Explore the journey of AC/DC’s Angus Young, delving into his early days, iconic performances, and impressive net worth in 2023.

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.

The Rise Of AC/DC

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LONDON - 1st AUGUST: Australian rock band AC/DC posed in a studio in London in August 1979. Left to right: Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Angus Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)

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.

Personal Life & Philanthropy

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Axl Rose and Angus Young of AC/DC. Perform at Etihad Stadium on June 9, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

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.

The Legacy Continues

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DONINGTON, UK - JUNE 11: A view from the stage showing the audience as Angus Young of AC/DC performs on stage at Download Festival on June 11, 2010 in Donington, UK. (Photo by Christie Goodwin/Redferns)

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.

Sharon Osbourne has revealed she is holding early discussions about bringing Ozzfest back in 2027 as a tribute to her late husband Ozzy Osbourne.

The iconic metal festival was last staged as a full standalone event in 2018, followed by a one off New Year’s Eve show in 2019. Sharon now feels interest in a proper return is stronger than ever and says initial talks are already underway with Live Nation. Her vision is for a comeback that is larger in scale, more inclusive in sound and truly international in reach.

Speaking to Billboard, she said: “It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people. We really started metal festivals in this country. It was [replicated but] never done with the spirit of what ours was, because ours was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.”

Sharon has also made it clear she wants the festival to grow with its audience, suggesting the next version of Ozzfest could reflect modern listening habits by opening the door to a wider range of sounds beyond traditional metal.

She later added: “I’d like to mix up the genres.”

Should the plans come together, Ozzfest would once again travel internationally, recalling its late nineties and early two thousands peak when it became both a launching pad for emerging bands and a major platform for established heavy acts.

In an earlier episode of The Osbournes Podcast, Ozzy, who died in July 2025 aged 76, asked whether the festival could ever return. Sharon responded without hesitation: "Yeah, sure. Of course."

Their daughter Kelly then raised the issue of rising booking fees, suggesting that managers need to be more realistic when negotiating festival appearances.

Sharon responded: "Why is it when it comes to us that everybody thinks that we are trillionaires, and so that every manager who wants their band on our festival wants one of the trillions they think we’ve got to put on the festival?”

Ozzfest was originally founded by Ozzy and Sharon in 1996, at a time when she was also managing the Black Sabbath frontman, and began life as a two day event.

A year later, the festival expanded into a touring format, although by the time it returned in 2018 it had been scaled back to a single night at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

That final edition featured Ozzy at the top of the bill alongside artists such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Korn’s Jonathan Davis.

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