The Jack

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "The Jack" by AC/DC from their iconic album High Voltage! This bluesy, cheeky track is a fan favorite with a wild story behind it. According to fan discussions and historical accounts, "The Jack" is a clever double entendre, using a card game as a metaphor for Bon Scott’s experience with venereal disease. The song’s lyrics, penned by Scott, were so risqué that he wrote two versions: a "clean" one for the studio recording on the 1975 album T.N.T. and a more explicit set for live performances. A post on X from AC/DC’s official account in May 2024 confirms this, noting that the band recorded "The Jack" at Alberts Studios in Sydney, with Bon’s alternate lyrics making live shows electrifying. Fans on Reddit have pointed out how Bon’s live renditions, like the one on the 1978 album If You Want Blood You've Got It, often included bawdy humor, with him jokingly singing about "gonorrhea" to the tune of "Maria" from West Side Story. The song’s raw energy and Angus Young’s strip-down antics during live performances—sometimes down to his trousers—cemented its status as a rebellious anthem.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s musical roots. Fans and commentators, like those on Songfacts, have noted that "The Jack" shares a similar chord progression with The Doors’ "Car Hiss by My Window" from their 1971 album L.A. Woman. While there’s no evidence of direct borrowing, the blues influence is clear, with some even comparing Angus Young’s stage presence to Alvin Lee of Ten Years After, as seen in the Woodstock film. The song’s clever wordplay and infectious rhythm made it a standout, though some fans, as seen in ACDCfans.net discussions, view it as a bit of a novelty compared to heavier tracks like "T.N.T." Still, its live performances, especially at massive shows like the 2003 Toronto benefit concert for SARS relief, where AC/DC played to 500,000 fans alongside The Rolling Stones, showcased its enduring appeal.

Now, let’s rewind to how AC/DC got their start. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, the band was the brainchild of brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, both born in Scotland before emigrating to Australia as kids. Inspired by rock and roll legends like Little Richard and Chuck Berry, the Young brothers recruited bassist Larry Van Kriedt, drummer Colin Burgess, and vocalist Dave Evans for their debut gig at Chequers nightclub on New Year’s Eve 1973. Early on, the band went through lineup changes, with Evans’ glam-rock style clashing with their gritty vision. In 1974, Bon Scott, a fellow Scottish immigrant with a background in bands like The Valentines and Fraternity, joined after being recommended by friend Vince Lovegrove. Scott’s raw vocals and earthy charisma, honed as a drummer and songwriter, transformed AC/DC into the hard-hitting rock machine we know today. Their debut album, High Voltage, released in Australia in 1975, was produced by George Young (Malcolm and Angus’ older brother) and Harry Vanda at Albert Studios, laying the foundation for their global breakthrough with the 1976 international release of High Voltage.

AC/DC’s rise wasn’t without challenges. Early reviews, like one from Rolling Stone’s Billy Altman, called High Voltage an “all-time low” for hard rock, but the band’s relentless energy and Angus’ schoolboy-uniformed “duck walk” (inspired by Chuck Berry) won over fans. By 1979, Highway to Hell made them international stars, though tragedy struck when Bon Scott died in 1980. With Brian Johnson stepping in, AC/DC continued their legacy, selling over 200 million records worldwide and earning a 2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their no-nonsense rock and roll ethos—described by the band as simply “rock and roll”—remains a defining force.

Stay connected with AC/DC through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news, tour updates, and throwbacks like their 2024 Power Up Tour announcement. Fans can dive deeper at ACDCfans.net, a dedicated community for diehards, or join the AC/DC Fans Facebook group to swap stories and setlists. For tribute band vibes, check out The Jack, a Tucson-based act honoring AC/DC’s legacy. Zoo Freaks, keep rocking with The Zoo Crew, and let "The Jack" deal you a winning hand!