Meaning of AC/DC: How Did Band Get Their Band Name?

How did AC/DC come up with the name?

AC/DC made its way to the international music scene after the Scottish band was formed in Australia in 1973. Over the past years, it dropped several chart-topping and hard-hitting albums and songs that pushed it to where it is now.

After decades of career, some fans remain curious about the origin of AC/DC's name.

AC/DC Band Name Explained

AC/DC founding members and brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young came up with the name in a very unusual name: through a sewing machine.

While making the band, the duo spotted the name AC/DC - which means alternating current/direct current - on the AC adapter their sister Margaret was using for her sewing machine.

In Mark Beech's book "The Dictionary of Rock & Pop Names," the author noted that the name on the household appliance eventually made it to the Young brothers' cool band names list. They soon picked the name as they thought it would perfectly represent the electrifying performance energy that they wanted to offer their fans.

True to its name, AC/DC immediately brought it to life and called the first internationally released album, "High Voltage," in 1976. The band continued the name's history in the 2020 album, "Power Up."

On the other hand, Martin Huxley's book "AC/DC: The World's Heaviest Rock" noted that the slang AC/DC - also a term for bisexuality - caused misunderstandings during the band's early career as the public thought the name indeed had sexual relations. The band was even tapped to play at several gay-themed events because of its name.

AC/DC's Music Is Good for Health

Out of all the rock bands in the industry, AC/DC received an honor after Harvard researchers said the band's music can serve as a therapy.

The "AC/DC Beyond the Thunder" podcast revealed that AC/DC's music has the capacity to release people's endorphins and dopamine to trigger happiness and positive well-being. It cited the former Director of the Institute for Music & Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Hospital, Dr. Mark Tramos, as he called the band's music a "chemo drug."

Dr. Tramos said AC/DC's heavy and pulsing music influences physiological parameters, including enhancements in blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle activity.

The same music reportedly has the capacity to reduce one's anxiety and help cancer patients manage their pain.

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