Play Ball

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Play Ball" by AC/DC from their 2014 album Rock or Bust, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this high-energy anthem! This track, the lead single from the album, has some cool stories behind it. It first hit the airwaves on September 27, 2014, as part of a promotional trailer for Major League Baseball’s postseason coverage on TBS, perfectly matching its gritty, stadium-ready vibe. The song’s music video, filmed in London alongside the "Rock or Bust" video, featured 500 fans rocking out with the band, but drummer Phil Rudd was notably absent due to what was initially called a "family emergency." It later came out that Rudd was dealing with serious legal issues, and Welsh drummer Bob Richards, who’d played with bands like Asia and Shogun, stepped in for the shoot. Richards shared in an interview with Rhythm magazine that he got the call last minute, learned the songs just hours before filming, and had a blast with the band, who welcomed him warmly. The track’s infectious energy also found a home in sports culture, with the Minnesota Twins playing it at Target Field after lineup announcements and the Danish basketball team Svendborg Rabbits using it to pump up home games.

Another layer of trivia comes from frontman Brian Johnson, who revealed in a BBC Radio 6 Music interview that producer Brendan O’Brien kept the band’s adrenaline pumping during recording, calling everyone by their full names like “Angus Young” or “Brian Johnson” to fire them up. O’Brien’s intense approach helped keep "Play Ball" fresh, with Johnson nailing his vocals in just a couple of takes, capturing the raw excitement that Zoo Freaks are grooving to now. The song’s success is undeniable, hitting the top 40 charts in countries like Spain, France, and Switzerland, and it’s one of four tracks from Rock or Bust played live during the band’s 2015 world tour celebrating their 40th anniversary. Fans on Reddit have praised the album’s fun, upbeat vibe, with some calling "Play Ball" a standout for its classic AC/DC swagger, though a few noted the album’s heavy reverb and short song lengths as quirks.

AC/DC kicked off their legendary journey in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, founded by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The band’s name came from a spark of inspiration when a band member spotted “AC/DC” (short for Alternating Current/Direct Current) on a sewing machine and thought it screamed raw power. Starting with a lineup that included vocalist Dave Evans, drummer Colin Burgess, and bassist Larry Van Kriedt, they dove into the gritty Australian pub rock scene, blending hard rock, blues, and what they simply called “rock and roll.” Their early gigs were chaotic, high-energy affairs, and by 1975, they released their debut album, High Voltage, in Australia. The lineup stabilized with singer Bon Scott, drummer Phil Rudd, and bassist Mark Evans, and after Scott’s tragic death in 1980, Brian Johnson stepped in, cementing their sound with the mega-hit Back in Black. Over five decades, AC/DC has sold over 200 million records worldwide, with Back in Black alone moving 50 million units, making it the highest-selling album by any band. Their relentless riffs, Angus’s iconic schoolboy outfit, and unapologetic rock spirit have made them a global force, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Stay connected with AC/DC through their official website, where you can grab news, tour info, and exclusive merch. Follow them on Facebook, with nearly 30 million fans, for updates and throwback posts. Their Instagram is packed with electrifying live shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses, while their X account keeps the Zoo Freaks in the loop with tour teases and new releases. For die-hard fans, check out the AC/DC Fanpage for fan-curated content and song rankings, or join the AC/DC Fans Facebook group to swap stories and setlists with fellow rockers. The Zoo Crew knows the Zoo Freaks are all about that AC/DC energy, so keep those dials locked on THE ZOO for more head-banging classics!