Have a Drink on Me

The song "Have a Drink on Me" from AC/DC's iconic album Back in Black carries a cheeky, rebellious spirit that perfectly captures the band's raw energy. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from a 2021 interview with Paste magazine, where Angus Young revealed that the late Bon Scott, the band's former frontman, played drums on the demo recordings for this track. Scott, who tragically passed away in February 1980 before the album's recording, had started his career as a drummer, and his contributions to the demos for "Have a Drink on Me" and "Hells Bells" added a poignant layer to the song's creation. The track itself, with its rollicking rhythm and Brian Johnson's gritty vocals, is described by The Quietus as "grimly hilarious," blending humor with the band's signature hard-hitting sound. This song, like much of Back in Black, was born out of the band's determination to push forward after Scott's death, making it a testament to their resilience.

Another tidbit about "Have a Drink on Me" ties to its place in Back in Black's legacy. The album, released in July 1980, was a commercial juggernaut, selling an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums ever. According to Guitar World, the album's producer, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, crafted a sound so precise that studios in Nashville later used Back in Black to test room acoustics, and Motörhead tuned their sound system with it. "Have a Drink on Me" stands out as a fan favorite, often featured in setlists, like one shared on the fan site AC/DC Fanpage, which lists it among live staples like "Thunderstruck" and "Highway to Hell." The song's infectious groove and call to let loose resonate with the Zoo Freaks' vibe, perfectly suiting the Zoo Crew's hippie DJ ethos.

AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, who would become the heart of the band's relentless rock 'n' roll machine. The Young brothers, inspired by the raw energy of Australian pub rock, started jamming together as teenagers. Angus, known for his schoolboy uniform stage persona, and Malcolm, the rhythm guitar powerhouse, recruited drummer Colin Burgess, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and vocalist Dave Evans to form the initial lineup. Their name came from their sister Margaret, who saw "AC/DC" on an electric sewing machine and suggested it as a nod to their electrifying sound. By 1974, Bon Scott joined as lead singer, bringing a charismatic edge that propelled the band forward. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging in pubs and clubs, honing their bluesy, hard rock style, which Wikipedia notes was influenced by bands like the Rolling Stones and pioneered by Australian acts like Billy Thorpe's Aztecs.

The band’s breakthrough came with their 1975 debut album, High Voltage, though it was initially released only in Australasia. After moving to London in 1976, they gained international traction with albums like Let There Be Rock (1977) and Highway to Hell (1979), the latter becoming their first to crack the U.S. Billboard 200 top 20. Despite numerous lineup changes, including Scott’s tragic death in 1980 and Malcolm’s passing in 2017, AC/DC has remained a force, with Angus Young as the sole constant member. Their resilience and commitment to straightforward, high-energy rock earned them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and over 200 million album sales worldwide, as noted by SeatUnique.

Fans can connect with AC/DC through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merchandise, and snippets of their storied career. The band’s Facebook page boasts nearly 30 million followers, buzzing with posts about their Power Up Tour and throwbacks to classics like Back in Black. Dedicated fan communities thrive online, including the long-running ac-dc.net, which offers tour history, discography, and news since 1997, and AC/DCfans.net, where fans share memes, videos, and discussions about everything from Bon Scott’s legacy to Angus’s iconic riffs. Facebook groups like those linked on BACK:N:BLACK, a tribute band’s page, also unite Zoo Freaks and other diehards in celebrating AC/DC’s enduring thunder.