AC/DC's Rise to Fame: A Look Back at Their Early Days Opening for Legendary Acts

AC/DC's Rise to Fame: A Look Back at Their Early Days Opening for Legendary Acts

AC/DC, the iconic Australian band, had humble beginnings opening for established acts like Kiss, Black Sabbath, and The Stranglers in the 1970s. One such instance was when they supported Rainbow, led by Ritchie Blackmore, during a European tour in 1976. Rainbow's singer, Ronnie James Dio, admitted that AC/DC's energetic performances often overshadowed their own, leaving them in awe of the younger band's raw talent and stage presence.

Despite Rainbow's confidence in their own abilities, AC/DC's electrifying shows captivated audiences and earned them encores every night. Dio and his bandmates, including drummer Cozy Powell, were impressed by Angus Young's dynamic presence on stage and acknowledged that AC/DC's performance style was a stark contrast to their own more elaborate and intricate musical arrangements.

While the two bands didn't interact much offstage, Dio shared a humorous anecdote about Malcolm Young's straightforward demeanor when looking for beer in Rainbow's dressing room. Despite the differences in their approaches to music and performance, Dio had positive interactions with AC/DC's frontman, Bon Scott, whom he found to be friendly and appreciative.

After the European tour concluded, Rainbow headed to Australia for shows, while AC/DC continued touring in the UK, eventually headlining prestigious venues like London's Hammersmith Odeon. Dio acknowledged AC/DC's potential for success but admitted that he didn't foresee the immense popularity and impact the band would achieve in the years to come.