Angus Young, the iconic lead guitarist of the legendary rock band AC/DC, has made an indelible mark on the world of music. As of 2023, this rock legend's net worth stands at an impressive $160 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth, and what has been the journey of this rockstar from his early days to the present?
Born Angus McKinnon Young on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, Angus was the youngest of eight children. The Young family relocated to Sydney, Australia, in the 1960s, where Angus's musical journey began. Initially learning to play the banjo, he soon transitioned to the guitar, with his first Gibson SG becoming a staple of his performances. This passion for music was a family affair, with several of the Young siblings showcasing their musical talents.
In the early 1970s, Angus and his brothers Malcolm and George played in the Marcus Hook Roll Band. However, it was in 1973 that Angus and Malcolm co-founded AC/DC, a band that would become one of the world's best-selling artists with over 200 million records sold. Their hits like "Highway to Hell," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and "Back in Black" have become anthems for rock enthusiasts globally. Their album Back in Black, released in 1980, alone accounts for 50 million of those sales, making it the second highest-selling album ever.
Angus Young is known not just for his exceptional guitar skills but also his energetic stage performances. His signature schoolboy uniform and the iconic "duck walk" have made him a standout figure in rock. This unique stage presence and his unparalleled guitar skills earned him the 24th spot on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists" list. Moreover, in 2003, Angus and his AC/DC bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy in the annals of rock history.
Away from the limelight, Angus Young has led a relatively private life. He married Ellen Van Lochem in 1979 after a whirlwind romance. A notable aspect of Angus's personality is his teetotaler lifestyle. While his bandmates indulged in alcohol, Angus preferred chocolate milk or coffee. In a touching gesture, he donated $19,260 to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario in 2019. It honored his brother Malcolm, who tragically passed away from dementia in 2017.
While AC/DC faced challenges, including lineup changes and the passing of key members, Angus Young's commitment to music remained unwavering. The band's resilience is evident in their continued success, with albums like The Razors Edge in the 1990s and Black Ice in 2008 achieving multi-platinum status.
Faith No More appear to be hinting at a return to the stage in 2027.
The influential alt-metal band have remained mostly quiet over the past decade following the release of their reunion album ‘Sol Invictus’ in 2015. After its arrival, they played what would become their most recent live performances in 2016 and later called off several touring plans in the years that followed.
Now, however, they seem to be preparing fans for something new. The group recently shared an image of a concert crowd on social media with nothing more than the text “2027” placed across it.
No additional information accompanied the post, but it quickly sparked speculation among fans, many of whom believe a full scale tour announcement could be coming next year.
After wrapping up their 2016 run of shows, the band intended to return to the road in 2020. Those plans were ultimately abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further touring plans surfaced in 2021 as venues began reopening, but those dates were also cancelled before they could begin. Frontman Mike Patton later explained that mental health struggles were behind the decision and revealed he had been diagnosed with agoraphobia during the pandemic.
Until recently, a reunion seemed unlikely. Patton spoke about Faith No More’s lengthy break and said that he did not “see it as a sad thing”.
Speaking on the Kyle Meredith With… podcast and reflecting on whether he felt a “sense of closure” after the 2016 tour, the vocalist said: “I didn’t really think so at the time, but, yeah, maybe. I think that we all kind of felt it, but it was unspoken.”
“It’s funny: when you’ve been in a band or a musical situation for a period of time, you always, in the back of your head, you’re kind of thinking, ‘Well, maybe this is it.’ And I don’t mind that feeling,” he added. “I don’t see it as a sad thing. I see it as being present and being able to really appreciate it while it’s happening.”
Faith No More have never formally announced a breakup following the cancellation of their 2021 tour, although other members have suggested in recent years that the chances of touring again were uncertain.
Last year, guitarist Roddy Bottum discussed the band's future and admitted they were in a “really weird spot”. “I can’t really tell you what’s going on. I don’t know myself. I get different information from people… and I’m in the band,” he said.
Drummer Mike Bordin echoed similar thoughts last spring, saying that he and some of the other members were willing to perform again, but claimed Patton was “unwilling to do shows with us”.
In addition to leading Faith No More since 1989 after replacing original singer Chuck Mosley, Patton has also been involved with projects including Mr Bungle, Fantômas, and Tomahawk.
Tomahawk recently unveiled plans for their first tour in 13 years, with a series of US dates scheduled for this summer. The run begins in Nashville next month and will also see Patton and his bandmates reunite with longtime labelmates Melvins for the first time since 2003.
Patton has also recently launched his tour with Avett Brothers and teamed up with Jehnny Beth on the new single ‘Look At Me’.