AC/DC Prove Why They’re Legends: “Thunderstruck” Live at River Plate
You know a band is the real deal when they sound even better live than in the studio. AC/DC, despite recording some of the most iconic rock anthems ever made, somehow managed to outdo themselves with a blistering live version of “Thunderstruck” at River Plate Stadium in Argentina.
Captured for BBC Four – AC/DC Live at River Plate, the performance features brothers Angus and Malcolm Young in peak form, alongside frontman Brian Johnson, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd. Johnson, as always, commands the crowd with effortless energy — his signature rasp roaring over the electrified chaos as tens of thousands of Argentinians lose their minds in unison. Watch the performance below and see why this show remains one of the greatest live rock moments ever caught on camera.
Argentina’s Love Affair with Hard Rock
South America’s passion for hard rock is legendary, and the River Plate crowd proves it beyond doubt. Their energy elevates every note, turning the performance into something transcendent. Behind the kit, Phil Rudd anchors the chaos with his thunderous precision — his groove sounding even bigger than the original studio track. Interestingly, the studio version of “Thunderstruck” was recorded by Chris Slade during one of Rudd’s absences, making this live rendition a unique showcase of Rudd’s heavier, swinging rhythm.
The Young Brothers at Full Power
Angus and Malcolm Young absolutely tear it up during this show. Their guitars sound massive — perfectly mixed and ferocious. Whoever handled the live production deserves full credit; the tone is pure fire. Rhythm maestro Malcolm displays one of the most powerful right hands in rock history, driving the song forward with razor-sharp precision, while Angus delivers his trademark stage antics and rips through an electrifying solo that reminds everyone why he’s one of the best showmen alive.
From the first lightning riff to the final roar, “Thunderstruck” at River Plate isn’t just a performance — it’s a masterclass in live rock ‘n’ roll. And the crowd, practically a fifth member of the band, amplifies every chord with raw devotion.
Fans Can’t Get Enough
In the YouTube comments, fans continue to rave about the performance. One viewer wrote, “I think this is one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen. What a crowd!” Another added, “The fact that they were in their 50s and 60s here and still rocked this hard is just amazing. That’s AC/DC!”
The Legacy of “Thunderstruck”
Originally released in 1990 as the lead single from The Razors Edge, “Thunderstruck” has become one of AC/DC’s defining songs — and one of the most streamed rock tracks of all time, boasting over 1.2 billion Spotify plays. The song was born from a guitar idea Angus had been tinkering with, while Malcolm added the pounding rhythm that tied it all together. The result was a riff-driven anthem that reignited the band’s career and became a staple of their live shows for decades.
Though “Thunderstruck” arrived relatively late in AC/DC’s catalog — their twelfth studio album — it stands proudly alongside the classics of the Bon Scott era. Together with hits like “Are You Ready,” it helped fuel a massive comeback in the 1990s and proved that AC/DC’s fire was far from fading.
For anyone who doubts the power of live rock, this concert offers the ultimate proof: when AC/DC hit the stage, the world listens — and the thunder rolls.