The Zoo Crew is spinning the raw, electrifying AC/DC track "What's Next To The Moon" from their 1978 album Powerage, a favorite among Zoo Freaks for its gritty riffs and cryptic lyrics. One fascinating story about the song comes from a 1979 interview with guitarist Angus Young, who revealed its spontaneous creation. While in the studio, Angus broke a string but kept his guitar, loving its sound that day. Testing a new string, he played a few notes followed by a chord, which became the song’s iconic intro. His brother Malcolm Young immediately recognized its potential, saying, “This would be good to start a song,” and the track was born. This tale, shared on Songfacts, highlights the band’s knack for turning accidents into anthems.
The song’s meaning has sparked endless debate among fans, with its title phrase “What’s next to the moon?” proving particularly enigmatic. A fan on Reddit suggested it might echo a line from the 1950s sitcom The Honeymooners, where Ralph Kramden threatens to send his wife “to the moon,” implying domestic violence—a theory that aligns with some interpretations of the song’s dark, violent imagery. Others, like a commenter on Songfacts, propose it’s about unattainable desires, with the “moon” symbolizing something impossible to give, leaving the narrator to ask what’s next. On ACDCfans.net, fans note the song’s original European mix lacked backing vocals and a guitar solo, giving it a heavier, rawer edge compared to the polished international version—a difference still debated in fan circles.
Lyrically, the song is one of AC/DC’s most poetic, with references to Casey Jones and Superman adding a layer of cultural intrigue. A post on ACDCfans.net describes it as a “stream-of-consciousness poem,” with Bon Scott’s delivery weaving cryptic musings over Phil Rudd’s syncopated drums and Angus’ searing riffs. Fans on the AC/DC Fans Facebook group often praise its unique structure, noting how it stands out even on the stellar Powerage album. The song’s live performance at the 2003 Roseland gig, mentioned on ACDCfans.net, transformed it into a fan favorite, with Cliff Williams and Malcolm joining Bon’s vocals for a powerful finale that Zoo Freaks would surely crank up.
AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, whose raw energy and love for rock ‘n’ roll laid the foundation for their legendary career. The band started with Angus on lead guitar, Malcolm on rhythm guitar, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, drummer Colin Burgess, and vocalist Dave Evans. Their first gig at Chequers nightclub on New Year’s Eve 1973 set the stage for their relentless rise. Bon Scott joined as frontman in 1974, replacing Evans, and his charismatic, gritty vocals defined the band’s early sound. Drawing inspiration from blues rock and bands like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC honed their no-nonsense style through relentless gigging in Australia, releasing their debut album High Voltage in 1975. Their breakthrough came with international tours supporting acts like Aerosmith and Kiss, cementing their reputation for explosive live shows, as noted on Wikipedia.
Zoo Freaks can stay connected with AC/DC through their official website, where they share tour info, music, and news like the recent “Through The Mists Of Time” video. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on their 50th-anniversary gold vinyl reissues and the 2024 Power Up Tour. Fans can dive deeper at ACDCfans.net, a hub for discussions, rare clips, and debates about tracks like “What’s Next To The Moon.” The AC/DC Fans Facebook group is another spot where Zoo Freaks can join thousands sharing memes, setlists, and love for the band’s Bon Scott era. For more fan-driven content, check out the AC/DC Collectors group on Facebook, perfect for trading vinyl and merch stories.
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