In an exciting rediscovery of AC/DC history, a rare behind-the-scenes video from their 1983 Flick of the Switch tour has surfaced, offering fans an intimate look at the legendary rock band as they prepare for the stage.

The one-and-a-half-minute clip, uploaded to Scott Young’s YouTube channel (unrelated to the band’s late bassist), has sent waves of nostalgia through rock enthusiasts, providing a candid glimpse into the band’s pre-show routine.

Featuring iconic moments of jamming, laughter, and a surprise trombone, this footage is a must-watch for any AC/DC fan.

The clip, though not dated precisely, appears to capture the band gearing up backstage before a performance on their 1983 tour.

Some speculate it could have been filmed during their November shows at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena, a venue that hosted their electrifying performances during this period. Whether or not this footage is from the iconic MTV-filmed shows, it gives viewers a raw, no-frills look at AC/DC’s backstage energy during one of their classic tours.

The Calm Before the Storm: Jamming and Beer-Sipping

The footage opens with a casual yet instantly recognizable scene: Angus and Malcolm Young, the band’s powerhouse guitar duo, effortlessly jamming the opening riff of Hell’s Bells, one of the defining tracks from Back in Black.

The raw energy of the intro serves as a fitting soundtrack to the band’s relaxed vibe just before they hit the stage.

Watching the Young brothers at work in such a laid-back environment underscores the effortless chemistry they shared, both as musicians and as siblings.

Meanwhile, drummer Simon Wright, who had recently replaced Phil Rudd, is seen sipping a beer in the background, contributing to the laid-back yet focused atmosphere.

His presence in the footage captures an interesting moment in AC/DC’s history, with Wright stepping into a major role in the band during one of their most iconic tours.

Bassist Cliff Williams, known for his smooth but steady bass lines, is seen tuning up his instrument—specifically a Steinberger headless bass, a popular choice in the ‘80s. The backstage environment is thick with cigarette smoke, adding a bit of gritty authenticity to the scene.
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Brian Johnson: The Playful Frontman

As the band prepares for their legendary performance, frontman Brian Johnson brings his signature energy and sense of humor to the scene.

Holding a beer in one hand and what looks like a glass of rosé in the other, Johnson jokes around with the rest of the band in a relaxed manner that only adds to the charm of this candid footage.

His playful interaction with the band shows a side of him rarely seen by fans during AC/DC’s electrifying live shows.

In a particularly light-hearted moment, Malcolm Young jokes with Johnson, asking, “Are you in tune, Bri?” to which Johnson replies in his characteristic voice, “Bleeeeeuuugh.”

The back-and-forth banter is met with a playful “Uuuuurrrgh” from Angus Young as he adjusts his cap, adding a touch of humor to what could have been just another pre-show routine.

This moment is the perfect reflection of the camaraderie between the band members—despite the high-stakes nature of their performances, they still know how to have fun before the storm of energy that would follow on stage.
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The Trombone Mystery

One of the most intriguing and downright bizarre elements of this rare footage is the sudden appearance of a trombone.

Yes, you read that right—a random trombone makes an appearance in the frame, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering, “Why is there a trombone backstage?” Its presence is brief, and its purpose is unclear, adding an air of mystery to the clip.

Was it a joke prop, a musical experiment, or perhaps a spontaneous addition to an impromptu jam session? The trombone’s mysterious role remains unanswered, but its inclusion in this already eccentric footage only adds to the charm and intrigue of the scene.

This odd moment has sparked plenty of speculation from fans online, with some joking that the trombone was simply a backstage instrument to lighten the mood, while others wonder if it was meant to be part of an experiment that never made it to the stage.

Regardless of its intended purpose, the trombone’s surprise appearance adds an unexpected layer to this backstage glimpse into one of rock’s most iconic bands.
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The Calm Before the Storm

As the footage continues, fans are treated to a view of the legendary AC/DC pre-show energy. There’s a sense of calm before the storm as Brian Johnson bounces in place, much like a boxer prepping for a fight. His movements, though playful, also showcase his focused energy before he hits the stage and transforms into the powerful frontman the world knows him to be. The entire band, despite the lighthearted moments, is clearly in tune with the magnitude of the performance ahead of them.

In many ways, this footage captures the essence of AC/DC—the perfect balance of professionalism, focus, and playful camaraderie that has defined their success over the years.

While the footage showcases the band’s relaxed vibe in a backstage environment, it’s clear that when it’s time to step onto the stage, AC/DC is ready to deliver an electrifying show.

A Nostalgic Glimpse into AC/DC’s Past

For fans of AC/DC, this rare footage provides a nostalgic look back at one of the most iconic eras in rock history.

The Flick of the Switch tour was an important chapter in the band’s legacy, with memorable performances that solidified their place as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Watching this behind-the-scenes footage reminds us of the hard work, dedication, and humor that went into making AC/DC the legendary band they are today.

This rare glimpse into the band’s energy and dynamics during a key moment in their career will undoubtedly serve as a cherished piece of AC/DC history for fans, providing a deeper understanding of what went on behind the scenes during one of rock’s most enduring tours.