Why AC/DC refuse to perform "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)"
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AC/DC - legendary Australian rock band, formed in Sydney in November 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young.. Today there is no one who would not know about the existence of this band: multi-million circulation worldwide, colourful live shows for crowds of thousands, classic records and loud hits... This project has done too much not to remain in the shadows for many decades.
Today, the lead singer of AC/DC Brian Johnson continues to rock the crowd despite his esteemed age: the man turned 75 in October 2022! However, loyal fans know that there was originally a different man at the microphone, Bon Scott. It was with him that the band began its journey and earned its first serious fame. He also recorded and released some of the band's most iconic early songs.
His early death was a heartbreaking loss for both the band members and the rock community at large. According to the remaining members, Scott wanted them to continue their thundering march to Olympus, and so they found a replacement for him - the charismatic Johnson. However... no matter what, AC/DC's repertoire is. single trackwhich they will not honour under any circumstances.
The tragic death of Bon Scott
By the early 80's AC/DC had already earned their fame and fans, and hoped that soon the whole world would be at their feet. However, one tragedy almost ruined all their plans... Their front man. Bon Scott was renowned for being a brilliant performer and songwriter, as well as leading a truly destructive lifestyle. He suffered from alcohol addiction throughout his career, and one night the singer's body finally gave up on him. In February 1980, Bon passed away due to "acute alcohol poisoning.". He was only 33 years old ....
Subsequently, his former Fraternity colleague, Bruce Howehe recalled:
"He did wild things at times. On days when he was bored, there was no future, only now. He didn't care if he lived or was already dead... He tried everything and risked everything, often riding his bike like a lunatic."
The story behind the creation and meaning of "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)"
Apparently, Bon did not think about the dire consequences of his own actions. It seems that after a series of drunken nights on a motorbike he came to the conclusion that he had found immortality... His wild way of life clearly pleased him, so he even wrote a song about it - it's about the "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll).". This track is one of the most defining of the band's career and epitomises the dangerous lifestyle that AC/DC's first frontman lived.
"It's a long way to the top if you want to play rock 'n' roll.
If you want to be a star of stage and screen,
Beware, this is a cruel and vile thing..."
Why Brian Johnson will never perform this rebellious anthem
According to Mark EvansOver the years, the song has gained tremendous weight - for AC/DC members and fans alike.
"For AC/DC, this track has become iconic. I think it's the one I associate most with the band, and with Bon. It's undeniable: over time, this song has become much bigger than when it first came out."
His words were confirmed Angus Youngwho told reporters:
"This track really characterises us as a band."
However, despite the song's greatness and popularity, the band has refused to play it for decades... The last time AC/DC played it "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)." in the late '70s at Hammersmith Odeon, shortly before Bon's death.
Since this hymn is based on of the crazy life of the first frontman groups, Brian Johnson thought it would be bad form to execute it. Well: this position seems quite sensible. After all, the memory and respect for the man is much more precious than the satisfaction of the fans, especially since later - when Brian had already taken his place at the microphone - the band recorded more than one cool hit!
