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Thunderstruck: AC/DC & the Timeless Reign of Rock
AC/DC displayed the embodiment of relentless rock 'n' roll energy and enduring defiance, from their high voltage beginnings to their dynamite anthems.
May 9, 2024
AC/DC conquered stadiums in mass, and their live shows are legendary displays of raw power.
If electricity could take sonic form, it would undoubtedly sound like AC/DC. For nearly five decades, these Aussie titans have embodied the relentless spirit of rock 'n' roll. Their sound is a raw, blues-infused juggernaut, powered by monstrous riffs, screeching vocals, and a driving rhythm section that hits like a piledriver. AC/DC isn't just a band; they're a force of nature, a primal release of pure visceral energy.
AC/DC is born from high voltage beginnings, and their story is one of grit, determination, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry. Formed in Sydney, Australia, by the Scottish-born brothers Angus and Malcolm Young in 1973, the band quickly carved a name for itself on the unforgiving Aussie pub circuit. Angus, clad in his now-iconic schoolboy uniform, became a whirlwind of six-string fury, while Malcolm, ever the stoic backbone, laid down bone-crunching rhythms. Through a string of early vocalists, AC/DC found their ultimate frontman in the rough-hewn, charismatic Bon Scott.
With Scott at the helm, AC/DC released a string of classic albums – 'High Voltage', 'T.N.T', 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' – and began their global takeover. The release of 1979's 'Highway to Hell' catapulted the band into the stratosphere. Its title track became an instant anthem, a swaggering ode to the rock 'n' roll lifestyle that remains their signature song.
A Remo Weather King Bass Drumhead with early hand-painted "AC/DC" logo to the top in red and black, with additional black lettering below reading "Drumworld / The National Sales & Service for Drums & Drummers / 404 High St Prahran Vic. / 517476". The drumhead is signed in black sharpie by Angus Young and Malcolm Young. Together with a handwritten note from Mark Evans, AC/DC bass player from 1975-1977, confirming "I recall this drumskin from early 1975. Phil was sponsored by a guy called Mal Jacobs who owned that drum store [Drumworld]. It was just down the road from where I lived in South Yarra and only a short walk from the band's home in Lansdowne Road, East St Kilda. That drumskin did a lot of work and appeared on a few videos and many tv shows".
Literature: "Rock & Roll Memorabilia" By Hilary Kay, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1991, p. 129 (illus.)
21 inches diameter
PROVENANCE From The Collection of Aaron Baker Ex lot 1, "Pop" Sale, Christie's South Kensington, London April 25, 1991
Tragedy, Triumph, and 'Back in Black'
In 1980, AC/DC faced their darkest hour. Bon Scott's tragic death after a night of heavy drinking could have ended their story. Instead, the band rallied. Recruiting the raspy-voiced Brian Johnson, they unleashed 1980's 'Back in Black'. Fueled by grief and defiance, it became a monumental tribute to Scott and one of the best-selling albums of all time. Songs like the title track, "Hells Bells," and "You Shook Me All Night Long" cemented their status as rock legends.
AC/DC conquered stadiums in mass, and their live shows are legendary displays of raw power. The 1981 'For Those About to Rock' tour featured a stage adorned with massive cannons, their salute to those who rock eternally. The 1990-91 'Razors Edge' world tour filled stadiums globally, proving their dominance. These weren't just concerts; they were seismic events. Fans left drenched in sweat, ears ringing, and forever converted to the AC/DC faithful.
A full-size prop cannon constructed of brown and grey painted cast metal and resin, the hollow barrel inserted with a pyrotechnic special effects device, originally with four tubes, three now present, with white "Pyropack Tube Device...Luna Tech, Inc." label, with typed details: "Lot No. : 71991 / AC/DC / Cannon loads" The cannon is mounted on a carriage with two wheels each with fourteen spokes. Together with:
An AC/DC U.S. press kit dated October 1992, with an "MJI Broadcasting" business card for "Kathi Iannacone / Director of Promotions/Publicity" with a handwritten note attached reading "Hi Aaron - / Here's the first / of your Metalshop / prize winnings! / Enjoy - / Cannon to follow / soon! / Kathi"
A metal and wooden plaque inscribed "AC/DC / WORLD TOUR 1992 / AARON BAKER / GRAND PRIZE WINNER"
A four-page newsletter from MJI Broadcasting announcing a competition, "METALSHOP'S BIG GUN SWEEPSTAKES" in October 1992 to win an "ACTUAL CANNON used by AC/DC onstage!!!!"
A framed photograph of the cannon fully assembled.
Aaron Baker won the sweepstake to win the cannon in 1992 after having sent in an estimated 3,500 entries!
Approximate measurements when assembled 57 inches high 124 inches long 44 inches wide
PROVENANCE From The Collection of Aaron Baker
The Enduring Allure
AC/DC never pandered to trends. Their sound is as unapologetically rock 'n' roll today as it was in the '70s. That's the secret to their longevity. Despite Malcolm Young's tragic passing in 2017, the band roared back in 2020 with 'Power Up,' a middle finger to age and the ever-changing musical landscape, proving they can still deliver the goods.
In an era of fleeting musical fads, AC/DC offers something timeless: hard-hitting anthems about rebellion, and the pure, unadulterated joy of rock 'n' roll. They remind us why we fell in love with loud guitars and high-octane shows in the first place. AC/DC has cemented their place as a rock 'n' roll institution, a badge of honor for anyone who truly believes in the phrase: long live rock!
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