Go Down

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Go Down" by AC/DC, a raw, electrifying track from their 1977 album Let There Be Rock, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, often overlooked, kicks off the album with a punch, as noted by fans on ACDCfans.net, where one enthusiast described its opening as "1, 2, 3, Boom!"—a moment of pure rock energy that hooked listeners instantly. The track's sexually charged lyrics, penned by Bon Scott, Angus Young, and Malcolm Young, are said to be inspired by a groupie known as "Ruby Lips," a figure Scott likely knew intimately, according to Songfacts. Its shuffle rhythm, driven by Phil Rudd's deceptively complex drumming, is a standout, with fans on ACDCfans.net praising its "vicious" attitude compared to other AC/DC shuffles. Interestingly, the Australian vinyl release of Let There Be Rock featured a shorter version of "Go Down" with an early fade-out, clocking in at 5:17 instead of the international version's 5:33, as mentioned on Wikipedia.

Another tidbit from ACDCfans.net highlights the song's lyrical structure, where Scott immortalizes women like "Ruby" and "Mary" by dedicating verses to them, a nod to the band's triumphant return to Australia after their first UK tour. Fans speculate this reflects Scott reconnecting with old flames, adding a personal layer to the song's swagger. The track's raw power is amplified by Angus Young's lead phrasing, which banters with Scott's vocals post-solo, creating a dynamic interplay that fans adore. Despite its brilliance, "Go Down" was rarely performed live by Bon Scott, though Brian Johnson delivered a "ballsy" version for VH1, as noted in a fan thread on ACDCfans.net. The song's gritty guitar tones, described as the quintessential Marshall amp sound, make it a favorite for those who crave AC/DC's early, unpolished edge.

AC/DC was born in Sydney, Australia, in November 1973, founded by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who remain the band's core. The Young brothers, born in Glasgow, Scotland, immigrated to Australia with their family in 1963, carrying a deep love for rock and roll. Inspired by artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, they started jamming together, with Malcolm on rhythm guitar and Angus on lead, developing their signature hard-hitting sound. Their older brother, George Young, a member of the Easybeats, played a pivotal role as a mentor and later co-producer with Harry Vanda. AC/DC's early lineup included vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and drummer Colin Burgess, but it was the arrival of Bon Scott in 1974 that solidified their gritty identity. Scott, a seasoned performer from the band Fraternity, brought a charismatic, rough-edged charm that meshed perfectly with the Youngs' relentless riffs, as detailed on Wikipedia.

The band's name, inspired by the "AC/DC" label on their sister Margaret's sewing machine, symbolized the raw electrical energy they aimed to deliver. Their early gigs in Sydney clubs, like the Chequers, honed their no-nonsense rock style, blending high-energy performances with Angus's schoolboy-uniform antics, an idea suggested by Margaret. By 1975, they released their debut album, High Voltage, in Australia, followed by T.N.T., which showcased their knack for catchy, hard-rock anthems. The addition of bassist Mark Evans and drummer Phil Rudd stabilized the lineup, leading to their international breakthrough with the 1976 High Voltage release. Despite setbacks, like Atlantic Records initially rejecting Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap in the U.S., AC/DC's relentless touring and raw sound built a global fanbase, cementing their status as rock legends by the time Let There Be Rock dropped in 1977.

For the latest on AC/DC, check out their official website for news, tour info, and more. Connect with them on social media via their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates like the 2020 Power Up album teasers and throwbacks to classics like "Let There Be Rock." Fans can dive deeper on ACDCfans.net, a vibrant forum for Zoo Freaks and beyond, discussing everything from rare tracks to upcoming shows. Join the AC/DC Fans Facebook group for more community-driven passion, where devotees share memorabilia, cover band gigs, and love for songs like "Go Down." Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let AC/DC electrify your soul!