AC/DC Photography

Scottish-born siblings Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC in Australia in 1973, and the land down under has yet to rock harder. Besides ruling the rest of the ’70s on the radio and on the road thanks to raucous romps like “T.N.T.,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” and “Let There Be Rock,” the band became a top touring attraction capable of selling out stadiums within seconds.

At the peak of their Highway To Hell in 1980, ferocious frontman Bon Scott succumbed to his demons—albeit under somewhat suspicious circumstances—crushing the masses and leaving the band’s future bleak. But with the addition of Geordie belter Brian Johnson on the bittersweet Back In Black, the boys reclaimed their bawdy magic through smoldering singles like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hells Bells.”

After Back In Black became one of the best-selling albums of all time, AC/DC’s voltage proved unstoppable for decades, culminating with 2003’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and 2008’s blow-up doll-adorned Black Ice album and touring extravaganza.