When people think of rock legends, one name that consistently stands out is Angus Young, the iconic lead guitarist of AC/DC. Famous for his schoolboy uniform, electrifying stage presence, and legendary riffs, Angus Young is a musician who redefined hard rock. Yet, one of the most searched curiosities about him is not only his music but his physical stature—Angus Young’s height. Fans often ask, How tall is Angus Young? or Does his height affect his powerful stage persona?
Standing at around 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), Angus Young may be shorter than many other rock stars, but his towering influence in the music world is unmatched. His height, combined with his youthful energy and signature duckwalk (inspired by Chuck Berry), became part of his brand. What Angus lacks in height, he more than makes up for with sheer stage charisma and iconic guitar performances.
This article takes you through the life and career of Angus Young, covering everything from his early life, career achievements, and personal relationships to his net worth, lifestyle, hobbies, and social media impact. By the end, you’ll understand why Angus Young is not only one of the greatest guitarists in history but also a cultural phenomenon.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Angus McKinnon Young |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1955 |
| Age (2025) | 70 years old |
| Birthplace | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | Australian (Scottish-born) |
| Ethnicity | White (Scottish descent) |
| Family | Parents: William Young (father), Margaret Young (mother) Siblings: Malcolm Young (co-founder of AC/DC, late brother), George Young (Easybeats musician, late brother), Stephen, Margaret, Alex, William, and John Young |
| Spouse | Ellen van Lochem (married since 1980) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Career | Legendary guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of AC/DC (formed in 1973) Known for his schoolboy-uniform stage persona and energetic performances Key albums: High Voltage (1975), Highway to Hell (1979), Back in Black (1980), Black Ice (2008), Power Up (2020) Widely regarded as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Weight | ~60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim/Compact |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (graying with age) |
| Distinctive Features | Schoolboy uniform stage outfit, energetic duckwalk (inspired by Chuck Berry) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $160 million USD |
| Sources of Income | Music royalties (AC/DC albums, singles, streaming), world tours, merchandise sales, publishing rights |
| Notable Achievements | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2003, with AC/DC) Ranked among the greatest guitarists by Rolling Stone and Guitar World “Back in Black” is among the best-selling albums of all time (50+ million copies worldwide) |
| Residence | Splits time between Sydney, Australia, and the Netherlands |
| Relationship Status | Married to Ellen van Lochem (Dutch) since 1980 |
Who Is Angus Young?
Angus McKinnon Young, born on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a Scottish-born Australian guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the legendary rock band AC/DC. Widely recognized as one of the most influential guitarists of all time, he became the face of hard rock in the 1970s and beyond.
From a young age, Angus was captivated by the sound of rock and roll. His older brother, Malcolm Young, co-founded AC/DC alongside him, and together, they built one of the most powerful legacies in rock history. Angus quickly stood out for his energetic performances, which included his trademark schoolboy uniform and electrifying solos on his Gibson SG guitar.
Despite his modest height, Angus commands the stage with a larger-than-life presence. Fans often recall his signature duckwalk, inspired by Chuck Berry, which became a visual hallmark of AC/DC concerts. His ability to blend showmanship with raw guitar power helped make AC/DC one of the biggest-selling bands in the world, with over 200 million albums sold globally.
Over the years, Angus Young has been ranked among the greatest guitarists of all time by magazines such as Rolling Stone and Guitar World. His riffs on classics like “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” and “Thunderstruck” remain staples in rock history.
Today, Angus is celebrated not only for his music but also for his dedication to his craft. Unlike many rock stars of his era, he has maintained a relatively private and disciplined lifestyle, avoiding the pitfalls of fame that consumed others. His guitar, schoolboy outfit, and boundless energy have ensured his place as a rock icon who transcends generations.
Early Life and Background
Angus Young’s story begins in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born into a working-class family. In 1963, his family immigrated to Sydney, Australia, in search of better opportunities.
- Family Influence: Angus was the youngest of eight children, and music ran deep in his household. His brothers, George Young (of the Easybeats) and Malcolm Young, greatly influenced his path in music.
- Education: He attended Ashfield Boys High School but left early to pursue music, proving that his true education was in rock and roll.
- First Guitar: Angus first played a banjo restrung as a guitar before his mother bought him his first Gibson SG, the instrument that would define his career.
- Musical Inspiration: He drew early inspiration from Chuck Berry, whose duckwalk he famously adopted and made his own on stage.
These formative years shaped Angus’s style, blending raw rock energy with theatrical performance, which later became the essence of AC/DC’s identity.
Personal Life and Relationships
Unlike many rock stars known for wild lifestyles, Angus Young has maintained a more reserved and private personal life.
- Marriage: Angus married Ellen Van Lochem in 1980, a Dutch woman who has been a steady partner in his life. Their relationship has stood the test of time, which is rare in the world of rock and roll.
- Children: Angus and Ellen do not have children, allowing him to dedicate much of his energy to his music and career.
- Privacy: He is known for living quietly outside the limelight, shying away from tabloids and focusing primarily on his band and personal happiness.
- Lifestyle: Angus has never been associated with drugs or heavy drinking, setting him apart from many of his peers in the rock industry.
His grounded personality contrasts with his fiery stage persona, making him a unique Figure in rock history.
Career and Achievements
Angus Young’s career is synonymous with the rise of AC/DC, one of the greatest rock bands in history.
- Formation of AC/DC (1973): Along with his brother Malcolm, Angus formed AC/DC in Sydney, Australia.
- Breakthrough Album: Their international breakthrough came with High Voltage (1975) and Highway to Hell (1979).
- Back in Black (1980): Following the death of lead singer Bon Scott, AC/DC released Back in Black with Brian Johnson, which went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide.
- Stage Presence: Angus became known for his theatrical energy, duckwalk, and his ever-present Gibson SG guitar.
- Awards and Recognition: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and recognized in countless “Greatest Guitarist” lists.
His relentless work ethic and iconic riffs helped shape the soundtrack of rock for decades.
Net Worth Overview
Angus Young’s success with AC/DC has translated into significant financial wealth. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $160 million.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Major Factors |
| 2020 | $140 Million | Touring revenues, album royalties |
| 2021 | $145 Million | Merchandising and music rights |
| 2022 | $150 Million | Continued album sales, licensing |
| 2023 | $155 Million | Streaming platforms, royalties |
| 2024 | $158 Million | Re-releases and global tours |
| 2025 | $160 Million | Endorsements, music publishing |
This steady growth reflects his lasting influence in the music industry, where even decades after its release, AC/DC’s music continues to generate millions annually.
Major Sources of Income
Angus Young’s fortune comes from a variety of revenue streams:
- Album Sales & Royalties: AC/DC’s albums, especially Back in Black, remain some of the best-selling records worldwide.
- Concert Tours: Global tours sell out stadiums, generating massive ticket revenue.
- Merchandise Sales: AC/DC merchandise is iconic and continues to sell globally.
- Streaming Platforms: With the digital era, millions stream their songs daily, adding to their royalties.
- Music Licensing: Their music is widely used in movies, commercials, and sporting events.
- Endorsements: Although selective, Angus benefits from guitar and equipment endorsements.
Luxurious Lifestyle
Despite his wealth, Angus Young lives modestly compared to other rock stars, but he does enjoy certain luxuries.
- Residences: Angus owns homes in Sydney, Australia, and in the Netherlands with his wife.
- Guitar Collection: He has an enviable collection of Gibson SG guitars, many customized for his performances.
- Classic Cars: Angus is known to have a taste for classic cars, although he keeps this interest private.
- Travel: Touring has allowed him to see the world, often traveling in style.
- Investments: He invests in real estate and music rights, ensuring financial security.
His lifestyle reflects a balance between luxury and simplicity, staying true to his grounded nature.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
Beyond the stage, Angus Young has a range of hobbies and quirks that make him even more fascinating.
- Guitar Enthusiast: Obsessed with his Gibson SG guitars, which are a core part of his identity.
- Comic Books: Angus has long been a fan of comic books, reflecting his youthful and playful spirit.
- Shy Personality: Despite his wild stage presence, Angus is naturally shy and reserved off-stage.
- Stage Uniform: His schoolboy outfit was inspired by his sister, who suggested it early in his career.
- Fitness Routine: He maintains energy by staying active, even at his age, ensuring he can still perform live.
- Humor: Known for his quirky sense of humor, he often laughs and jokes with fans and bandmates.
- Legacy: Angus Young is one of the few rock stars who has never really slowed down, still performing well into his late 60s and 70s.
These traits highlight the duality of Angus: a quiet, grounded man off-stage and a powerhouse on it.
Future Prospects
Even as he ages, Angus Young shows no signs of completely stepping away from music.
- Touring: Fans can still expect AC/DC tours, given their enduring global demand.
- New Music: There are occasional rumors of unreleased tracks or future projects.
- Legacy Building: Angus will continue to solidify AC/DC’s legacy for future generations.
- Music Rights: He will likely invest further in publishing rights, ensuring royalties flow for decades.
- Mentorship: Angus may inspire or guide younger musicians entering the rock genre.
Impact on Social Media
Though Angus Young himself is not highly active on social media, his legacy thrives online.
- Fan Pages: Millions of fans worldwide maintain tribute pages and groups on Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit.
- YouTube: Performances of Angus have millions of views, with “Thunderstruck” being a viral sensation.
- Memes and Tributes: His duckwalk and schoolboy look are often shared in memes and tribute posts.
- Streaming Presence: Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music keep AC/DC’s music trending across generations.
- Cultural Impact: Even without being online personally, Angus Young remains a social media icon through fan-generated content.
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Angus Young – Wikipedia |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How tall is Angus Young?
Angus Young is about 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.
Q2: What guitar does Angus Young play?
He is famous for playing the Gibson SG, his lifelong instrument of choice.
Q3: How old is Angus Young now?
As of 2025, Angus Young is 70 years old.
Q4: What is Angus Young’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $160 million.
Q5: Is Angus Young still performing?
Yes, Angus continues to perform with AC/DC, proving that age and height don’t limit rock energy.
Conclusion
Angus Young may be small in height, but gigantic in legacy. With his schoolboy outfit, boundless energy, and iconic riffs, he has carved a permanent place in rock history. From his early beginnings in Scotland to becoming the face of AC/DC, Angus has shown the world that passion, talent, and perseverance matter far more than physical stature.
With a net worth of $160 million, a loyal fan base, and a timeless catalog of music, Angus Young continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Whether you know him for his height, his guitar playing, or his duckwalk, one thing is certain—Angus Young is a rock legend who will live on for generations to come.
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