Original AC/DC Frontman Dave Evans Shares the Story Behind the Band’s Name

Dave Evans Reflects on AC/DC’s Origins

Dave Evans, the original lead singer of AC/DC, shares the fascinating story behind how the band got its name.

• READ MORE: AC/DC ‘Power Up’ review: Aussie rock icons don’t give up on buzzy 17th album

The Formation of AC/DC

Evans has been part of the lineup since its inception in 1973, alongside brothers Malcolm and Angus Young (rhythm and lead guitarists), drummer Colin Burgess, and bassist Larry Van Kreedt. He collaborated with the group during their initial live performances and recorded their first two singles: “Can I Sit Next To You Girl” and “Baby, Please Don’t Go”.

He departed in October 1974, paving the way for Bon Scott, who would go on to record the band’s first six studio albums before his untimely death in 1980.

In a recent interview, Evans reminisced about the band’s early days and disclosed the origin of their name. During a conversation on Podpokas, he recounted how the members were writing music together as part of a nameless group when Alan Kissax, a key figure in the band’s formation, informed them that they had secured a performance slot for New Year’s Eve at Australia’s Checkers nightclub.

“We had to come up with a name because it was only a few weeks away. So we started exchanging names, but no one could agree,” Evans clarified. “I had some really great names, but they didn’t like them.”

“We decided that by the following rehearsal, everyone would bring three name suggestions, put them in a hat, and draw one. And whatever name it was, that would be our name,” he added.

Evans mentioned that he arrived the next day with three potential names. However, the idea was quickly discarded after a relative suggested the name AC/DC.

“When we all gathered, Malcolm Young mentioned, ‘Look, my sister-in-law suggested the name… AC/DC.’ I believed it was a memorable name, and it appeared on many electrical devices,” Evans told Podpokas.

“AC/DC refers to alternating current and direct current (and) a lot of appliances featured AC/DC. I thought, ‘Free advertising… free advertising on all these devices, and it’s easy to pronounce, and it signifies power.’ All of this raced through my mind, and I agreed.”

He concluded, “Malcolm looked at us and asked, ‘Shall we call ourselves AC/DC?’ We all raised our hands in agreement. It was a unanimous decision. We all shook hands, and thus we became AC/DC… those three names I thought of, I went home and discarded.”

Evans’ Reflections on His Time with AC/DC

This isn’t the first occasion Evans has recounted his experiences with AC/DC in their formative years. He has shared numerous anecdotes in interviews, including highlights from his time with Brazil’s Guarda Tom podcast.

Reflecting on his departure from the group, he remarked, “We were all very young, driven by boundless ambitions. I never thought, ‘Oh, I’ll just be in a band.’ No. Singing has been my lifelong passion. I’ve been passionate about singing for as long as I can remember. My passion didn’t fade because of the band I left.”

He also shared insights from a private discussion with Bon Scott: “We had a private conversation about matters that will remain confidential. So, when I learned about Bon Scott’s fate when he passed away in 1980, I wasn’t surprised. I wasn’t surprised.”

In terms of AC/DC’s future, the band announced their North American “Power Up” tour, commencing late last year. They will perform 13 stadium shows across the U.S. and Canada from April to May. Remaining tickets can be found here..

The band wrapped up their UK and European tour at Dublin’s Croke Park on August 17. The ongoing Power Up Tour supports AC/DC’s 17th and final self-titled studio album, released in 2020.

In their four-star review of the album, NME stated: “While ‘Power Up’ is far from reinventing the wheel, it is a joyful celebration of the unbridled hard rock that has served them well for nearly 50 years, and is, we can hope, a rallying cry for the future.”