Watch Malcolm Young Trade Solos with Angus in this Storming Live AC/DC Clip from 1975
Australia’s greatest rock 'n' roll band begins to conquer the world stage.
![AC/DC live in 1975](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pE7fsbkDTTTDyxFitX3NQ9-320-80.png)
On this day, in 1975, AC/DC released their debut album, High Voltage. This seminal long-player differs from the 1976 international release of the same name which comprises tracks taken from the original version and its follow up, T.N.T. (AC/DC's debut and sophomore albums were only available in Australia.)
Though AC/DC were yet to scale the heights of international rock stardom their debut is well worth a visit for any fan. Tracks like “Show Business,” ”Little Lover,” and “She’s Got Balls” (the latter two were included on 1976’s international High Voltage release) were warning shots from a musical force that would soon unleash its full cannonade.
Ultimately, Oz wasn’t big enough to contain AC/DC.
This amazing clip filmed in 1975 just months after the debut High Voltage release shows the band kicking ass as they perform the album's closer, "Show Business."
Already, Angus Young has found his feet as he literally puts his own stamp on the stage while duckwalking around strapped with a Gibson SG (and a satchel, of course.)
Though Malcolm Young is renowned as one of the best rhythm guitarists in music history, it’s nice to see him performing lead duties here. He was also a fantastic lead player who shared much in common with his brother stylistically.
“If Malcolm sits down to play a solo,” said Angus, “he can do it better than me.”
Eagle eyed viewers may notice Malcolm Young’s Gretsch Jet Fire Bird is still sporting its original red finish. This famously modified electric guitar was later stripped and had all pickups but the rear/bridge Filter’Tron removed.
Browse the AC/DC catalog here.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World, Guitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.
“When Paul Shaffer introduced the Blues Brothers for the first time on SNL, he said, ‘With the help of Curt Salgado and the Cray Band, we give you the Blues Brothers’”: Robert Cray on Animal House, and the origins of the Blues Brothers
“Femininity in rock and roll isn’t always something you find. If you’re a woman, being tough has meant being like Joan Jett”: With a helping hand from Greta Van Fleet's Sam Kiszka, Hannah Wicklund has her eyes on the prize