‘It would be absol­utely incredible’: Push to get AC/DC to return to Swanston St to recreate famous music video

Talks are underway to get the Aussie music legends to hop back on a flat-bed truck to recreate the almost 50-year-old music video for It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll).

AC/DC will play at the MCG in November. Picture: AFP

Town Hall is considering leaving Melbourne music fans Thunderstruck by helping to re-create an iconic music video featuring Aussie rock royalty performing in the CBD.

It comes after the Sunday Herald Sun revealed that AC/DC are set to play at the MCG in November as part of their Power Up tour.

Next February, it will be 50 years since AC/DC filmed the music video for It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll) on a flat-bed truck travelling down Swanston St.

The council is planning to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the music video with tributes from Melbourne acts, but it is understood Town Hall could also seek to re-create the scene with AC/DC when the band performs its Melbourne shows in November.

AC/DC playing It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) on Swanston St in 1976. Picture: Albert Music

“If we got AC/DC on a flat-bed truck going down Swanston St, it would be absol­utely incredible,” a senior Town Hall source said.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said “recreating that iconic moment on Swanston St would be unforgettable”.

While not confirmed to proceed, the proposal to recreate the iconic music video is being discussed at the highest levels.

Detailing the anniversary tributes plan, Mr Reece added: “From that flat-bed stage, the band took on the world – and to this day, remain the most influential Aussie rock band of all time.

“Next year marks the 50th anniversary and I’d love to see the city painted black and the volume turned up to 11.

“Picture this: a week of live gigs in the newly opened City Square – local bands belting out Acca Dacca anthems, guitarists shredding those unforgettable riffs, and of course, the bagpipes.”

Brian Johnson and Angus Young could return to Swanston St on the back of a flat-bed truck stage. Picture: Getty

Regarding the Melbourne leg of AC/DC’s Power Up tour, the band’s Australian tour promoter Christo Van Egmond, of TEG Van Egmond, yesterday told the Herald Sun “nothing is confirmed at this stage” in terms of dates.

But it is believed an official tour announcement from the band is imminent.

The new tour includes rock anthems Hells Bell, Back In Black, Highway To Hell, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and You Shook Me All Night Long.

The band last performed at Docklands Stadium 10 years ago.

Meanwhile, Terry Cook, a production designer on the tour, said AC/DC guitar hero Angus Young will get closer to the fans at these shows.

“AC/DC planned their show with a focus on fan ­interaction, creativity and pushing boundaries,” he said.

“They introduced new stage elements for Angus to engage with the audience up close. Fan connection was a key priority throughout the planning process.”

The massive staging features a long centre runway, and other shorter runways for Young to strut his stuff.

Mr Cook said the band will turn up the wattage throughout the show.

“They are known for one particular line, ‘let there be light’ (on the song Let There Be Rock) and we blind the audience,” Mr Cook said.

“Having firepower and the right firepower is important for us. I love the opening of the show, especially when the town name appears on screen and the fans go wild.

“The highlight for me is when the cannons are fired, a spectacular moment that has been part of AC/DC’s world for years. The show is bright, loud and full of energy.”

Originally published as ‘It would be absol­utely incredible’: Push to get AC/DC to return to Swanston St to recreate famous music video