'70s Rock Legends Named One of 'Top Most Powerful Bands in the World' 50 Years After Their Debut
'70s Rock Legends Named One of 'Top Most Powerful Bands in the World' 50 Years After Their Debut
Meredith GordonSun, March 1, 2026 at 12:32 AM UTC
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(Photo by Mauricio Santana on Getty Images)
AC/DC is one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, and more than 50 years after their debut, the Australian rockers are still at the top of the charts worldwide, a sign of their lasting impact and timeless sound. In Pollstar’s weekly rankings of the most popular musical artists in the world, AC/DC currently ranks No. 9, an impressive standing considering the Top 10 consists mostly of newer artists like Sombr and Raye, with established stars like Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny also dominating the Pollstar charts.
NFL fans know AC/DC’s lasting influence thanks to the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts, in which the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders famously perform their signature number to AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck." Known for their high-wattage performances, blues-driven hard rock sound and instantly recognizable guitar riffs, the Sydney, Australia rockers have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, making them a defining force in hard rock and heavy metal.
How AC/DC Became Rock Legends
Founded in 1973 by brothers Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar) and Angus Young (lead guitar), the band gained international stardom in the late 1970s after first building a strong following in Australia.
One of their most iconic albums, 1979’s Highway to Hell, served as a global breakthrough for the band. They later found even greater success with the release of Back in Black, which featured Brian Johnson on lead vocals following the death of original frontman Bon Scott in 1980. Back in Black remains one of the best-selling albums in rock history.
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The original lineup featured Bon Scott on lead vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass and Phil Rudd on drums. This group helped define the band’s unique sound and explosive live performances.
Related: David Gilmour’s Best Solo Album Outside Pink Floyd Has Finally Been Ranked
Is AC/DC Still Touring?
AC/DC remains active today and continues to tour regularly. The current lineup includes Angus Young, Brian Johnson on lead vocals, Cliff Williams on bass, Phil Rudd on drums and Stevie Young on rhythm guitar.
Few rock bands remain as popular today as they were decades ago, but AC/DC songs continue to perform strongly on music charts and streaming platforms, and the band remains one of the most successful touring acts in the world. The enduring popularity of "Thunderstruck" among football fans certainly helps, but it’s the band’s rousing rock anthems, live-wire guitar riffs and relentless touring schedule that continue to resonate with generations of music fans.
Related: '70s Soft Rock Band Singer Is Behind the Tune Ranked 'Saddest Country Song of the 1990s'
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This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
