AC/DC "Big 4" Alternatives

When Angus Young hits the first solo notes to “Thunderstruck” the fans know what to expect.  They await the powerful drum beat 29 seconds later to chant “THUNDER” along with Brian Johnson.  We all know the massive popularity and instant recognizability of “Thunderstruck”, but at this point, we also know the difficulties in licensing the track without mortgaging the stadium in the process. 

AC/DC’s anthems are a staple in sports arenas, igniting crowds with their raw energy. However, licensing the “Big 4” (“Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “Hells Bells,” and “Highway to Hell”) can be an expensive hurdle to clear. These iconic songs, which have collectively sold millions and topped charts, come with high costs and strict approvals. For instance, securing “Thunderstruck” for Varsity Blues reportedly cost $500,000. The band has a well-documented reluctance to allow for sports sync, except in very specific instances.

One of those instances that stands out is the use by The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.  They went a non-traditional route and lean on a long-standing relationship with the band that allows for several uses of “Thunderstruck” including their TV program.  When the track is played during their routine every game, it’s played raw in stadium which is covered under the team’s PRO licenses (It’s good to note that labels and publishers have recently chased licenses and fees for cheerleading programs and the “appearance of sync” in the stadium visual).

At The Score, we understand that AC/DC power vibe and we want to make sure you have access to it without licensing headaches. That’s why we’ve worked with a friend at Sony to curate a playlist of 30 OUTSTANDING alternative AC/DC tracks that deliver the same hard-hitting, crowd-pumping energy but are more accessible for clearance in sports media, such as open videos, hype reels and other in-game and social media use. Here are five highlights from our playlist to get you started:

“Let There Be Rock” (1977, Let There Be Rock): A boogie-blues epic with Bon Scott’s raw vocals, this track’s live energy (often extended to 10 minutes) is a showstopper, perfect for game openers. Its licensing history is less restrictive than the “Big 4.”

“Demon Fire” (2020, Power Up): A modern, fiery track with blistering riffs, it hit #7 on the US Mainstream Rock chart, offering a fresh, high-energy option.

“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” (1981, For Those About to Rock): This anthemic powerhouse, with its iconic cannon blasts, is a stadium staple, ideal for fan pump-up moments.

“Are You Ready” (1990, The Razors Edge): With its driving beat and uplifting vibe, this track reached #16 on the US Mainstream Rock chart, making it a great fit for an open or hype video.

“Stiff Upper Lip” (2000, Stiff Upper Lip): A gritty, bluesy rocker with Brian Johnson’s swagger, the track kicks in at the :24 mark.

These tracks (and the 25 additional tracks on our playlist) capture AC/DC’s signature rock ‘n’ roll swagger and energy. Our playlist below offers diverse options, from Bon Scott’s raw edge to Brian Johnson’s gravelly power, all tailored for in stadium use.

If you have questions or need licensing help, contact The Score Music and Sports Marketing to streamline your music licensing process. We will help you secure the music and mood you need for all sync videos and social media use.  Email John Adams for a free consultation.