Ride On

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful blues of AC/DC's "Ride On" from their 1976 album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, a track that stands out for its introspective vibe, a rarity in the band's high-octane catalog. Unlike their usual hard-rock anthems, "Ride On" carries a slow, melancholic feel, with Bon Scott's reflective lyrics painting the picture of a man drowning his regrets in alcohol over a failed relationship. Fans on Reddit have called it a "true gem," with one user noting its deep emotional pull, saying it feels like "a combo of all the sad things in life." The song’s significance is amplified by Angus Young’s soulful guitar solo, which biographer Murray Engleheart, in his 2006 memoir, praised as a highlight, describing the track as a near "character study" of Scott’s personal struggles.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s subtle differences across releases. The Australian version of "Ride On" is four seconds shorter than the international cut, due to a minor speed issue, though fans argue the final guitar slide sounds crisper on the original. The track’s raw emotion resonated widely, even inspiring a cover by the French band Trust in 1979, after they supported AC/DC in Paris. Social media posts, like one from @crockpics on X in December 2024, show fans still debating their favorite tracks from the album, with "Ride On" often cited for its haunting depth. A Reddit user shared how the song got them through tough teenage years, while another speculated it hinted at what a Bon Scott solo album might have sounded like, given its personal tone.

AC/DC kicked off their journey in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, founded by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The name came from their sister Margaret, who spotted "AC/DC" on her sewing machine’s AC adapter and suggested it captured the band’s raw energy. Their first gig was at Chequers nightclub on New Year’s Eve 1973, with a lineup including vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and drummer Colin Burgess. Early performances leaned into a glam-rock vibe, but fan backlash pushed them toward a harder blues-rock sound. By 1974, after moving to Melbourne, they met Bon Scott, a seasoned rocker whose gritty charisma replaced Evans. This shift, coupled with manager Michael Browning’s guidance, set the stage for their debut album, High Voltage, in 1975.

The band’s relentless gigging at venues like Melbourne’s Hard Rock honed their explosive live act, with Angus’s schoolboy outfit—also Margaret’s idea—becoming iconic. Their 1976 album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, recorded amid grueling tours, cemented their reputation, though it wasn’t released in the U.S. until 1981, after Scott’s tragic death in 1980. AC/DC powered through with Brian Johnson, hitting global stardom with Back in Black. You can follow their legacy on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like Dirty Deeds USA, a tribute band page, and community hubs like the AC/DC Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect over their love for tracks like "Ride On."