Rock or Bust

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Rock or Bust" by AC/DC, from their 2014 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out. This hard-hitting anthem, the second single from the album, was written by Angus and Malcolm Young, capturing the band’s relentless spirit with its crunching riffs and Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals. An interesting tidbit from Rolling Stone reveals that Angus Young described the song’s swinging-thunder riff as something he’d “kicked around for years in different forms” before perfecting it for this release. The track’s music video, shot over two days in October 2014 at Black Island Studios in Middlesex, England, featured 500 fans who swarmed London to be part of the action, as noted in a post by @acdc on X. However, drummer Phil Rudd was absent due to what was initially called a “family emergency,” later revealed to be legal troubles involving murder allegations, which were eventually dropped. Welsh drummer Bob Richards, who had played with bands like Shogun, stepped in for the shoot, telling Rhythm magazine he had only an hour to learn the song, practicing with “a bit of air drumming” before filming with the band, who welcomed him warmly.

Another layer to the song’s story comes from Brian Johnson, who shared in an interview that he considered calling the album *Man Down* in reference to Malcolm Young’s absence due to dementia, but opted for *Rock or Bust* as it felt “straight from the heart,” according to Songfacts. The song embodies AC/DC’s defiant attitude, with lyrics like “In rock we trust, it’s rock or bust,” proclaiming their unwavering commitment to rock ‘n’ roll. The track was performed at the 2015 Grammy Awards, paired with “Highway to Hell,” marking a high-energy moment for the band, who had been snubbed by Grammy voters until their 2010 win for “War Machine.” The song’s raw power and the band’s resilience shone through, despite the challenges they faced during the album’s production, making it a fitting anthem for both the band and their devoted Zoo Freak listeners.

AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who were born in Scotland and immigrated to Australia with their family. Inspired by their older brother George Young, a member of the successful band The Easybeats, the Young brothers started jamming together, with Malcolm on rhythm guitar and Angus on lead, known for his iconic schoolboy outfit. They recruited vocalist Dave Evans, drummer Colin Burgess, and bassist Larry Van Kriedt to complete the initial lineup. The band’s name came from their sister Margaret, who saw “AC/DC” (alternating current/direct current) on an electric sewing machine and suggested it, as it reflected the band’s high-voltage energy. Their early gigs in Sydney’s pub scene honed their raw, blues-infused rock sound, influenced by Australian pub rock pioneers like Lobby Loyde. By 1975, they released their debut album, *High Voltage*, and after lineup changes, including the addition of Bon Scott as vocalist, they solidified their sound with albums like *Let There Be Rock* (1977) and *Highway to Hell* (1979). Following Scott’s tragic death in 1980, Brian Johnson joined, leading to the monumental *Back in Black* (1980), which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, cementing AC/DC as one of the best-selling bands of all time with over 200 million records sold.

Fans can stay connected with AC/DC through their official website, where they share news, tour info, and music updates, like the recent video for “Through The Mists Of Time.” Their social media presence is strong, with their Facebook page offering tour announcements and nostalgic posts, their Instagram showcasing vibrant concert shots and album art, and their X account posting teasers and behind-the-scenes content, such as the “Rock Or Bust” video shoot. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. ACDCfans.net is a dedicated forum for discussions, news, and fan stories, while ac-dc.net, online since 1997, offers a detailed discography, tour history, and photos. On Facebook, groups like “AC/DC Fans” and “AC/DC Worldwide” unite fans sharing concert experiences, cover band recommendations, and love for tracks like “Rock or Bust,” keeping the band’s legacy alive for the Zoo Crew and beyond.