Perhaps I’m guilty of overusing words like “blistering” or “insane” when it comes to describing a live performance by AC/DC, especially when the perpetually shirtless Bon Scott is involved. However in this case both words perfectly describe this footage from the band’s appearance on the short-lived BBC television show Rock Goes to College back in 1978. The gigs filmed for the show were intimate affairs—limited to a few thousand fans which you really get a feel for when you watch the young hell-bent Aussies (Angus Young was only 23 at the time and his brother Malcolm just 25) rip through songs from 1978’s Powerage (as well as the band’s live record If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) from the same year), 1977’s Let There Be Rock, and 1975’s T.N.T. The resulting set is an absolutely titanic cross-section of the band’s already spectacular catalog. Also of note is the fact that in 1978 the band was still somewhat “under the radar” though they were already wildly popular in their homeland which makes this raw footage shot in the UK extra compelling.

The historic footage from the first season of Rock Goes To College (as well as the audio from the show) has been bootlegged over the years and the original episode with AC/DC (as well as other episodes) occasionally still make the rounds on the BBC so keep your eyes peeled. Though this couldn’t possibly be played loud enough I am still strongly suggesting that you adjust your volume appropriately. Or as I like to say “turn it up as high as fuck.” Do it now!
 

AC/DC’s full performance on ‘Rock Goes To College,’ 1978.

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
‘Kenneth, what is the frequency?’ The weird connection between AC/DC and the 1986 Dan Rather assault
Glamtastic footage of AC/DC *before* Bon Scott
Photos of AC/DC live at CBGB’s in 1977