with some fans believing there’s more to the story.

Using Their Music to Hold a Dictator Accountable
AC/DC’s music played an unexpected role in geopolitics during “Operation Nifty Package,” orchestrated by the US Military to extract dictator Manuel Noriega from his bunker in 1989. Facing refuge in the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See, a pseudo-embassy for the Vatican, Noriega found himself subjected to the relentless blare of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long.” The loud serenade grew unnerving, prompting Noriega’s surrender due to sheer irritation.

Beyond these narratives, AC/DC’s legacy includes tales of melting amps, a Loch Ness Monster pursuit, 26 band members, Malcolm Young’s fixation on the band’s costumes, a surprising Celine Dion cover, a near on-stage brawl involving Angus Young, and speculation among fans about the band appropriating Bon Scott’s journals for unused lyrics after his passing. In November 2017, the band mourned the loss of Malcolm Young.