The Larry Van Kriedt Bass Shift

Lore & Background

Although often overshadowed by the legendary tenure of Cliff Williams who would later define the role, this transitional phase was crucial for the band's development. The energy during this shift was raw and unpolished, capturing the essence of a group on the brink of greatness but still finding its footing. Fans look back at this era as the 'forgotten voltage,' a time when the band's signature sound was being forged in fire, setting the stage for the global domination that would follow once the lineup finally locked into place.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the packed Sydney pub was thick with cigarette smoke and humidity. Angus Young crouched on his stool, eyes closed, as the feedback from his guitar screamed a warning before the downbeat. For a split second, the rhythm section stumbled, the bass line wavering under the pressure of the crowd's roar. It was the Larry Van Kriedt shift in action—a moment where the foundation wobbled but refused to break. The drummer kicked in harder, and suddenly, the low end locked back into place with a thunderous snap. The room erupted, unaware that they had just witnessed the band fighting through its growing pains to become legends.

Reader's Guide

This era is defined by the raw, unrefined energy of AC/DC's earliest performances in Sydney during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The sound was heavily rooted in blues-rock and garage rock, lacking the polished production that would later characterize their international hits.

Key members during this transitional period included the Young brothers, who remained the constant core, alongside various drummers and bassists before Cliff Williams arrived. The lineup was fluid, with musicians coming and going as the band sought to perfect their live dynamic.

Major releases from this specific shift are scarce, as the band had not yet secured a major international record deal. Their output consisted mainly of local demos, live recordings, and regional singles that laid the groundwork for their debut album, High Voltage.

Did You Know?

• The bass position saw several changes before Cliff Williams joined in 1977, creating a period of musical experimentation.
• This era helped establish the high-energy blues-rock template that AC/DC would perfect on later albums.
• Many recordings from this specific lineup shift are considered lost or exist only as rare bootlegs among collectors.