Net Worth Ranker
What Is Angus Young’s Net Worth?
Angus Young, the iconic Scottish-born Australian guitarist and songwriter, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $160 million as of 2025. His financial success is primarily attributed to his pivotal role as a co-founder of the legendary hard rock band AC/DC. The band’s impressive record sales exceeding 200 million globally place them as the 14th best-selling musical act worldwide.
AC/DC’s Impact on Angus Young’s Net Worth
AC/DC’s discography consists of 16 studio albums, with iconic tracks such as “Highway to Hell,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” and “Back in Black” consistently dominating classic rock radio stations. The band’s commercial triumph significantly boosts Angus Young’s financial position. “Back in Black,” released in 1980, stands out as a monumental achievement, achieving 25x Platinum certification and selling 50 million copies, solidifying its status as the second highest-selling album of all time.
Beyond album sales, Angus Young’s net worth is also influenced by revenue generated from global tours and concerts. AC/DC’s live performances are renowned for their high energy, with Young’s schoolboy uniform and Chuck Berry’s “duck walk” becoming iconic trademarks. These performances attract massive audiences, resulting in substantial income through ticket sales. Unfortunately, specific figures for concert revenue are not publicly available.
Angus Young’s enduring influence on music has led to accolades, including being ranked #24 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists” list. In 2003, Young and his AC/DC bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further cementing their legacy. The financial impact of such recognition often translates into increased demand for their music and merchandise, indirectly contributing to Angus Young’s overall financial success.
While precise details regarding Angus Young’s investment portfolio are not publicly disclosed, a musician of his stature likely has diversified investments across various sectors, including real estate and financial instruments. Strategic financial planning contributes to the preservation and growth of his wealth over time.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Angus McKinnon Young was born on March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland. His family background provided a foundation for his musical journey. His mother, Margaret, was a housewife, while his father, William, served as a flight engine mechanic in the Royal Air Force during World War II. In 1963, the Young family relocated to Sydney, Australia, seeking new opportunities.
Angus Young attended Ashfield Boys High School but dropped out at the age of 15, demonstrating his early commitment to pursuing a career in music. He initially learned to play the banjo, adapting it for six strings, and later transitioned to a secondhand acoustic guitar acquired by his mother. The acquisition of his first Gibson SG in the early 1970s marked a pivotal moment, as this guitar became synonymous with his signature sound and stage presence. Gibson honored Angus Young’s contribution by releasing the Angus Young SG signature guitar in 2000.
Before forming AC/DC, Angus Young gained experience in the Marcus Hook Roll Band alongside his brothers Malcolm and George, contributing to the album “Tales of Old Grand Daddy” in 1973. He also played in the band Kantuckee (later renamed Tantrum). In 1973, Angus co-founded AC/DC with his brother Malcolm, assuming lead guitar responsibilities while Malcolm played rhythm guitar. The original lineup included vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and drummer Colin Burgess.
Angus Young’s schoolboy uniform became an iconic part of AC/DC’s image, originating from his sister Margaret’s suggestion. Initially, she created his first costume, but he later wore his old uniform from Ashfield Boys High School. In September 1974, Bon Scott replaced Dave Evans as lead singer, leading to the re-recording of their first single, “Can I Sit Next To You Girl.”
AC/DC’s debut album, “High Voltage,” was released in Australia in February 1975, reaching #14 on the ARIA Charts. “T.N.T.” followed in 1975, peaking at #2 and achieving 9x Platinum certification in Australia. The international release of “High Voltage” in 1976 led to gold and platinum certifications in various countries. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” was also released in 1976, achieving 6x Platinum status in Australia and the U.S.
The release of “Highway to Hell” in 1979 marked a turning point for AC/DC, as it broke into the top 100 on the U.S. charts. The tragic passing of Bon Scott in February 1980 led to Brian Johnson taking over as lead vocalist, and the band recorded “Back in Black,” which became their most successful album, second only to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in sales.
While AC/DC experienced a period of perceived decline in the 1980s, the release of “The Razors Edge” in 1990 revitalized their popularity, achieving 5x Platinum status in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. After “Stiff Upper Lip” in 2000, AC/DC took a hiatus before releasing “Black Ice” in 2008, which debuted at #1 in numerous countries. Malcolm’s departure in 2014 due to health issues led to Stevie Young replacing him. By 2016, Brian Johnson and Phil Rudd had also left the band, resulting in Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses stepping in as Johnson’s replacement for the Rock or Bust World Tour.
Personal Life
In 1979, Angus Young entered a relationship with Ellen Van Lochem, culminating in their marriage six months later. Despite being a chain smoker, Angus Young has maintained a teetotaler lifestyle throughout his life. According to guitarist Tommy Redd, Angus preferred chocolate milk or coffee over alcohol during band gatherings.
In 2019, Angus Young demonstrated his philanthropic nature by donating $19,260 to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, supporting Steve McNeil’s fundraising efforts in honor of Angus’ brother Malcolm, who passed away from dementia in 2017. Angus Young is also a fan of Rangers FC, a Scottish football club.
Awards and Honors
Angus Young’s contributions to music have been recognized through various awards and honors. In 2006, “Kerrang!” editor Paul Brannigan presented him with the magazine’s Legend Award, while a 2012 poll in “Australian Guitar Magazine” voted him “Best Australian Guitarist of All Time.” With AC/DC, he received APRA Awards for Most Played Australian Work Overseas for “Big Gun” in 1995, “Highway to Hell” in 2009 and 2011, and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” in 2010. Angus and Malcolm were named Songwriters of the Year in 2010. The band’s accolades include a Grammy, a Metal Storm Award, a Rock on Request Award, two UK Music Video Awards, four Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, and three ARIA Music Awards, and they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988.
Real Estate Investments
In 2007, Angus and Ellen Young designed a 3-story mansion in Aalten, Ellen’s hometown in the Netherlands. This multi-million-dollar property includes a recording studio, guest rooms, and a spacious backyard, reflecting their lifestyle and preferences. The Youngs also own a home in the Kangaroo Point area of Sydney, Australia, showcasing their international property holdings. While the precise addresses and values of these properties are not publicly available, they represent significant assets contributing to Angus Young’s overall net worth.
