AC/DC

Guitarist Malcolm Young formed AC/DC with fifteen year-old younger brother and lead guitarist Angus Young in 1973. With the addition of vocalist Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans and drummer Philip Rudd, the band’s first four albums established AC/DC as a solid hard-rock act across the U.S. Known for their huge riffs and macho lyricism over simple yet rowdy and aggressive power chords, the band earned a hardy and devoted following early on, but didn’t break into the charts until the 1979 platinum album “Highway to Hell”.

In 1980 lead singer Bon Scott died after choking on his own vomit following a night of all-out drinking and was replaced by the ex-Geordie vocalist Brian Johnson two months later. Johnson’s vocal debut came on “Back in Black” which enjoyed a year-long run in the U.S. chart, selling over 22 million copies, which made in the fifth best-selling album in U.S. history.

Throughout the ‘80s and ’90s AC/DC released a solid stream of albums that earned the band their highly revered and seminal status. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”, a reissue of their 1976 “Australian” LP arrived in 1981, followed by the group’s first No. 1 album “For Those About to Rock, We Salute You” the same year, “Flick of the Switch” appeared in 1983 and “Fly on the Wall” in 1985. These made way for the multi-platinum “Maximum Overdrive” soundtrack album “Who Made Who” and “The Razor’s Edge” in 1990, a five-times certified platinum album featuring the singles “Thunderstuck” and “Moneytalks”.

The release of the band’s twelfth studio album “Ballbreaker” in 1995 saw the return of drummer Phil Rudd to the mix, and was succeeded by the five-CD box set “Bonfire” (1997) featuring a selection of live tracks and a remastered version of “Back in Black”. “Stiff Upper Lip” arrived in 2000 reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart, followed by the usual extensive and elaborately designed tour schedule.

After an eight year wait for fans, AC/DC returned with the release of “Black Ice” in 2008. The album attempted to recapture the sound and feel of the band’s early material and quickly became a commercial success, finding the top of the charts in 29 countries including the U.S. In 2009 with the release of the nostalgic box set “Backtracks” came an announcement from the Recording Industry of America that AC/DC were the ninth-best selling artist in U.S. history.

“Rock or Bust”, AC/DC’s fifteenth studio album was released in 2014 on Sony Records. The release brought a 40 year anniversary tour and marked the departure of original member Malcolm Young who suffering from dementia was replaced by his nephew Stevie Young.

Best known for her role in the TV series "Gossip Girl," Taylor Momsen also formed The Pretty Reckless in 2009, playing alongside Mark Damon (bass), Jamie Perkins (drums) and Ben Phillips (lead guitar, backing vocals). The band play a brand of hard rock influenced by the likes of Nirvana, Joan Jett Hole that is very accessible.

Their debut album "Light Me Up" (released August 27, 2010) achieved moderate success, most notably with the single "Make Me Wanna Die." Following this album release they embarked on an international tour, also featuring as part of the line up for the Vans Warped Tour. Following this success, they were invited to perform as the support act for Marilyn Manson and Evanescence, which helped to establish new fans and grow The Pretty Reckless' popularity.

Their second studio album "Going to Hell" released in 2014 saw the band achieve a new level of success. The singles "Kill Me," "Going to Hell" and "Heaven Knows" were well received, with "Heaven Knows" topping both the UK and US rock charts. The Pretty Reckless achieved a number one spot with two of their first hit singles "Heaven Knows" and "Messed Up World," the first time a female-fronted band has done so. The band also had a song featured on the "Kick-Ass" soundtrack, with the single, "Make Me Wanna Die."