Touch Too Much

The song Touch Too Much by AC/DC from their seminal 1979 album Highway to Hell carries a raw energy that captures the band’s hedonistic spirit, and it’s no surprise the Zoo Crew is spinning it for their Zoo Freaks. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from the book AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll by Arnaud Durieux, which details how producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, a trained singer, coached lead vocalist Bon Scott on breathing techniques to enhance his performance on this track. Lange even joined in on background vocals but had to stand on the opposite side of the studio because his voice was so distinctive. This added a new layer of melodic backing vocals to AC/DC’s sound, balancing their signature crunch with a polished edge. The song’s recording process was a turning point, showcasing Lange’s ability to refine the band’s raw power without losing its grit.

Another tidbit about Touch Too Much is its history before Highway to Hell. The song was first recorded in July 1977 with a completely different arrangement and lyrics, but it was reworked into the sleazy, high-octane version fans know today. This final version was performed live by Bon Scott and AC/DC on the BBC’s Top of the Pops just days before Scott’s tragic death in February 1980, making it one of his last televised performances. The track also found a second life in pop culture, serving as the theme song for the World Wrestling Federation’s SummerSlam event in 1998 and appearing on the soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned. Posts on X highlight its enduring appeal, noting that Axl Rose, before joining AC/DC for their Rock or Bust World Tour, called it his favorite AC/DC song.

AC/DC’s origins trace back to Sydney, Australia, where brothers Angus and Malcolm Young formed the band in 1973. The Young brothers, born in Scotland but raised in Australia after their family immigrated in 1963, were inspired by the raw energy of rock and roll, particularly influences like Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones. Their older brother, George Young, a member of the successful Australian band The Easybeats, played a pivotal role in mentoring them. AC/DC’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in Sydney pubs, with their first lineup including drummer Colin Burgess, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and vocalist Dave Evans. Bon Scott, a charismatic frontman with a gritty voice and a rebellious streak, joined in 1974 after impressing the band with his stage presence while he was driving them to gigs. This solidified their classic lineup alongside drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams by 1977, setting the stage for their rise to global fame.

The band’s name, AC/DC, came from a suggestion by their sister Margaret, who saw the abbreviation for “alternating current/direct current” on a sewing machine and thought it fit their electrifying sound. Their early albums, like High Voltage (1975) and T.N.T. (1975), built a cult following in Australia, but it was their international breakthrough with Highway to Hell in 1979 that cemented their status as hard rock titans. Despite Bon Scott’s death in 1980, AC/DC persevered with new frontman Brian Johnson, releasing the monumental Back in Black and continuing to dominate rock music for decades. Their unapologetic, riff-driven sound and high-energy live shows have made them one of the best-selling bands of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide.

Fans can connect with AC/DC through their official website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates, tour announcements, and tributes to their legacy. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The AC/DC Fans Facebook group is a vibrant hub where enthusiasts share memorabilia, discuss setlists, and celebrate the band’s history. Another popular fan site, AC-DC.net, offers detailed discographies, tour archives, and news for dedicated followers. These platforms keep the spirit of AC/DC alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s spins of Touch Too Much for their devoted listeners.