Love at First Feel

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "AC/DC"'s "Love at First Feel" from their raw and rowdy album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. This track, exclusive to the international release in November 1976, never made it onto the original Australian edition, making it a rare gem in "AC/DC"'s catalog. It’s one of only two songs from their international albums not available in Australia, alongside "Cold Hearted Man" from Powerage. The song was, however, released as a single in Australia in January 1977, backed with "Problem Child," and it scratched its way into the Top 100 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart. Its cheeky lyrics, penned by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, capture the band’s signature blend of lust and mischief, with lines like “It was love at first feel, just like a sin.” Fun fact: singer/songwriter Mark Kozelek covered this track on his What’s Next to the Moon album, giving it a haunting, stripped-down twist that contrasts "AC/DC"'s high-voltage energy.

Another tidbit about "Love at First Feel" comes from its recording history. The track was laid down in the UK at Vineland Studios during a hectic period when "AC/DC" was juggling their first UK tour in April 1976. Producers Harry Vanda and George Young, the latter being the elder brother of Angus and Malcolm, pushed the band to capture their live intensity in the studio. The song’s gritty vibe reflects the band’s relentless schedule, with Bon Scott’s vocals dripping with a rebellious charm that defined their early sound. Fans on AC/DC fan groups often debate whether this track’s exclusion from the Australian album was a missed opportunity or a deliberate move to keep the international release distinct. Either way, its cult status among diehard fans is undeniable, with many praising its raw, unpolished edge on platforms like X.

"AC/DC"’s origin story is as electrifying as their music. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, the band was sparked by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, whose older brother George Young (of The Easybeats fame) played a pivotal role as their producer. The Young brothers, inspired by raw rock and roll and blues, recruited vocalist Bon Scott, whose rough-and-tumble persona—complete with a rap sheet of minor convictions and a rejection from the Australian Army for being “socially maladjusted”—gave the band its gritty edge. Drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Mark Evans rounded out the early lineup, and "AC/DC" quickly built a reputation for their high-energy live shows. Their debut album, High Voltage, dropped in Australia in 1975, followed by T.N.T., setting the stage for their international breakthrough with Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. The band’s name, inspired by the “AC/DC” label on their sister’s sewing machine, perfectly captured their alternating current of raw power and cheeky humor.

"AC/DC" has stayed connected with fans through their official channels and vibrant fan communities. Their official website is a hub for tour dates, merch, and news, while their Facebook and Instagram pages offer glimpses into their ongoing legacy, from throwback photos to tour announcements. On X, the band shares updates and engages with fans, like their January 2025 post celebrating the 1977 release of the "Love at First Feel" single. Fan-driven spaces thrive too, with Facebook groups like AC/DC Fans buzzing with discussions, rare vinyl trades, and concert stories. Websites like AC/DC Abridged and AC/DC Wiki dive deep into the band’s history, offering trivia and discographies for hardcore Zoo Freaks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just feeling the love at first listen, "AC/DC"’s rebellious spirit keeps the rock rolling.