Jailbreak

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank it up as The Zoo Crew spins "Jailbreak" by AC/DC from the 1984 EP '74 Jailbreak! This hard-hitting track, originally recorded in 1976 for the Australian version of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, is a fan favorite known for its raw energy and iconic pause before Bon Scott belts, "But he made it out... with a bullet in his back!" Fans on Songfacts have called this the "greatest pause in rock history," with one listener, Derek from Sarnia, Canada, raving about how it sends chills down the spine. The song's music video, featured on AC/DC's Family Jewels DVD, was groundbreaking for its time, using explosives and fake blood to depict a prison escape. Director Paul Drane noted the chaotic filming process, with prop guys using sticks to force open prison gates due to uncertainty about the explosives' strength, making it one of the first videos to employ such intense effects.

Another tidbit from Reddit discussions reveals the EP's title is a bit misleading. While named '74 Jailbreak, the song "Jailbreak" was recorded in 1976, with the other four tracks from the EP pulled from the 1974 Australian High Voltage album. Fans speculate the title was a nod to the earlier recording sessions, blending the timelines for a gritty, nostalgic vibe. A Brisbane radio station once aired a live AC/DC gig from the era, opening with "Jailbreak," and fans praised the "cranking rhythm section" that defined the band's early sound. This track's raw, unpolished edge, as noted in a post on X, came from loose, fast recording sessions where the band knocked out tracks in days, keeping the live feel Zoo Freaks love.

AC/DC began in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, founded by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The Scottish-born siblings, inspired by their older brother George Young's success in the band The Easybeats, started jamming with local musicians. Malcolm, a rhythm guitarist with a knack for tight riffs, and Angus, a schoolboy-turned-lead-guitarist known for his wild stage antics, recruited vocalist Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans, and drummer Phil Rudd to form the classic lineup. Their early gigs in Sydney pubs and clubs, often playing covers alongside originals, built a loyal following. The 1974 release of their Australian debut High Voltage showcased their high-energy, blues-infused hard rock, with Bon Scott's gritty vocals and Angus's electrifying solos setting them apart. By the time "Jailbreak" hit in 1976, AC/DC was a force in Australia, soon taking their thunderous sound global.

Stay connected with AC/DC through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the AC/DC Wiki on Fandom for deep dives into band history or join discussions on the AC/DC Fans Facebook group, where diehards share memorabilia, concert stories, and love for classics like "Jailbreak." For more fan-driven content, check out Highway to AC/DC, a fan site packed with news, tour updates, and tributes to the band's legacy. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!