Melbourne prepares to celebrate AC/DC's iconic Long Way To The Top music video anniversary.
The City of Melbourne has officially launched preparations for recreating AC/DC’s legendary Long Way To The Top music video. This initiative marks the 50th anniversary of the original filming, which took place on February 23, 1976.
We looked back on the iconic piece of AC/DC Melbourne history, and the bizarre story behind one of our most famous music moments.
Melbourne councillors unanimously approved the proposal during this month’s Future Melbourne Committee meeting. The decision authorises city management to develop comprehensive celebration plans alongside AC/DC and their representatives. These festivities will coincide with the band’s two massive Melbourne Cricket Ground performances scheduled for November 2025.
City officials plan to collaborate with the Victorian government, corporate sponsors, venue operators and the broader music industry. This partnership approach aims to deliver citywide events that honour AC/DC’s significant contribution to rock music history.
AC/DC Melbourne
- AC/DC performed on an ABC flatbed truck rolling down Swanston Street
- The clip was created for ABC TV’s Countdown program
- The band represents one of Australia’s most successful global music exports
- Their last Australian tour occurred in 2015
AC/DC Australian Tour
- Wednesday 12 November – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Sunday 16 November – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Friday 21 November – Sydney Accor Stadium
- Tuesday 25 November – Sydney Accor Stadium
- Sunday 30 November – Adelaide bp Adelaide Oval
- Thursday 4 December – Perth Optus Stadium
- Sunday 14 December – Brisbane Suncorp Stadium
- Thursday 18 December – Brisbane Suncorp Stadium
- Tickets: On sale now
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The Future Melbourne Committee will receive a detailed report by 19 August outlining specific event proposals and budget allocations. Several Melbourne locations hold special significance for AC/DC’s early career development.
Location proposals
AC/DC Lane presents an obvious celebration venue, featuring renowned street art and proximity to Cherry Bar. The laneway adopted its current name in 2004, previously known as Corporation Lane near Swanston Street.
Additionally, 6 Lansdowne Road in St Kilda East served as AC/DC’s share house during the 1970s. The location, now an apartment building, witnessed the band’s rehearsals and songwriting sessions for many early hits. The building later transformed into a notorious 24-hour party destination.
The corner of Flinders and Spring Street holds historical importance as the former Hard Rock Café site. Promoter Michael Browning, who co-owned the venue, first encountered AC/DC here on 16 October 1974. Subsequently, he became their manager and relocated them from Sydney for a club residency.
Support
The flagship celebration centres on recreating the original Long Way To The Top music video. This iconic clip captured rock history when filmed using an ABC flatbed truck on Swanston Street. The Future Melbourne Committee received letters of support from Paul Drane and Simon Evans, who drove the original flatbed truck.
Additional backing came from Cherry Bar operator James “Hound Dog” Young, former The Age music journalist and Music Victoria CEO Paddy Donovan, Sony Music head Vanessa Pickings, and Ian “Molly” Meldrum. These industry figures recognise the cultural significance of properly commemorating this milestone anniversary.
AC/DC’s influence extends far beyond Australian borders, with the band achieving remarkable commercial success through decades of rock music. Their return to Melbourne represents a significant moment for both the city and Australian music culture.
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