Whether or not they’re constructing rigidity or popping out swinging, our record of High 5 AC/DC Live performance Opening Songs proves they’re masters of beginning a present with high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll.
The Aussie rockers have by no means precisely prided themselves on range — they gleefully recycle chords to craft a seemingly countless provide of iconic riffs, they usually’ve been delivering pretty normal, meat-and-potatoes set lists for many years. As a substitute, blunt-force affect and relentless, infectious vitality have all the time been AC/DC’s inventory in commerce.
In consequence, most of their present openers over time have been beloved hits or well-worn fan favorites. And that is simply high-quality, as a result of it doesn’t matter what tune they select to kick off their live shows, they all the time hit like a wrecking ball.
READ MORE: High 5 Kiss Live performance Opening Songs
Learn on to see the High 5 AC/DC Live performance Opening Songs.
5. “Hells Bells”
From: Again in Black (1980)
Excursions: Again in Black (1980-81) / For These About to Rock (1981-82)
With its ominous bell tolling and sinister, arpeggiated riff, the opening monitor off Again in Black gives one of many album’s few moments of respite. It is a sturdy little bit of counter-programming each stay and on file, constructing the strain to a breaking level earlier than the tune explodes into full-throttle metallic mayhem. AC/DC knew that they had struck gold with “Hells Bells,” therefore why they opened their exhibits with it on the Again in Black and For These About to Rock excursions.
4. “Again in Black”
From: Again in Black
Tour: Ballbreaker (1996)
It does not get extra iconic than this. With its earth-shaking riffs and lighter-waving refrain, “Again in Black” rightfully stays considered one of AC/DC’s career-defining songs and is precision-engineered to work audiences right into a frenzy. Each time the Aussies hit the stage to the tune of “Again in Black” — which they did on 1996’s Ballbreaker tour — they gave followers a blistering reminder that they had been again with a vengeance. Do not attempt to push your luck, simply get out of their method.
3. “If You Need Blood (You have Acquired It)”
From: Freeway to Hell (1979)
Tour: Energy Journey (2023) / Energy Up (2024-25)
There was quite a bit using on AC/DC’s 2023 Energy Journey efficiency. May these injury-ridden senior residents nonetheless summon the thunder after seven years away from the stage? AC/DC answered that query with an emphatic “hell sure” after they stormed the Coachella Valley with “If You Need Blood (You have Acquired It),” the anthemic album lower off Freeway to Hell. It was the primary time of their half-century profession that they’d used it as a present opener, and their first time performing it with Brian Johnson since 2003. It was such a rousing success that AC/DC continued slotting it first on their 2024-2025 Energy Up tour. Followers wished blood, they usually acquired it.
2. “Riff Raff”
From: Powerage (1978)
Tour: Powerage (1978)
One of many hardest, quickest songs in AC/DC’s catalog, “Riff Raff” opens with a sequence of aggressively strummed chords that virtually taunt the viewers concerning the maelstrom Angus Younger is about to unleash. After working listeners right into a lather, the band crashes in with a steamrolling riff and a groove that simply does not give up. Completely different AC/DC present openers obtain completely different objectives — “Riff Raff” is the right tone setter for a sweaty, breathless punk present. For proof, simply take heed to the incendiary model that opens their 1978 stay album If You Need Blood You have Acquired It.
1. “Reside Wire”
From: T.N.T. (1975)
Excursions: Excessive Voltage (1975) / T.N.T. (1975-76) / Soiled Deeds Finished Grime Low-cost (1976-77) / Powerage (1978) / If You Need Blood (1978-79) / Freeway to Hell (1979)
No band can wring as a lot life out of three chords as AC/DC. “Reside Wire,” which served as a stalwart present opener of their early years, is a major instance. The tune begins with a slow-burning chug, then gathers steam as soon as the vocals enter, with Bon Scott serving libidinous swagger and thinly-veiled menace. “Reside Wire” climaxes throughout Younger’s fiery solo, then ratchets up the strain once more with a guitar break augmented by cymbal catches. For a tune with barely a handful of chords, it is a masterclass in dynamics — and its 1979 rendition on Let There Be Rock: The Film – Reside in Paris exhibits why it is the most effective concert-opening tune of their oeuvre.
AC/DC Reside Albums Ranked Worst to Finest
These Aussies are nothing if not constant.
Gallery Credit score: Bryan Rolli
