Original AC/DC Singer Says Jealousies Within Band Contributed To His Departure

August 7, 2004

Original AC/DC singer Dave Evans recently spoke to ic Wales about his split with the Australian rock legends in the early '70s. Dave Evans was the singer on AC/DC's debut single, "Can I Sit Next To You Girl". The song was later re-recorded with Bon Scott's vocal for the group's "TNT" album.

Evans, who is scheduled to perform at an AC/DC tribute convention this weekend in Wrexham, North Wales, U.K., has been dubbed the Pete Best of the rock world, after the fifth Beatle who missed out on fame and fortune when he was replaced by Ringo Starr.

However, unlike the forgotten Beatle, Evans did go on to enjoy success with other rock acts like RABBIT, albeit not on the same scale as AC/DC, and he continues to perform.

"Before I left, the band had already been through two drummers and two bass players," he explained. "Colin Burgess was also one of the founder members and he was given heave-ho. Pete Best did nothing after THE BEATLES whereas I was a rock star in Australia with RABBIT."

Now living in Melbourne, Evans still blames his departure from AC/DC on the triumvirate of Young brothers, rhythm guitarist Malcolm, lead guitarist Angus and the act's producer George, who he believes formed a clique.

Evans's sexual gravitas on stage was becoming the focal point of the act — he was once labeled "savagely heterosexual" by a female publicist — much to the chagrin of his colleagues.

"There were jealousies because I was too tall for the band and the girls liked me," Evans said. "I got too popular with the band and had a bust up with the manager. Being the lead singer and one of the founding members I used to get all the interviews and also I wasn't one to be intimidated. I'm fiercely Welsh and independent and there was just a clash of personalities." Read more.

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