The unknown Young sibling who helped create AC/DC: “That always stuck in my mind”
AC/DC’s sister Margaret Young helped shape the band’s sound and visual identity in its early years, though her role is less widely known than that of brothers Malcolm and Angus or producer George Young. Angus has said she introduced him and Malcolm to blues records and live music, including a Louis Armstrong concert, helping expose them to influences that stayed with him.
Margaret also helped inspire the AC/DC logo’s lightning bolt, based on the electrical sign on her sewing machine, and suggested Angus perform in his school uniform. Angus still wears the outfit on stage, describing it as part of feeling complete as a performer. Her contributions helped establish details that became lasting parts of the band’s identity.
- Margaret introduced Angus and Malcolm to blues music.
- Her sewing machine inspired the logo’s lightning bolt.
- She suggested Angus’s enduring school uniform stage look.
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AC/DC is one of the world's most successful rock bands, famous for their powerful guitar-driven music and distinctive visual style. Understanding the influences behind the band's formation helps explain how they developed their unique identity that has lasted for decades.
Margaret Young was the sister of Malcolm and Angus Young, the founding brothers of AC/DC. Though less publicly recognised than her brothers, Margaret played a significant role in shaping the band's early direction by introducing them to musical influences and suggesting creative choices that would become iconic parts of their image.
Margaret exposed Angus and Malcolm to blues records and live performances, including a Louis Armstrong concert, which influenced the musical style they would go on to develop. She also inspired two visual elements that remain central to AC/DC's identity: she suggested Angus perform in his school uniform, which he continues to wear on stage today, and the lightning bolt in the AC/DC logo was inspired by the electrical symbol on her sewing machine.