A rare piece of AC/DC history has resurfaced—a behind-the-scenes look at the band during their 1983 Flick of the Switch tour. The one-and-a-half-minute clip shows the group gearing up for the stage, with Angus and Malcolm Young jamming the iconic intro to “Hell’s Bells” from Back in Black.
The footage, uploaded to Scott Young’s YouTube channel (no relation), is part of a collection of AC/DC content, including 2016 interviews with former bassist Mark Evans. While the exact date and location of the clip remain unclear, some believe it could be from the band’s November shows at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena, filmed for MTV.
The video offers a raw, candid glimpse into the band’s pre-show vibe. Drummer Simon Wright, fresh from replacing Phil Rudd, is seen sipping a beer, while Brian Johnson, holding a beer and possibly a glass of rosé, jokes around. Bassist Cliff Williams warms up with a Steinberger headless bass, a popular ’80s choice, as cigarette smoke fills the room.
In a light-hearted moment, the soft strumming of “Hell’s Bells” oddly mirrors Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out).”
“Are you in tune, Bri?” Malcolm asks.
“Bleeeeeuuugh,” Brian replies, followed by Angus’s playful “Uuuuurrrgh” as he adjusts his cap.
Before hitting the stage, Brian bounces in place like a boxer prepping for a fight. A random trombone even pops into frame—its purpose unknown—adding an extra layer of mystery to the already intriguing clip.
This rare footage perfectly captures the calm before the storm, offering fans a nostalgic peek into AC/DC’s backstage energy during one of their classic tours.
