AC/DC — the thunder-lords of riffs, the black-clad gods of stadium rock — are known for one thing above all else: consistency. You go to an AC/DC gig, you know exactly what you’re getting. Exploding cannons, Angus in his sweaty schoolboy uniform, and a setlist tighter than a pint of Brains on a Friday night in Cardiff. 🍺
But here’s the kicker, mun: there’s one song the band hasn’t dared play live in over 40 years. And no, it’s not because they forgot it — it’s because it just doesn’t fit the AC/DC way of doing things.
🎶 The Song That Got Left Behind
Digging back through their early catalogue, you’ll find tracks like “Love Song” (from 1975’s High Voltage) and the bluesy slow-burner “Ride On” (from 1976’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap). Both adored by hardcore fans, both criminally absent from live sets for decades.
The band have always built their concerts like a runaway freight train — all speed, all power, no brakes. Chucking in a ballad or a gentle groove would be like swapping your pint for a kale smoothie. It just wouldn’t hit right. 🥬🚫
⚡️ Why They Ditched It Live
So, why hasn’t this mystery tune been heard live since Bon Scott was still with us? Here’s the breakdown:
- Setlist Consistency – An AC/DC gig is a sweat-fest of stompers. Slowing it down kills the vibe quicker than a dead amp.
- Band Preference – Angus and Malcolm (RIP) always pushed the “if it doesn’t crush live, it’s out” rule. No experiments, no fancy deep cuts.
- Fan Expectations – Let’s be honest, if they swapped “Thunderstruck” for “Love Song,” there’d be riots in the car park. C’mon butt, we all know it’s true.
🎤 What the Fans Think
The die-hards have been begging for rarities for years. Imagine Wembley, 80,000 fans, and suddenly Angus rips into Ride On. The stadium would melt faster than a Greggs sausage roll on a car dashboard. 🌭🔥
But Brian Johnson and co. know the score — people come for the classics, not the curveballs. In fact, Brian once joked that AC/DC’s setlists could be printed years in advance and still work. Proper job.
🤞 Could It Ever Return?
Never say never. Anniversary tours, one-off gigs, or a cheeky encore could bring a rarity back. But until then, those songs remain locked in the vault, living legends whispered about in fan forums and pub arguments across the world.
👉 So what do you reckon, mun? Should AC/DC dig up these forgotten gems, or keep the setlist rolling like the rock’n’roll train we all love? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s have it! 🎤🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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