Hard Rock Legends AC/DC Honored On British Postage Stamps

Although primarily linked to Australia where they formed in 1973, legendary rock band AC/DC — led by guitar hero Angus Young — are being celebrated by Britain’s postal agency.

As part of its continuing series spotlighting musical acts, Royal Mail announced on Thursday that 12 new stamps — set to go on sale on Feb. 18 at British post offices — will commemorate the hard rock band to coincide with the 50th anniversary of their debut album High Voltage.

Eight of the stamps depict AC/DC onstage over the decades—from the band’s performance in London in 1976 to their appearance in India in 2023.

A miniature sheet of four stamps feature the covers of some of the band’s popular albums: 1975’s High Voltage, 1979’s Highway to Hell, 1980’s Back in Black and 2020’s Power Up.

“AC/DC is one of the most successful rock bands in the world,” said David Gold, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, said in a press release. “Over the past half century, they have recorded some of the best-known rock anthems and have given us Back in Black – the biggest-selling rock album of all time. These stamps capture a sample of their electrifying live performances, along with some of their most iconic album covers, and celebrate their significant contribution to the world of rock music.”

AC/DC was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Angus Young (lead guitar) and the late Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), both from Glasgow, Scotland. Joined a year later by singer Bon Scott — also from Scotland – AC/DC released their first album High Voltage followed by Dirty Deeds Done Cheap, Let There Be Rock and Powerage. Their 1979 album, Highway to Hell, became their commercial breakthrough in the U.S. and featured the memorable title song.

After the tragic death of Scott in February 1980, AC/DC released Back in Black later that same year featuring new singer Brian Johnson. Containing the unforgettable title song and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” Back in Black remains AC/DC’s most commericially successful album and has since sold 27 million copies in the U.S.

The band’s popularity remains unabated to this day with such subsequent releases as For Those About to Rock (We Salute You), The Razors Edge, Stiff Upper Lip, Black Ice and most recently Power Up. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, AC/DC – whose current touring lineup consists of Angus Young, Brian Johnson, rhythmic guitarist Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney — will play dates in the U.S. and Europe this year.

AC/DC now joins other bands who have previously appeared on British stamps, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Queen, Iron Maiden and Pink Floyd.

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