The Song That Nearly Ended AC/DC Before Their Rise to Fame

AC/DC has long been regarded as one of the greatest hard rock bands in history. Though critics often label them as repetitive, their consistency is a testament to their deep understanding of their musical influences and their dedication to their signature style. The band has mastered the art of rhythm guitar, electrifying solos, and attitude-driven performances that have captivated fans for decades.

While AC/DC’s sound has remained largely unchanged over the years, there is a reason for this steadfast commitment. During the creation of their seminal album Let There Be Rock, Angus Young and his brother Malcolm had a crucial discussion about the direction of the band. This conversation took place at a time when hard rock was beginning to fall out of mainstream favor, with genres like new wave and punk gaining prominence. Despite the changing musical landscape, AC/DC refused to compromise their artistic vision, choosing instead to remain loyal to the music they loved.

Angus Young has often referred to Let There Be Rock as the definitive AC/DC album due to this pivotal decision. However, it wasn’t the first time the band faced pressure to alter their style. Before they achieved global recognition, record labels attempted to mold them into a more commercially viable act.

“On our first album, High Voltage, we did a love song called ‘Love Song’,” Angus Young once recalled. “That was very different for us. I didn’t know if we were trying to parody love songs of the time because Bon [Scott] wrote the lyrics. I don’t even remember the words. I just remember that the guy from our record label told us that soft music was what was popular on the radio. He thought we should release that song because it would probably get airplay.”

‘Love Song’ was a stark departure from the high-energy rock music that would later define AC/DC. It lacked the raw power, grit, and attitude that fans came to associate with the band. If AC/DC had continued down that path, their legacy might have been entirely different. However, an unexpected turn of events saved them from this fate.

Radio DJs who had seen AC/DC perform live immediately recognized that ‘Love Song’ did not represent the band’s true identity. Rather than playing the intended single, they opted to flip the record and play the B-side instead.

“We were very fortunate, though,” Angus recalled. “All the radio stations that had seen us live knew this was not who we were. So these stations started to flip the record over and play the other song, which was a cover of a blues standard called ‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’. We actually scored a hit from the B-side! That was the one saving grace of the song.”

Had ‘Love Song’ been embraced by the public, AC/DC’s future might have looked very different. Fortunately, the band was given a second chance, and they used it to solidify their status as one of the most iconic rock bands in history. Their unwavering commitment to their style ensured that they remained true to their roots, proving that authenticity always prevails in the end.