Problem Child (Live 1978)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank it up with the raw energy of AC/DC’s “Problem Child (Live 1978)” from their electrifying live album If You Want Blood You’ve Got It! This track, recorded at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow on April 30, 1978, captures the band at their peak during the Powerage tour, with Bon Scott’s gritty vocals and Angus Young’s blistering guitar riffs driving the crowd wild. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 1976 interview with RAM magazine, where Bon Scott cheekily claimed “Problem Child” was about Angus Young himself, hinting at the guitarist’s rebellious, schoolboy-uniformed persona that became iconic. The song’s rebellious spirit resonates with fans, as seen in a Songfacts post where a fan from Miami Beach raved about the intro, saying Bon’s “cop this” sounds like a defiant “f*** this,” adding to the song’s raw edge. Another fan on the same site noted how Judas Priest loved “Problem Child” so much they borrowed its riff for their own “Devil’s Child,” showing the song’s influence in the rock world.

The live version on If You Want Blood is a fan favorite, with the Glasgow crowd’s energy practically leaping out of the speakers. A Reddit user on the r/ACDC subreddit praised the album’s authenticity, noting that while some overdubs were used—a common practice for live albums of the era—the raw power of AC/DC’s performance shines through. The song itself, written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, embodies the band’s no-nonsense attitude, with lyrics like “I’m a problem child” screaming defiance. A post on X from April 2025 called it a perfect encapsulation of the band’s early rebellious energy, and it’s no wonder it appeared on three AC/DC albums: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Let There Be Rock, and If You Want Blood. Fun fact: the Dirty Deeds version has a unique outro where the band kicks back into the riff after a drum fill, fading out with extra swagger, as noted by a fan on Songfacts.

AC/DC got their start in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, founded by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, both born in Glasgow, Scotland, before their family immigrated to Australia. The Young brothers were inspired by their older brother George Young, a member of the successful 1960s band The Easybeats, and his production work with Harry Vanda. Malcolm, a rhythm guitarist with a knack for tight riffs, and Angus, a lead guitarist with a wild stage presence, formed the band with a rotating lineup that solidified with Bon Scott on vocals by 1974. Scott, also Scottish-born, brought a streetwise charisma and clever lyricism, having previously fronted bands like The Valentines. Their early gigs in Sydney’s pubs and clubs built a loyal following, with Angus’s schoolboy outfit—suggested by their sister Margaret—becoming a visual trademark. By 1975, their debut album High Voltage hit the Australian charts, blending raw rock with cheeky humor, setting the stage for global success. The band’s relentless touring and albums like T.N.T. and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap cemented their reputation as hard rock titans.

Stay connected with AC/DC through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and more. Fans can dive deeper at the official AC/DC website, which offers merch, tour dates, and band history. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, check out fan-driven spaces like the AC/DC Fans Facebook group, where diehards share rare photos, concert stories, and vinyl finds. Another great spot is AC/DC Bootlegs, a fan site dedicated to rare recordings and memorabilia, perfect for collectors. And don’t miss the r/ACDC subreddit, where fans debate setlists, share cover videos, and keep the high-voltage spirit alive. So, Zoo Crew, keep spinning those records and let “Problem Child” rock your airwaves!