Angus Young Reveals Only Musician He Can Work With Outside AC/DC

Some musicians thrive on collaboration, constantly exploring side projects and partnerships outside their main bands. Others, however, choose to remain loyal to their roots, focusing solely on the group that defined their careers. Angus Young has long fallen into the latter category.

Known for his unwavering dedication to AC/DC, Young has rarely entertained the idea of working with musicians beyond his iconic band. His devotion to their signature sound and dynamic has been a hallmark of his career, setting him apart from those who frequently step outside their comfort zones.

Yet, even Angus Young has a surprising exception. In a candid 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, the legendary guitarist revealed that he would love to work with one artist: Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. It’s an admission that showcases both his admiration for Richards and a rare openness to collaboration.

The Stones and AC/DC Share The Stage

The 2003 Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert brought together two legendary rock bands: The Rolling Stones and AC/DC. This momentous event, held before an audience of 500,000, became the largest concert in North American history.

AC/DC, known for their electrifying live shows, introduced The Rolling Stones during their Licks Tour. That year, the Stones performed across the globe in cities like Sydney, Leipzig, and Oberhausen, but this particular show in Toronto was unforgettable.

During the concert, AC/DC joined the Stones to perform the classic hit “Rock Me Baby.” Their incredible chemistry on stage created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for rock fans everywhere.

Unexpected Concerns About Meeting Keith Richards

After the unforgettable performances, the Young brothers had a chance to speak with The Rolling Stones in an interview. Malcolm revealed that their management had arranged a meeting with Keith Richards, following his request to meet Angus Young.

Angus, however, had some serious reservations about the encounter. Despite his bold stage persona, it wasn’t Richards himself that made Angus hesitate. The guitarist admitted that he was more concerned about the prying eyes of passersby and the inevitable cameras that would capture the moment.

It’s a surprising admission from Angus, known for his sharp wit and candid nature. In this case, it seems his apprehension was rooted in the public’s relentless gaze rather than anything personal about meeting the Stones’ iconic guitarist.

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Angus’ Changing View on Collaborating with Keith

In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Angus Young was asked about the musicians he’d most like to work with. Laughing, he remarked that many of his musical idols would require resurrection, before mentioning Keith Richards as one guitarist he’d gladly collaborate with.

Angus described Richards as a “rhythm guy,” drawing a comparison to his late brother Malcolm, who was known for his rhythm guitar playing in AC/DC. The idea of working with Richards seemed appealing to him, suggesting a mutual respect between the two rock legends.

However, just a year after this interview, Angus shifted his perspective. He claimed Malcolm was the superior guitarist and criticized Richards’ tone, citing the lack of a second guitarist in The Rolling Stones. This change of heart signaled a more complex view of collaboration, as Angus found himself reconsidering his stance on working with the iconic Stones guitarist.

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