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People are only just realizing what the meaning is behind rock band AC/DC’s name

Home> Music> Nostalgia

Published 20:51 3 Feb 2025 GMT

People are only just realizing what the meaning is behind rock band AC/DC’s name

AC/DC are touring later this year

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

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Featured Image Credit: Fin Costello/Redferns via Getty

Topics: Music, News, Reddit

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

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Music fans are only just realizing what the meaning is behind rock band AC/DC’s name despite them being formed over 50 years ago.

The rock band are making a highly anticipated return with a European tour in 2025 - but do concert-goers know the meaning behind their iconic name?

With the likes of 'Highway to Hell' and 'Thunderstruck', there's no doubt AC/DC's songs are instantly recognisable, but the same can't be said for the band's name.

The topic surrounding that has became a much-talked about one on Reddit after a Redditor asked: "What does AC/DC actually stand for?"

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People are only just realizing what the name means (Facebook/AC/DC)
People are only just realizing what the name means (Facebook/AC/DC)

It was user @psychological_Ad8534 who addressed the confusion, revealing that it means ‘anti-christ/devil’s child’, with the true meaning behind the iconic band being: Alternating current/direct current.

In an interview with Podpokas, original AC/DC frontman Dave Evans was, of course, asked about the name, 52 years after the band was originally formed.

He said: "And we said, 'Okay, what is it?' And Malcolm [Young] said, 'AC/DC'. And I thought quickly, and I thought it's an easy name to remember, AC/DC. And it was on the side of a lot of electrical appliances. AC/DC means alternate current and direct current."

Evans added: "Alternate current means batteries. Direct current, plug it into the wall. And I had a portable record player, which had AC/DC on the side. So I could go to the park and just do it by batteries, then go back to the house and plug it in. AC/DC."

Members of AC/DC have previously explained the meaning (Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Members of AC/DC have previously explained the meaning (Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

Here's a fun of bit of trivia for you; the band are actually known as ‘Acca Dacca’ in Australia, but we can assure you the name is pronounced one letter at a time.

While AC/DC may be doing tours across Europe later this year, it will be bittersweet for fans after the death of drummer Colin Burgess aged 77.

AC/DC took to its X - formerly known as Twitter - Instagram and Facebook pages to announce Burgess' passing.

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician," the post read.

"Happy memories, rock in peace Colin."

AC/DC is currently made up of Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams on the bass, drummer Phil Rudd and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young - nephew of Angus.

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