How AC/DC Played "Highway to Hell" Before It Was Famous

Bon Scott steps up to the microphone at Day on the Green to announce AC/DC’s upcoming single, telling the massive stadium audience that their new record drops in just six days. As rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and bassist Cliff Williams lock into the rhythm pocket alongside Phil Rudd’s steady snare, Angus Young unleashes the iconic three-chord opening riff of "Highway to Hell" on his Gibson SG. This excerpt captures a rare moment in rock history: a legendary anthem being introduced to 60,000 fans right before its global release. Recorded live on July 21, 1979, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, this performance took place during the "Monsters of Rock" edition of Bill Graham’s Day on the Green festival series. Sharing a massive stadium bill with Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, and St. Louis, the classic lineup featuring vocalist Bon Scott, lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd delivered a blistering outdoor set that cemented their reputation as one of the premier live hard-rock acts of the era. #ACDC #BonScott #AngusYoung #HighwayToHell #ClassicRock #HardRock #OaklandColiseum #DayOnTheGreen #70sRock