Angus Young: The Rock Legend Who Rocks In A Schoolboy Uniform

How Much is Angus Young Worth? Let’s Dive into the Numbers

Here’s the scoop: Angus Young, the Scottish-born Australian rock legend, has built an impressive fortune over his decades-long career. With a staggering net worth of $160 million, Young’s legacy as the co-founder of AC/DC is unmatched. Known for his electrifying performances, iconic schoolboy uniform, and the legendary "duck walk," Angus has helped AC/DC sell over 200 million records worldwide. That makes the band the 14th best-selling artist globally. Songs like "Highway to Hell," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and "Back in Black" have become timeless classics, forever etched in the history of rock music.

AC/DC’s 1980 album, "Back in Black," has sold a jaw-dropping 50 million copies, making it the second-highest-selling album of all time. Not to mention, Angus was ranked #24 on Rolling Stone’s list of "100 Greatest Guitarists." In 2003, he and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Talk about leaving a mark on the world of rock!

The Early Days: From Glasgow to Sydney

Angus Young was born Angus McKinnon Young on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland. His mom, Margaret, was a housewife, and his dad, William, served as a flight engine mechanic in the Royal Air Force during World War II. As the youngest of eight siblings, Angus grew up in a musical household. In 1963, after a particularly harsh winter known as the "big freeze," the family moved to Sydney, Australia, where Angus attended Ashfield Boys High School.

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But here's the kicker—Angus wasn’t a fan of traditional schooling. At just 15, he dropped out to pursue his true passion: music. His journey started with a banjo, which he cleverly restrung into a six-string instrument. Later, his mom bought him a secondhand acoustic guitar, sparking his lifelong love for the instrument. In the early 1970s, Angus purchased his first Gibson SG, a guitar that would become his signature sound. Gibson even honored his loyalty by releasing the Angus Young SG in 2000, a guitar that’s become a dream for any rock enthusiast.

The Rise of AC/DC: Angus Young’s Rock Revolution

Angus’s music career didn’t start with AC/DC. He first cut his teeth in the Marcus Hook Roll Band, where he played alongside his brothers Malcolm and George. The band released "Tales of Old Grand Daddy" in 1973, but Angus wasn’t done yet. He also played in Kantuckee (later renamed Tantrum) before forming AC/DC with Malcolm in 1973. In this iconic lineup, Angus took on lead guitar duties while Malcolm handled rhythm guitar.

Now, let’s talk about that famous schoolboy uniform. Angus considered some wild ideas for his stage costumes, like Zorro and Spider-Man, but it was his sister Margaret who suggested the schoolboy look. She even sewed his first outfit, though Angus eventually switched to his old uniform from Ashfield Boys High School when the original fell apart.

In 1974, Bon Scott joined the band as the lead singer, and AC/DC re-recorded their first single, "Can I Sit Next To You Girl." Their debut album, "High Voltage," hit the charts in Australia in 1975, followed by "T.N.T.," which became a massive hit. The band’s international breakthrough came with the release of "High Voltage" in 1976, which went gold or platinum in several countries. But it was "Back in Black" in 1980 that truly cemented their legacy, becoming one of the best-selling albums ever. Only Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" has sold more copies.

Despite some lineup changes over the years, including the tragic loss of Bon Scott in 1980, AC/DC has continued to dominate the rock scene. Even after Malcolm’s departure in 2014 due to health issues, the band kept the flame alive with Angus at the helm. In 2016, when both Brian Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd left the band, Angus recruited Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses to finish the "Rock or Bust" tour. Talk about resilience!

Behind the Scenes: Angus Young’s Personal Life

Off the stage, Angus is as unique as he is on it. In 1979, he married Ellen Van Lochem, and they’ve been together ever since. Interestingly, Angus is a teetotaler, meaning he doesn’t drink alcohol. Instead, he’s often seen sipping on chocolate milk or coffee during long nights of rock ‘n’ roll. That’s right—while his bandmates were enjoying a drink or two, Angus was all about the cocoa!

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Angus’s charitable side shines through as well. In 2019, he donated a generous $19,260 to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario in honor of his brother Malcolm, who passed away from dementia in 2017. Beyond music, Angus is also a huge fan of Rangers FC, a Scottish football club. It’s clear that his passions extend far beyond the world of rock.

The Rock Star’s Recognition: Awards and Honors

Angus Young’s contributions to music haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2006, he was awarded the Legend Award by Kerrang! magazine, and in 2012, he was voted "Best Australian Guitarist of All Time" by Australian Guitar Magazine. With AC/DC, he’s won countless awards, including an APRA Award for Songwriters of the Year in 2010, a Grammy, and induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the ARIA Hall of Fame.

These accolades are just the tip of the iceberg. Angus and his band have also been honored with Metal Storm Awards, UK Music Video Awards, Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, and more. It’s safe to say that Angus Young’s impact on the music industry is nothing short of legendary.

Where Does Angus Call Home?

Angus and Ellen designed a stunning 3-story mansion in Ellen’s hometown of Aalten, a small Dutch town. This multi-million-dollar property features a recording studio, guest rooms, and a sprawling backyard, making it the perfect retreat for the rock star. In addition to this Dutch hideaway, Angus and Ellen also own a home in Sydney’s Kangaroo Point area, keeping them close to their Australian roots.