AC/DC’s first singer and co-founder, Dave Evans, has performed to thousands of people around the world, and this year is no exception. From South America, Mexico, Belgium, Holland, and Turkey, his touring schedule would be the envy of younger performers.
Performing his own show along with joining the Icons of Classic Rock — which includes members of Boston, Survivor, The Romantics, Santana, Foreigner, and Quiet Riot — he continues to play some of the most iconic songs of the 70s and 80s along with his own songbook.
Have a Go News spoke to Dave Evans about his career and his love of performing which was fostered at home from a young age.
“My father was a wonderful singer, a tenor, and he would perform at the local town concerts which I would attend, and we listened to music constantly at home and sang along too,” said Dave.
His family’s home was always filled with music, ranging from opera, western ballads to calypso, and everyone would sing along.
The arrival of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and The Kinks had a profound impact on him, as it did on countless teenagers around the world.
“I started listening to early Elvis and Little Richard and the real rock ‘n’ roll artists in my early teens, I joined a local band in the country, and we became popular with this kind of music.
“After a while I decided to try my luck in the big city. I moved to Sydney and was in a couple of bands there before co-founding AC/DC. That was my big break which has led to a lifelong career in rock music internationally,” said Dave.
After more than 50 years in the business and a long and fruitful career Dave Evans says his passion for music has never waned.
“The passion never dies. The music has taken me all over the world and still does and it is fantastic and educational to visit so many countries and cultures while bringing rock music to the fans.
“I am constantly recording new songs and albums. It is great to perform with so many musicians from different countries and make new and close friends wherever I go,” he said.
Song writing has always come naturally to Evans, who began writing songs as a schoolboy. This creative outlet remains an integral part of his musical journey.
“I have been writing songs since I was a kid at school and it is just a natural ability,” he said.
Although AC/DC is set to tour Australia again, Evans said that only one original member, Angus Young, remains in the band. The two have not seen each other since the 1970s, but he is glad to see Young still rocking hard.
Throughout Dave’s touring schedule his shows continue to attract audiences of all ages.
“It is the natural energy of the music which affects us all, no matter what the age,” says Dave.
Touring the world demands significant energy, and Evans is mindful of maintaining his health.
“I look after what I eat and drink and make sure all is as healthy as possible. I get as much rest and sleep as I can when constantly on the road and in the air.
“The fans deserve the very best show every time and I am mindful of that.”
Evans finds joy in every country he visits. He says that fans everywhere share the same love for music and respond with equal enthusiasm.
Each country offers unique experiences, and he makes the most of his time off by exploring local cultures and scenery, often guided by the people he meets during his tours.
Does Dave Evans still call Australia home?
“Yes, although I am rarely in Australia these days, but I do find time when possible to make a flying visit back to just chill out and be reclusive and enjoy the feeling of home.”
Retirement, however, is not on his agenda.
“I do not think about retirement and as long as the bookings are there and I am fit and healthy it is impossible to retire,” says Dave.
The passion for rock ‘n’ roll and the connection with fans around the world continues to fuel his remarkable journey.
Keep on rocking Dave Evans!
