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.
The world leader, who has repeatedly faced criticism for featuring songs from artists who do not want their music connected to his political views, shared a viral clip of We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love) that focused on the lyric: “Me and my truth we sit in silence.”
The footage shows Trump at a rally while the statement “Men can’t have babies and should never compete in women’s sports” appears on screen.
The Team Trump TikTok account posted the video with the caption: “This shouldn’t be controversial! #trump #arianagrande #maga.”
Ariana responded in a comment that was later removed, saying: “Never use my music again. Also, your truth is false.”
Trump has a well known record of opposing transgender rights, and the US Supreme Court recently ruled that states can prohibit transgender women from taking part in women’s sports. In a 6 to 3 ruling, the justices determined that such laws do not breach Title IX or the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.
The decision in June came after several other actions by the Trump administration involving transgender policies. Earlier in May, the Supreme Court also permitted the administration to continue with its “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness” order, which would prevent transgender individuals from serving in the US military.
Ariana’s statement arrived soon after Taylor Swift also took steps to stop Trump from using her music on TikTok. Trump had featured a number of her songs in his social media posts, including a video of him and his wife Lady Melania Trump watching fireworks accompanied by August.
The song was later taken off the post and replaced by a notice that read: “This sound isn’t available.”
Trump appeared to deliberately select Taylor’s track, adding the message: “I’m sure @Taylor Swift is going to be super excited we used her song!”
He also responded to the Team Trump video with: “Mood because it’s August and Donald Trump is your president.”
Other Taylor Swift songs that were removed from Trump’s TikTok content included The Fate of Ophelia and Father Figure.
Trump previously made headlines when he wrote “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” on Truth Social after the singer publicly announced that she planned to support Kamala Harris in the previous presidential election.
