Stiff Upper Lip

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin "Stiff Upper Lip" by AC/DC from their 2000 album of the same name! This track, penned by the Young brothers, Angus and Malcolm, is a raw, bluesy anthem that hit the top of the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. One juicy tidbit comes from Angus Young himself, who shared in a 2000 Guitar World interview that the album’s title was inspired by a moment stuck in traffic, musing on the defiant, pouty lips of rock icons like Elvis Presley and Mick Jagger. Angus even cheekily claimed his lips outdid theirs, adding a playful nod to AC/DC’s signature humor. The song’s music video, directed by Andy Morahan, features the band rocking out in a back alley after escaping a traffic jam in a red 1997 Hummer H1, with a pre-fame Lady Gaga making a cameo appearance.

Another cool story ties to the song’s production. AC/DC recorded "Stiff Upper Lip" at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, with George Young, the older brother of Angus and Malcolm, at the helm. George, who passed away in 2017, brought a no-frills vibe to the sessions, aiming to recapture the band’s early, gritty energy. In a Loudwire interview, Angus explained they wanted to ditch the perfectionism of their previous album, Ballbreaker, for something “dirty and sleazy.” The band cut 18 tracks, though only 12 made the album, with the leftover “Cyberspace” later released as a B-side to “Safe in New York City.” Fans on ACDCfans.net praise the album’s bluesy groove, with some calling it their best since 1983’s Flick of the Switch, though others find tracks like “Can’t Stand Still” repetitive.

Now, let’s rewind to how AC/DC got their start. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, the band’s roots trace back to their family’s musical legacy. Their older brother, George Young, was a member of the 1960s Australian band The Easybeats, and his influence was huge, teaching the brothers the ropes of songwriting and studio work. AC/DC began gigging in local pubs, blending hard rock, blues, and a rebellious attitude. Their early lineup included vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and drummer Colin Burgess, but it was the arrival of Bon Scott in 1974 that set them on the path to stardom. Albums like High Voltage and Highway to Hell built their global fanbase. After Bon’s tragic death in 1980, Brian Johnson stepped in, and the band’s 1980 album Back in Black became one of the best-selling albums ever, cementing their legend. Over five decades, AC/DC has sold over 200 million albums, earning a 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more AC/DC action, check out their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Zoo Freaks can also connect with fellow fans on ACDCfans.net, a killer fan site packed with news, forums, and concert stories. Dive into the AC/DC Fans Facebook group for more community vibes, where diehards share everything from vinyl hauls to tour memories. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!