Rock and Rivalry: The Untold Feuds of AC/DC

In the world of rock and roll, few names command respect like AC/DC.

AC/DC | RhinoTheir thunderous riffs and electrifying performances have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.

However, behind the curtain of pyrotechnics and powerful anthems lies a saga of fierce rivalries and explosive clashes that have shaped the band’s legacy.

This is the story of how AC/DC, the titans of rock, navigated the treacherous waters of fame, refusing to share the stage with six legendary bands, each feud steeped in drama and intensity.

The journey begins in the heart of the 1970s, a time when AC/DC was carving its niche in the rock scene.

With Bon Scott at the helm, the band was known for its raw energy and unapologetic attitude.

But as they rose to fame, they encountered other bands that would become the backdrop of their tumultuous story.

The first on this list was none other than Led Zeppelin, the legendary rock gods whose reputation preceded them.

AC/DC had long admired Led Zeppelin, but admiration turned to resentment when they were denied the opportunity to open for them on a major tour.

Angus Young, the wild-eyed guitarist, felt the sting of rejection deeply.

“I remember thinking, ‘What do we have to do to get a break?’” he recalled.

AC/DC Are The Ultimate Live Band. If They Can't Tour – What Now?The tension simmered, and as Led Zeppelin continued to dominate the charts, AC/DC vowed to carve their own path, refusing to play second fiddle to anyone.

The rivalry intensified when Robert Plant, the charismatic frontman of Led Zeppelin, publicly dismissed AC/DC as “just another band trying to ride our coattails.


The insult ignited a fire within Bon Scott, who responded with a fierce determination to prove their worth.

“Let them talk,” he said, his voice dripping with defiance.

“We’ll show them what real rock and roll is.


Thus, the seeds of rivalry were sown, fueling AC/DC’s relentless pursuit of greatness.

The impossible return of AC/DC: 'You could feel the electricity in the air'  | AC/DC | The GuardianAs the years rolled on, AC/DC faced another formidable foe: Guns N’ Roses.

The clash of egos and styles was inevitable when both bands found themselves headlining major festivals.

Axl Rose, the enigmatic frontman of Guns N’ Roses, was known for his unpredictable behavior, and his arrogance rubbed AC/DC the wrong way.

Malcolm Young, the band’s steadfast rhythm guitarist, recalled a backstage encounter that would become legendary.

“Axl strutted in like he owned the place,” he said, shaking his head.

“We didn’t take kindly to that.

The tension reached a boiling point during a festival in the late 80s when Axl made a snide remark about AC/DC’s performance.

“Those guys are living in the past,” he sneered, igniting a feud that would last for years.

In retaliation, AC/DC refused to share the stage with Guns N’ Roses, declaring that they wouldn’t play alongside a band that disrespected their legacy.

“It’s about respect,” Brian Johnson, the band’s new frontman, asserted.

“We’ve earned our place in rock history, and we won’t let anyone tarnish that.

But the feuds didn’t stop there.

AC/DC found themselves in a bitter rivalry with Metallica, another powerhouse of the rock genre.

The clash of styles—AC/DC’s hard-hitting rock versus Metallica’s thrash metal—created a palpable tension whenever the two bands were scheduled to perform at the same festival.

James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman, once remarked, “We’re the future of rock, while they’re stuck in the past.


The comment ignited a firestorm, with AC/DC firing back, “We’ve paved the way for bands like you, so show some respect.

The animosity escalated when both bands were nominated for a prestigious award.

AC/DC Interview: Angus Young, Brian Johnson on New 'Power Up' AlbumAC/DC felt slighted when Metallica won, leading to a public spat that captivated the rock community.

“Winning isn’t everything,” Angus stated defiantly.

“But it’s about who you share the stage with, and we’d rather play solo than with those pretenders.


The feud solidified AC/DC’s reputation as a band that wouldn’t back down, no matter the odds.

As the 90s rolled in, AC/DC encountered another rival in the form of Nirvana.

The grunge movement was sweeping the nation, and Kurt Cobain’s band represented a new wave of music that threatened to overshadow the classic rock sound.

AC/DC viewed Nirvana as a direct challenge to their legacy, and the tension was palpable.

Kurt, known for his disdain for mainstream rock, once quipped, “That’s not real music; it’s just noise.


The comment ignited a passionate response from AC/DC, who refused to share the stage with a band they deemed disrespectful.

“We’ll stick to our roots,” Malcolm said firmly.

“Let them have their moment; we know who we are.

The rivalry reached its peak when AC/DC was invited to perform at a festival that Nirvana was also headlining.

The band declined, citing their refusal to share the stage with a band that criticized their genre.

“It’s about preserving rock and roll,” Brian said, a steely resolve in his voice.

“Real music deserves respect, and we won’t compromise that.

The final chapter in this saga of rivalries came with Iron Maiden, a band known for their theatrical performances and powerful sound.

Bruce Dickinson, the charismatic frontman, had always been vocal about his admiration for AC/DC, but that admiration turned sour when the two bands were booked for the same tour.

AC/DC felt that Iron Maiden’s elaborate stage shows overshadowed their straightforward rock approach.

Angus recalled a moment when he overheard Bruce making comments about their style.

“He said we were just a bunch of guys in school uniforms playing the same old riffs,” Angus recounted, his eyes narrowing in anger.

The feud escalated when Iron Maiden challenged AC/DC to a battle of the bands, a move that AC/DC took as an affront to their legacy.

“Why would we compete with a band that’s trying to be something they’re not?” Malcolm scoffed.

“We’re here to rock, not to play games.


AC/DC Apparently Reveal New Album Title with Promo Posters, WebsiteIn a bold move, AC/DC announced they would not tour with Iron Maiden, cementing their stance as a band that wouldn’t compromise their identity.

As the years went by, AC/DC continued to thrive, their music echoing through arenas worldwide.

But the rivalries left scars, shaping their identity as a band that refused to back down.

The feuds became part of their lore, stories told in hushed tones among fans and musicians alike.

AC/DC emerged not just as rock legends but as warriors in a battle for respect and recognition in a world filled with egos and rivalries.

In the end, it was clear that AC/DC didn’t just make music; they forged a legacy through their defiance and refusal to share the stage with those they deemed unworthy.

Their story is a testament to the power of rock and roll, a narrative filled with passion, rivalry, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

As they continue to rock stages around the world, the echoes of their feuds serve as a reminder of the battles fought and the victories won.

AC/DC stands tall, not just as a band but as icons of a genre that will forever be defined by its fierce spirit and unyielding resolve.