The forgotten Sydney of AC/DC

The story of AC/DC and their Sydney origins as told by some of the bands earliest members.
#music #australia #acdc #history #documentary
AC/DC was indisputably born and bred in Sydney but there aren't the statues, plaques and laneways that other cities have to show the origins of one of the biggest rock bands of all time. Take a high-voltage trip through Sydney and learn about the forgotten haunts and the story that shaped AC/DC. We sit down with some of the band's original members, Mark Evans, Noel Taylor, Rob Bailey and Tony Currenti, in this exclusive mini-documentary by the Herald's Tom Compagnoni.
The story of AC/DC’s formative years in Sydney is told through the recollections of early members Mark Evans (bass player 1975-77), Noel Taylor (drummer 1974) and Rob Bailey (bass player 1975-75). They recall band rehearsals and social events at the Young family home in Burwood, seeing Angus first don his schoolboy outfit at Victoria Park Pool, filming the first video clip in The Last Picture Show in Cronulla and recording their first album at Albert Studios on King St in the heart of Sydney.
Meanwhile in Penshurst, Tony Currenti, an Italian immigrant and owner of Tonino's Penshurst Pizzeria, tells the story of how he unexpectedly became the drummer on AC/DC’s debut album, High Voltage. After completing work on the album, Tony declined an offer to formally join the band - and then watched as they became one of the biggest groups in the world. Tony still works in the pizza shop, its walls lovingly adorned with AC/DC posters, records and photos from his brief time in the band.
All members reflect on Sydney’s role in shaping AC/DC and more generally on the decline of Sydney as a live music hub.
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[@CarlAquaForce]

Who clicked and ended up watching entire thing? I did.💪

[@BorisTheSpyder]

Glad i found it, i dont know how it happened! LOL

[@BlueGoat682]

Same here... anything AC/DC related gets my attention immediately. :-)

[@Jonathan-L]

I clicked. Watched it for 9 minutes. Went to the toilet. Made myself a hot drink of Nestles Malted Milk. Read your post. Then unpaused it. It's a yes from me :)

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

Yep.........had to watch it all.

[@gregorydodwell3895]

Yes. Time to share online.

[@incubism]

As a life long fan, this is one of the best pieces on AC/DC I have ever seen. I lived in Sydney and walked through the streets where the Youngs grew up, and was humbled by their beginnings. It needs to be celebrated at the highest level.The greatest band the world has ever seen. The legends that played along side them in the early days showed their greatness in this video.

[@alexjames1146]

Too right. It's so sad what started happening in the mid eighties. The Sandringham is now closed. The Harold Park is now quality pub grub.

[@montedyoung3247]

What a great blues rock band, and nice ppl too!

[@vanlifethetravelinfranksho5611]

It still brings me to tears when I see Angus standing behind the hearse with Malcolm's guitar in his hand...😢

[@highvolts6620]

That was a fantastic short documentary. It’s very important for us fans to know the original original band. They kicked it all off. My hats off to those gentlemen and a huge thank you. Now I need to go and have a pizza at Tonys restaurant. How awesome would that be.

[@mikemartin6554]

I'll go with ya.... cheers.

[@apeshkhanal6773]

I live in Penshurst, came Australia on February I live in 2 mins away from pizza shop. I have visited shop just 2 times and Tony's son told me about the history of acdc I was shocked. Really cool guy everytime I pass the shop he waves his hand and I wave him back.

[@irvan36mm]

A pizza and a few stories from Tony sounds pretty good right now!

[@tbirdsteve1]

Thinking I will go see him ask him to sign my High Voltage album.

[@wolbi01]

How cool was that? Definitely visiting him when I’m in Sydney. Absolutely WOW!!

[@r.n6775]

Great little doc. That pic of Angus looking at his brother being loaded into the hearse broke my heart.

[@creativegirl9710]

sure did. you felt for him and his loss.

[@kjellesperas5132]

Respect to Sydney from Norway. You gave us the greatest rock'n roll band ever. Salute SYDNEY 👊👊👊

[@Chris-vq5vr]

Agreed. I grew up in Newcastle NSW which is 2 hours north of Sydney & I know all of these historical AC/DC spots. In 1981 I was given a copy of High Voltage by my cousin. I was 11 years old... It blew me away

[@yorumsfield556]

For those about to rock, we salute you 🤘 Thanks Norway. 👍

[@alandouglas6094]

A great Scottish bunch of lads.

[@yowodup6094]

@@alandouglas6094 well... yes born in scotland but they are Aussie citizens since 1963, have to give sydney and albert productions credit buddy.

[@thesword2380]

97.625% of Australian Male Singers are Scottish... "Bon Scott" their Banner.

[@Ellenyoung1955]

I remember the day Malcolm passed away, it was the saddest day of my life, I grew up listening to AC/DC and to this day I still love them. I hope we can get out of this stupid virus before next year I wanna see them when they come my way again, I live not far from Angus’s mansion here in Aalten. And I used to ride or walk by it daily on the way to school. It’s because of them I wanna be a guitarist, my dad left before I was even born and I wanna show him what the fuck he missed out on! AC/DC have definitely been a big part of my life and they have definitely impacted my life. And it’s because of younger people like me that the legacy and the great music will still be known 30 years from now!

[@Ellenyoung1955]

PM ScroMo yeah Mal will always be one of the best, I have family that live in Sydney they immigrated from the Netherlands and Scotland (I know kind of ironic and coincidental) my cousin says she’s met Malcolm when she was a teenager and she never forgot that moment, she never told me the whole story just said she met him somewhere over there. It’s my dream to own a house over there, and own one here alternate like Ellen and Angus do, I see Ellen around here time to time and once in a while I’ll get to say hello and believe it or not everyone calls her a bitch but she’s actually really nice only if she needs to be a bitch she is one. But yes lots o great bands but nobody like AC/DC. My personal opinion.

[@Ellenyoung1955]

eniatsuM evaD I do like the other bands as well so I wasn’t saying anything bad about them. I just say Mal is probably the best at it

[@Ellenyoung1955]

PM ScroMo also in some cases it’s the same here someone has a connection to the van Lochem family which is Angus’s wife’s maiden name so in a way it’s kind of the same but it’s not directly the same. So I do get what you mean AC/DC are Sydney based but internationally loved

[@Ellenyoung1955]

PM ScroMo yes I understand, I just mean like I think that they have reached the world in ways that nobody else will be able to. Now I could be wrong. And yes obviously I am very familiar with the Dutch history of music. That is why I know about the Vanda and Young productions and stuff like that.Obviously I know that AC/DC are Australian-based And I was never saying anything bad about Australia to anyone who thinks I was I love Australia. One of the prettiest countries on the globe. I would love to live there.

[@idrissbelmejdoub6632]

@@Ellenyoung1955 Very touching comment as you very much remind of myself growing up in a very difficult household while only having ac/dc as a soft peaceful universe to rely on through hardships, and they are the reason I got into guitar though I haven't had the chance to buy an SG yet (had to learn all my pentatonic in an acoustic lol) I am sure you will succeed one day and I hope we had more people like you!! Harry Vanda is dutch by the way so your country may have made Ac/dc possible (otherwise there would be no Vanda/Young to encourage Malcolm/Angus to start in the first place)

[@DEXTERSONEMANBAND]

Best band ever! I’ve been listening them since I was 15, now I’m 52 years old and I still listen and play their music.... I can say those guys shaped my personality! Thanks for making my sunny days brighter and for making my hardest time lighter!

[@ThomasLach-trader]

I am exactly same 52 old, listen and play :)

[@ghoulinthegraveyard399]

My 8th birthday, my parents got me a record player, tape deck hi fi. My Granda got me the "Dirty deeds done dirt cheap" album, I was never the same. Finally got to see them live on the "Razors edge" tour in '91. The best show I have ever seen.

[@212Roger]

Ride On.

[@smedleybutler8787]

9 year old for me. iam also a 1969er. My first concert "For those about to rock" 1982.

[@SydneyDrums]

I grew up near their home & I still live near Burleigh St.. like Angus said when he was named by a guitar magazine as the greatest guitarist in the world “Not bad for a boy from Burwood”

[@bunterhiden7321]

psycho'si carter as young children they lived in low-income apartments, which contained led piping and due from the boy’s drinking the contaminated water which ran through the pipes, it stunted their growth

[@bunterhiden7321]

psycho'si carter Scotland

[@tootellustraight]

Itjack407 🤪😅😂😂🤣😂😅😅😅😅😅

[@gregorybathurst7171]

did you go to ABHS

[@jaxr2958]

@@bunterhiden7321 Why's Malcoms son tiny then? And why aren't there tiny people all around Sydney. More likely genetics.

[@esrguzman]

What a heartfelt, honest and interesting mini-documentary. Thank you for this.

[@gideonartajo9666]

🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥

[@leftbehind4030]

Sad about Sydney,but nice to see original AC/DC members & rare bits,thanks.

[@chuckkelley5894]

As a"lifelong" fan, as I watched this what really stood out was how unassuming all these fellows were and still are today. They played because it's what they loved doing. They were are still are pure.

[@cathalcurtis4250]

Sitting here in Ealing London. Found this doc. Avid listening to these ole boys starting off one the greatest bands in history. Truly inauspicious start to their career. Hard graft and look at them today. To everyone involved from the earliest days in Sydney. From Bon and Malcolm to the new album and Phil back behind the drums...Some things in life are meant to connect us to glue of mankind. AC DC is one of those things. Peace and love to you all 🤘

[@hillbillyslim]

During my rebellious youth in the 80's, I had the privilege and honor to see AC/DC perform twice in my hometown of East Tennessee USA. They rocked Freedom Hall so hard that the paint was peeling off the ceilings. Incredible Band!

[@oni_goroshi]

Rumor is they put cracks in the foundation of the Vets Memorial here in Columbus, Ohio. That's some serious power!

[@markstrickland438]

Freedom Hall is such a cool venue and Johnson City is an even cooler little city!

[@markstrickland438]

Miss Anthrope I lived full time off of Browns Mill near the mall for a bit in late 2013 through 2015. I was born and raised on the NC side of the mountain, but have lived on and off in JC for many years. Headed back over on Sunday \m/

[@Yoda_Lover12]

I got t see the last show in Knoxville with Bon. Also the last show with Randy Rhodes from Ozzy's band at the same place. I bet those two are rocking heaven down every night.

[@markstrickland438]

wtf you are very fortunate to have seen all of those guys in such a nice, small, and intimate venue!

[@theplumber4065]

Wow brings back great memories of an Australia long gone. Having grown up in Burwood and knowing the band was in town, we went and knocked on the Youngs' door to see if they would make an appearance at a dance we were organising (wishful thinking) Angus answered. He politely declined our offer stating contractual issues. He was really cool about it, we chatted for a few minutes, he wished us well and we were on our way. Very approachable and a really nice bloke.

[@gavincritchley404]

I was there when Bon first played at Victoria park - wish I'd owned a camera then. They were backing Stevie Wright but pretty much blew them away. Angus came out on his own and just started that high voltage riff - the audience were immediately into it and when the others came on and kicked in everyone just went berserk. People were climbing the lamp poles just to get a better look - never forget it.

[@markonyrhinen8175]

Amazing!

[@bol2320]

I was there Roadie with AC/DC

[@markonyrhinen8175]

@@bol2320 Awesome!!

[@MsMozzy.]

Used to swim and ice skate at that park. Spent time in the remand centre up the road a bit lol My uncle ran drum city across the street 👍

[@yowodup6094]

so you are saying AC/DC blew their mentors away... what kinda drugs are you on Stevie Wright, George and Harry were literally playing. They too were amazing performers.

[@fhmconsulting4982]

Great doco and, as someone who wears his tinnitus as a badge of courage from too many pub shows, pretty enlightening to how good OZ pub rock was in the 60s, 70s & 80s. Sad that Sydney has turned its back on its history so much. Perth recently closed down the "Highway to Hell"for 10 hours to celebrate Bon Scott and over 150000 people turned out. Give me that anyday to a soulless apartment full of socially distanced people.

[@gwak4299]

Totally agree with this. I play in an AC/DC tribute band (JP/DC) from Tokyo and we were lucky enough to play at the Highway to Hell event at the Leopold Hotel...it was amazing, to put it mildly! I'm from Sydney originally and lament what has happened to the live music scene there in the last 20 years or so...

[@Swans500]

Intriguing...I recall playing with my band on the roof at Victoria Park along with AC/DC and others...the first time they did that gig...Not long later they invited my rhythm section to a jam in Newtown...thus Rob Balley and Peter Clack left me and joined AC/DC...!!!!

[@kinetic74]

Where is Peter Clack these days? Is he still alive? He wasn't in the interview...

[@timburnham1214]

@@kinetic74 My friend played bass in a wedding band with him.

[@georgephillipscomedian]

@@kinetic74 he's now a music teacher, was in a band called Raw Sylke in 2011

[@kinetic74]

@@georgephillipscomedian Thanks, mate!

[@normturner4849]

I believe you played with Stevie Wright in 1987-88 with Eddie Boekelman, Paul DeMarco, Mark Mitchell, Linda Barnes, Lindsay Hammond, Dey Chambers & Glenn Goldsmith. The line up that is on the Live at the Bridgeway Htl video that can be found on KZbin. Quite a band! I was the young lighting operator with Rob’s PA who ended the tour breaking his thumb on a load in a Paradise Nights club in Mackay. Rejoined the band 3 months later & ended up taking off to Perth with Eddie’s younger sister (although 15 years older than me!) to live there for 11 years. Back in Sydney & still in lighting after 30+ years. You played wicked lead guitar 🎸 m’man👌🏽 Still got a few pics of you & the band. Cheers ya legend😁

[@TheFtocFactor]

One of the best documentaries I've seen about AC/DC in terms of their early days. So glad to finally see, "Can I Sit Next to You Girl?" in a documentary about AC/DC, too. I remember dancing to this at parties when I was about 10. I'm always listening out for this one, and I think it is the first time I've heard it (in a documentary). Usually it's Long Way to the Top (shop, if you want a sausage roll), or their countdown performance of Baby Please Don't Go. So, happy to see 'Sit Next to You?' surface. (and I'm not even an Acca Dacca fan, just appreciate they're fantastic at what they do.)

[@NJDEVILz86]

Great Song and a link that works!

[@ErikJensenDetroit]

Man, that Italian/Australian accent is warping my mind!

[@reallynotyourbusiness1659]

Haha heard worse

[@xwhite2020]

Up there with the dumbest of youtube comments of all time. Moron.

[@ErikJensenDetroit]

@@xwhite2020 You've clearly led an exceptionally sheltered life, then.

[@ronanrogers4127]

It’s a very common accent down under...you might want to practice listening to Greek Australian accents too, they’re great.

[@simongreen2503]

@Anthony Tsatsis I love it, my Nonna had the best Italian/Aussie accent ever

[@antonleimbach648]

I saw them in Montreal in 1986. It was the best concert I ever saw and will never forget the pure energy inside the Montreal Forem that night.

[@GlennSmith1]

Remember seeing them at the Bondi Lifesaver.. angus running along the bar.. wild nights

[@markkoval4251]

G'day Glenn, was that gig in 1979? Supported by Stockade? I was a roadie for Stockade, never forget it! Thier stage manager was Swanpy, ex--Sherbet.

[@tweakintrax6097]

Disgraceful that Sydney would not recognize the greatest heavy rock band ever in history from Australia

[@quantumjourney1]

In Scotland it's the opposite, we try to recognize them as ours, even if they themselves don't lol

[@yowodup6094]

Lord Rupert Mark Evans the bass player and Phil Rudd are Australian, they formed in Sydney in 1973 as said, it’s wrong to call them a Scottish band because that’s not true! Besides apart from the aboriginal people everyone else is European here in Australia. So technically they are Australia citizens so therefore they are Australian.

[@yowodup6094]

Lord Rupert never said they did I said Mark Evans and Phil Rudd. Just cuz 3 members are Scottish doesn’t mean the band itself is Scottish! They made their trade in the pubs Australia, you can’t justify anything buddy.

[@yowodup6094]

Lord Rupert dude they are an Australian band let it go, people like you are so stubborn. Yes Angus mal and Bon are Scottish but you have to accept the fact that they were built out of the Australian pub scene.

[@jaxr2958]

Of course we recognise them. They are part of our DNA. Where they grew up just isn't really a tourist type area big on monuments.

[@rocknrollrecovery7402]

I wish this documentary was longer!!! This was so damn insightful! And not just the same old regurgitated stuff. It actually shows a completely lost side of the band that is now, thanks to this documentary, with us to absorb, share and enjoy. Great soundtrack too. Nice Work!

[@MrEss-ld3sw]

I love how that early version of “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl” sounds bubble gum and sweet. Bon Scott makes it sound creepy and inappropriate 🤣

[@phillight352]

Mr. Ess that was Bon as he said Dirty big balls

[@brianzaun]

that's why i love him

[@philipholmes5884]

The video is creepy with Dave Evans in it ...😂

[@johnno7052]

They came and played at our school around 1975.They arrived in an old bus and played 3 songs during our lunch break.This was in Leichhardt and an experience that will live with me forever.

[@allstar930]

This is so accurate. In both 1995 and 1997, the US Navy took me to Sydney for a few weeks and I had a blast. I was stoked on all the EDM I heard on the radio and the people were all awesome and friendly. I spent most of my time bar and club hopping, as you do, and often ended up BSing with locals around my age at the time (19-21). I had so many conversations where I tried completely in vain to explain how important both AC/DC and INXS were to Americans. Nobody cared at all. There was, like, no pride or claim of either band. I was mystified.

[@creativegirl9710]

I saw what you did there, lol. I love both bands too.

[@helloitsmehb]

AC/DC we’re at their low points at that point. Only the hardcore like yourself cared

[@brianallison1913]

The only thing I could consider holding against the brothers was how they all but totally deleted these guys from their history. People still refer to Bon as the original singer. Much respect for this being made and giving these guys their due credit in the start of and what led to the culmination of what I consider the greatest rock and roll band the world has ever produced.

[@gideonharris1493]

Why hold it against them? They didn't delete these people. Why would they bang on in interviews about what happened before they were really known? They have briefly spoken about why they dismissed Dave Evans - he wasn't a good fit and they didn't like that he let them down. The end. In fact Dave is the only one who seems to have a chip on his shoulder. Yes there were a few drummers and bassists but as far as Tony went, he was a session drummer and he turned them down twice. There was no hard feelings. As for Mark Evans there were no bad feelings either. Here's a part of an interview when he spoke about it... "I had a bit of a run-in with Angus. I think I got up in his nose about something maybe, but maybe if I had been a bit more mature and maybe not drank so much, I would be able to handle the situation better.” “So that’s what it was. I think it went deeper than that. And they said, ‘Well, you don’t sing.’ "...but I look back and I’ve just nothing to put but good memories. A lot of love and respect for the band.” So who knows? A CEO of the record company said Mark and Angus had musical differences. It would seriously be hard to piss off Angus though. Mark doesn't seem to be telling all of it. Anyway he's fine. He went on to have great success as part of many bands as a session player and a full time member of Rose Tattoo. So he never whinged. Why do the boys have to talk about members that were fired, or only briefly there in a band when they were barely known then? Mark is the only one who should have a gripe because he was there for 2 years when THEY WERE becoming global and was on their albums and music clips. But he doesn't.

[@northernwatch534]

One of the best mini-docs on AC/DC that I've ever seen. Lifelong fan and didn't know a lot of this stuff. Very well done. Thanks AC/DC and thanks to the makers of this film.

[@eguzkilore1970]

The greatest band in history. Thanks for the report! AC/DC forever!

[@markonyrhinen8175]

Beatles are amazing. But I prefer AC/DC! Seen them 16 times live. Unfortunately too young to see Beatles live

[@parisd0g729]

What a beautiful doco.

[@eleanorrice8058]

For

[@theaussieburwoodboy9943]

as a burwooder myself....i feel an amazing sense of honour growing up just 3 minutes away from from the young family......and its still the same now.....burwood is proud of AC DC

[@KickassUncle]

Sydney is the city I was born in, raised and shaped, but I left after she coldly abandoned me. I miss her dearly, but I know she's different now and will not take me back.

[@Voxtender]

Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about AC/DC... Wow! Great bit of journalism here!

[@bearblackhawk9362]

You can tell it wasnt done by CNN!

[@zolnsalt]

Whats crazy is they are still playing ACDC songs everywhere still today...So many bands came out of the 60s and 70s that are long forgotten but not ACDC...You can't get through a NFL football game or NHL hockey game without hearing an ACDC song...100 years from now I bet they will still be playing Hells Bells at some sporting event somewhere in the world🙂🙂

[@mickellis8747]

Remember seeing them often at the Hurstville Civic centre and the Rivoli. I also saw them play the Grafton Basket ball stadium. Awesome days,

[@fredbloggs8362]

This is a brilliant short film. Best thing I’ve ever seen on the early band. Just wish it was longer.

[@Ricko62]

Living in Sydney off Broadway in Glebe when from our back yard we heard a band "rippin it up" so my gf and I headed over to Victoria Park to check them out ..... first time we ever saw AC DC with Dave Evans out front. Not too long after that in the Cross, we walked into a bar and there they are again, but with a new lead singer, this one covered in tatts .... the rest is history. Thanks for the great doco, bought back some awesome memories.

[@kjellesperas5132]

Respect mate👊👊. Salute from Norway

[@triplesevensix291]

Great stuff Ricko. I could slap the shit out of that dickhead who left Bon in the car that fateful night! All the best from Liverpool U.K. from a non whingeing pom! Lol. Stay safe man. Ride on...

[@toddinthemiddle]

my first dog (a pit bull) was named after the guy "covered in tatts". amazing pup. she is represented in a tattoo on my left arm. she absolutely loved people, same as so many say about Bon. Bon lives on (my pup and the legend).

[@Ricko62]

@@toddinthemiddle A wonderful story Eric ....... respect to you and your dog (arf,arf)!!

[@dianegreen6635]

Wow...you were there in the earliest days...lucky.

[@marianwaltz6103]

Greatest band ever! I love learning more about them. Angus Young is a genius, forever love him !

[@ssmith5048]

Great to see Rob again! Had the pleasure of playing with him years ago in Austin. He is a fabulous musician! And also had some great ACDC stories ; )

[@Hectorheroic]

That was exceptional. Bravo to the maker of this. I wish it was longer, so please make it again.

[@666bigdame]

This was awesome,i grew up in Australia with acdc since i was 10,now 43 still my favourite band,great to see the original members and hear their stories

[@George-ie1si]

I remember being at the clubs at Bondi right in front of the stage banging my head around. We new AC/DC was great then.

[@caroltrendall63]

I was there at the gig on the roof of the change rooms at Victoria Park Pool! I've never forgotten it. It was a stinking hot day but it was so much fun!

[@raggeragnar]

This was brilliant ! One of my favourite bands.

[@joconnor9256]

They played here in Dubbo when they first started , best $2 ever spent

[@colinl9018]

Probably $250 + nowadays

[@WhiskeyShred]

They came through Mildura too in 78.. back when it was pretty easy to say gday and have some beers with the band!

[@phaser1659]

@@WhiskeyShred AC DC were long gone from Australia by 1978. Their last Australian gigs were early 1977.

[@chriscampbell9191]

And you had your own good rock band during that decade, the Reels. They rocked.

[@WhiskeyShred]

Shane Cox sorry yeh it must have been earlier..just remember my uncle telling me how they all got on the piss pretty hard except for Angus who never put his guitar down 🤟

[@wezacker6482]

Nice! I was happy to see and hear from some of the old members like Rob Bailey and Tony Currenti for the first time, and it's always GREAT to hear from Mark Evans! I was not familiar with Noel Taylor, so I learned something new about the band as well! Thanks for posting!

[@bobinmaine1]

There are only a handful of albums in a lifetime where the second you hear the first tune you know music is about to change. I will always remember hearing "High Voltage" the first time and rushing out to buy the album. This was a great rockumentary thank you for doing it.

[@zoranpavlovic9540]

Amazing how Tony still talks with noticeable Italian accent. My late uncle also talked Australian English with Serbian accent whole his life - ''Why every die (day), darn?'' or 'nooo, IC/DC are from Sidney''. Extraordinary documentary!!!! ♥️

[@alfredsenteno327]

I enjoy watching someone appreciate Ian and the boys as much as you do. You pickup on everthing, yes, Jethro Tull was in top form. It's fun to watch a young person (no offense) appreciate true talent, and you're right the live recording is incredible.

[@Tazer691]

It's a tragedy whats happened to the live music scene in Sydney......it basically died the day the NSW government decided to allow Poker machines in pubs. Suddenly it became 100 times more profitable for publicans to install 20 or 30 machines than deal with the hassle of booking bands for entertainment. I consider myself lucky to have grown up in the 70's and 80's in Sydney when every single pub had a band on Friday and Saturday night. Great times.

[@Colin56ish]

I remember Disco coming in and killing off a lot of live venues in West Aussie. We didn't have Pokies so it wasn't them which did the damage. Disco died eventually or morphed into Clubbing and House. It's all gone to crap today.

[@PedroVonWorzelburger]

That's what happened in Adelaide, it changed the whole vibe of the city. I was a punk and metal promoter and had literally every pub in the cbd begging for bands. When the pokies came in, It changed everything overnight. Almost destroyed the live music scene in Adelaide.

[@andchat6241]

Didnt pubs there have have 'fruit machines' ?...or when were 'poker machines ' allowed? .

[@Tazer691]

@@andchat6241 No...there were no pokies in Sydney pubs until the early 90's (or late 80's). If you wanted to play them you had to go to a licensed club or RSL which was fine. Worst decision the NSW govt ever made....killed the live music scene stone dead.

[@theselector4733]

@@Tazer691 I don't know exactly when they were introduced but I recall going to see bands at different venues & seeing people playing pokies in the corner or against a wall somewhere. As kids we were only interested in the music so didn't pay much attention to them. I think the downfall of live music occurred for a number of reasons not just pokies. The cost of putting on a live show with 2 or 3 bands is pretty high, much easier & cheaper to hire a DJ. Also, these days a lot of people prefer other types of entertainment.

[@celticsarebest]

This is a great documentary.I would like to see a continuation to this video with more on Bon and how Brian joined the group.

[@mikespearwood3914]

Phil Rudd?

[@Jonnyrockin71]

You could be sitting next to one of these old fellas in a pub in Sydney... and be oblivious to the greatness.

[@michaelparker3957]

I think Tony is a very humble man,growing up listening to ACDC and now watched this I now know bout Tony and when i listen to ACDC that its great to know he was part of the bands movement,good on you Tony.

[@PHILPOP2]

What a legend hey?

[@paulread4886]

OMG ! Watched this and realised , the first time i saw the band was Victoria Park Broadway, , was first time Angus wore the school uniform , and was Bon's first gig. Amazing !

[@markevans9816]

That was Dave Evans singing.

[@Rosszac]

@@markevans9816 Mark did you play the gig at Castle Hill showground inside the Harvey Lowe pavillion building, that building is still standing today, when i was in high school 1981 to 84 they had blue discos in that building

[@gregakinson2800]

Although I seen ACDC at least 3 times live with Brian Johnson (and they ALWAYS kicked ass) the Bon Scott years were my favorite and I just could not get enough of that unique head banging style! I was born in 1963 so I was pretty much in time at my age for such a super group and they were such a huge part of my youth and long past that.

[@AnderzTerkelsen]

WOW...now that's history ♥

[@billball9043]

Much respect you you fine gentlemen. AC/DC is a band I discovered in 1984. I listen to them today, 2020. Love the early years the best. RIP Bon Scott. RIP Malcolm Young. A great band who always put 1000% into every show. Thank you again, for this fine documentary.

[@mungokitty68]

Wow. Well done. That was great; solid research and a story told well. Thank you.

[@dianegreen6635]

Thank you founding fathers of rock ! Much love and respect. Seen my boys in Detroit in the 80's...BEST SHOW EVER!!

[@BrianGengaBSide313]

Joe Louis Arena?

[@bigali1963]

Love Tony’s tee shirt Bonfest Kirriemuir, Scotland Rock n Roll Baby 🤘🏴‍☠️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦠🥊🍺🍺

[@darylclifford]

My son and a few schoolmates started a Sydney band in 2012 called 5 Seconds of Summer (or 5SOS) who’ve gone on to sellout Madison Square Gardens, Wembley Arena (like AC/DC, INXS). After seeing this I wonder what were the odds of that happening? Luckily social media had just started and helped propel them. I saw AC/DC play in 1975 at Leichhardt Police Boys Club for a $2 admission fee! Things were so different back then. Now, the Aussie music scene is such a closed elitist circle, and either you’re in or not! There’s a lot of good Aussie talent today but getting a break is the hardest part !! Bravo to all the successful ones 🙏🇦🇺👍

[@reallynotyourbusiness1659]

Well done to the boys/young men..... Multi tasking on social media isn't the same as earning your stripes in the pubs.....sad day when the poker machines took over.

[@BlueGoat682]

I had no idea AC/DC has gone through as many bass players and drummers as they have. Regardless, they have never failed to deliver. My very exposure the band was when I heard "Its a Long Way to the Top if ya Wanna Rock & Roll" that was given to me on an old beat up cassette recording. I was instantly hooked. and as they say "The rest is history"... R.I.P Bon Scott.

[@thedude3423]

Fascinating Documentary! Very well done and interesting. Thanks for making it.👍⚡😁

[@xerxes1972]

Thank you Tom for that short doc. Those were the two records that made me want to play the guitar "Let there be rock" and "Dynasty" by KISS.

[@bondoqbn7318]

This is a really great short documentary about the band and its founding members.

[@mssm9495]

Brilliant short documentary! Great to hear from some of the people involved in those early days. Great vibe, too. Amazing combination of old historic photos vs now. Any plans to do a full-length documentary? This is a great story of how to turn dreams into reality through sheer hard work.

[@Gioia67]

Great doco. I have respect for ALL members past and present. Fabulous band

[@h.i.5333]

This is pure gold!✌️

[@henryhillebrecht9589]

This is a outstanding documentary 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Purpleskyshorizon]

Thank you Dave Evans for getting the sewing machine story about the origin of their name CORRECT!! I saw an interview with Malcolm in the 1980s (1985, I think) saying it was his sister-in-law. Ever since then the story goes that it was there sister Margaret for some reason (probably because she is their sister after all) which is not true. Cheers!

[@stuartgray2440]

I used to live 5 minutes walk from the Kirk Church and played there in the 80s,I had no idea it was in that video, I also recorded at Alberts studio which was a big thrill.

[@mattlygoe2446]

Tremendous little documentary. Thank you.

[@globalnova]

tremendous! a word that needs a serious comeback.

[@wlsnpndrvs8593]

I sang for a bon Scott tribute band last year... I tell you folks, it's harder than it looks. I feel Mr Scott channel through me. He lives within all hearts that love him. Rest in rock and roll heavenly peace.

[@massapower]

WOW !!! Never knew AC/DC had a Piasano on Drums.. EXCELLENT 😁🤘

[@johnharvey5381]

Sad at the end, but really informative. I never knew about some of the earlier musicians. Thanks for making this video.

[@freshpootube]

I lived in Burwood for years. Didn't know it was where they were from. Loved 'em since I was 7 years old.

[@4tinfaces]

Totally one of the best A/C D/C history videos I’ve come across. Talent hard work luck and good decisions. And that bit of special whatever it is...Thank you for some really great music. RIP Bon Scott and Malcom

[@bluestarinn]

Wow , some great Australian rock history thanks . Wish there was more that was so interesting!

[@UserUli]

Wow, best AC/DC documental in years. No punks who dont kn(e)ow the band personally, no punks that hate the band, no blabla, just real places and real (ex though/but nevermind) AC/DC members. Thank you very much for that cool video. Makes me feel the "vibes" of early AC/DC days.

[@wreckt2751]

Just a little while back I saw Angus and his wife walk into woollies in southern Sydney, no entourage, no security then when we were driving out they jumped into a Toyota, very humble couple.

[@reallynotyourbusiness1659]

Not the "shire" mate?

[@robbieh1899]

Highlight of my life was when I was living in East Balmain (I wont name the street) and "Cockroach mansion" was renovated...some new people moved in. One night me & my best mate are playing pool. So, these 2 x guys walk in & 1 puts a 20c coin down but then says "hey, you wanna play doubles?" I say "Yep, no worries mate...I know you 2 from somewhere?" One says with his hand out stretched for a handshake "Me name is Mal and dis is me bruvva Angus, we play in a band called ACDC you may have heard of" with a shit eating grin... He drank maybe 4 x pots of tea and the rest of us had a few JD & Cokes and sang arm in arm going home "Its a long way to the shop if you wanna sausage roll" to howls of laughter from our impromptu karioki.

[@gbsailing9436]

Haven't we ALL sung that at some point in our lives?!?!?!?!?!!?

[@robleonard644]

Yeah I too am from East Balmain and have great memories of drinking at the Commercial Hotel with Malcom. And wow Cockroach Towers, your taking me back to my childhood there. Was a freaky place before it was renovated back to a mansion.

[@robbieh1899]

@@robleonard644 I wonder if we knew each other back then? I lived on Nicholson St, then moved into the big tower across. How that got built? Yep, AWESOME days at the Comical... The Cockroach Towers or Mansion was on Pearson St, built for Capt Pearson I think? My memory aint as good as it once was...

[@sav7568]

Malcolm owned the biggest and best house in East Balmain. It is still there and probably worth every bit of $10 million or so. You can see bits of it from the street.

[@Colin56ish]

Priceless memories Robbie, thanks for sharing. Ya could have been a legend!

[@steved9933]

Dad still tells me stories of Angus working at the paper and usually found asleep in weird places after late nights recording. He used to think he was a dirty no hoper.... lol

[@atmistaken9289]

What does it means dirty no hoper?

[@lepanhman]

Greatest Aussie band .That is undeniable 🇦🇺😎

[@user-dv9zg2yy8n]

Great to see the start of AC DC and for the story of the Youngs from Hawick Scotland

[@markgeorge5536]

Yes, memories. I remember watching AC/DC play at the Hard Rock Cafe in Melbourne, in the 70s. I was a muso myself [vocalist/bassist] in a band that was invited to Sydney by Harry Vander and George Young. Yep, we got to play a Checkers of course, Harry & George came to check us out live, then did some sessions at Alberts. Got to jam with Harry which was great. A lot of great people came from that time. The sound engineer on our sessions was . . . . . Mark Opitz who has a very impressive resume as a producer. Met Dave Evans at the time as well. Yes . . . . great memories.

[@martinmargerrison2300]

Thanks to everyone that made this small film possible. Really enjoyed it. I had the privilege of spending an afternoon in Nottingham with Malcolm. No fuss, no mess. Keep on Rockin' 🎸👍🍻

[@martinmargerrison2300]

@Ed Kelly Bingo. It's also the name of a Steve Miller band album.

[@SteveOz-zs8tz]

I remember having to grab our jug of ouzo and coke off the table before Angus jumped onto our table at the Matthew Flinders hotel in Melbourne.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

I like that Tony Currenti - he's part of their history and he can be proud of.

[@randylawson3619]

Thanks so much for posting this!

[@jimmyjennings4089]

One profound picture is Angus standing there with a guitar watching them put his brothers casket into the back of a Hurst, you know the tears were flowing.

[@clairwilliams5982]

Jimmy Jennings hearse!

[@ajdoman317]

First of all what an amazing video! Secondly, I'd love to go to Australia one day and make a mini-AC/DC pilgrimage and see some of the places shown here as well as others. AC/DC will always be my favorite band.

[@Colin56ish]

Git yourself along to an Acca Dacca gig in the meantime.

[@Rosszac]

I walked up King st last week past were the studio used to be its a carpark now,

[@77darkghost77]

Wow.....I didn't know there was a tiny little bit of Italy in AC DC....great :-)

[@lupcokotevski2907]

Fascinating doco. Learnt heaps.

[@Kensing]

KZbin only have real sense to me when you can found UNIQUE and PRICELESS videos like this astounding gem

[@robertbaumann7365]

Thank you! You and your sound brougth sence to my life! You gave the power to me, to live my life. (a fan from Germany age 55)

[@firstyearseminarveganisman3664]

Thanks for posting this exceptional piece, which introduces us to key players and locations in ACDC's history.

[@neonpark483]

R.I.P. Neil Smith rock 'n' roll bass player

[@mooshyboy900honda4]

Really Great documentary Thanks for posting it R.I.P Malcolm & the BEAST. Your memory & music will always be with us⚡

[@WHANAUPEACE]

That has to be the saddest end to a legend. Malcolm the silent genius. R.I.P man and thank you very much.