Riff Raff

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "Riff Raff" from AC/DC's iconic Powerage album! This track, the fourth on the 1978 release, is a raw, high-energy anthem that captures the band's unrelenting rock 'n' roll spirit. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the recording sessions at Albert Studios in Sydney, where producer George Young, the elder brother of guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, pushed the band to channel raw aggression. For "Riff Raff," Angus Young took his guitar into the control room to lay down the solo, a move that engineer Mark Opitz called unforgettable, noting he spent an hour and a half learning the riff’s intricate structure. Fans on ACDCfans.net rave about its live performance, particularly the 1978 Apollo Theatre show in Scotland, which was filmed for the Family Jewels DVD and kicks off the live album If You Want Blood You've Got It. The song’s blistering riff, described by The Guardian as an "unimprovable spiral," builds for 45 seconds before unleashing its full force, showcasing the band’s confidence.

Interestingly, not everyone in the band was a fan. Drummer Phil Rudd, in a candid interview shared on ACDCfans.net, admitted he "hated" recording "Riff Raff," a sentiment he jokingly reiterated when asked about playing it live. Despite this, fans adore its raw edge, with some on ACDCfans.net calling it the purest expression of AC/DC’s sound. The song’s live rendition at the 2023 Power Trip festival, captured in a fan-made multicam video, left audiences thunderstruck, with bassist Cliff Williams flashing a rare smile. PopMatters notes that "Riff Raff" exemplifies why Powerage is a favorite among rock legends like Keith Richards and Eddie Van Halen, who praise its gritty authenticity. The track’s relentless energy, clocking in at over five minutes, has been likened to a "cavalcade" by Culturesco, making it a staple for Zoo Freaks who love their rock unfiltered.

AC/DC’s journey began in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, when brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, inspired by their older brother George’s success with The Easybeats, decided to form a band. The Young brothers, born in Scotland and raised in Australia, were steeped in rock and blues, drawing from influences like Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones. Malcolm, the rhythm guitarist, and Angus, the lead guitarist known for his schoolboy uniform and frenetic stage presence, recruited vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and drummer Colin Burgess for their debut gig on New Year’s Eve 1973 at Chequers nightclub. The band’s name, suggested by their sister Margaret after seeing “AC/DC” on a sewing machine, perfectly captured their electrifying energy. By 1974, Bon Scott replaced Evans as frontman, bringing a gritty charisma that defined their early sound. Their first album, High Voltage (Australia-only), released in 1975, set the stage for global success, with Powerage marking a pivotal moment in refining their hard rock formula.

Despite lineup changes, including Cliff Williams joining on bass for Powerage and Brian Johnson taking over vocals after Bon Scott’s tragic death in 1980, AC/DC has remained a powerhouse, selling over 200 million albums worldwide. Their relentless touring and no-nonsense approach to rock earned them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. You can stay connected with the band through their official website, follow their updates on Facebook, check out their iconic imagery on Instagram, and join real-time fan discussions on X. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, ACDCfans.net is a vibrant fan hub, while the AC/DC Fans Facebook group offers a space to connect with fellow devotees. There’s also AC/DC Wiki for trivia nerds and RIFF/RAFF, a tribute band site that channels AC/DC’s live energy. So, Zoo Freaks, keep rocking with The Zoo Crew and let "Riff Raff" blow your speakers!