The City of Melbourne has officially begun preparations to celebrate AC/DC’s historic 1976 It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock’n’Roll) music video, coinciding with the band’s upcoming MCG concerts. Councillors unanimously approved the initiative at this month’s Future Melbourne Committee meeting, kickstarting plans for citywide festivities.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece declared the event would cement Melbourne’s status as a global rock capital: “It’s going to be an incredible moment for our city, a moment for us to feel good, and to recognise our greatness as one of the rock and roll capitals of the world. It will be dynamite; it will be T.N.T.”
The council will collaborate with the Victorian Government, music industry stakeholders, and corporate sponsors to stage events, potentially centreed around AC/DC Lane, the Cherry Bar, and a re-enactment of the original 1976 shoot, which saw Bon Scott and the band performing atop a flatbed truck rolling down Swanston Street.
Key supporters include original video director Paul Drane, producer Simon Evans, and Cherry Bar owner James “Hound Dog” Young. Musician Chris Thrum emphasised the cultural significance, recalling: “They drove past Town Hall, and Bon Scott winked towards Town Hall.”
A potential hurdle remains: current AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has historically refused to perform the song out of respect for Scott. The Lord Mayor remains optimistic, suggesting the 50th anniversary could change his stance. If not, Plan B involves tribute acts or guest musicians stepping in.
A full proposal, including budget and event details, will be presented to the committee by August 19. Whether AC/DC participates or not, Melbourne is ready to rock.
