In January 1977, a concert by the iconic Australian rock band AC/DC nearly faced cancellation due to concerns over “indecent acts” on stage. This memorable performance took place at the Eaglehawk Town Hall and has since become a significant part of the region’s musical history. The band, featuring brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, frontman Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans, and drummer Phil Rudd, played on January 13, marking their last appearance in Bendigo.
As AC/DC gained momentum in their rise to fame, local authorities deliberated the concert’s fate. The Borough of Eaglehawk council held a special meeting on Christmas Eve in 1976 to discuss the potential impact of the concert, particularly following “recent adverse publicity” related to performances deemed indecent. The council’s solicitor, Reg Schleiger, warned that breaching the contract with AC/DC could result in financial liabilities amounting to “perhaps several thousand dollars.” Ultimately, the concert proceeded, resulting in an unforgettable night for attendees.
Fans who experienced the concert still reflect on it with enthusiasm. One attendee recalled, “It was loud, very loud. I was standing right next to the speaker to the left of the stage, looking from the entrance. The atmosphere was electric.” This fan, who was only 14 at the time, described the lasting impact the concert had on him.
Social media has been abuzz with nostalgic accounts from those who attended the event. One commenter shared, “I was front and centre right under Bon Scott. I kept getting squashed against the stage, so I bobbed down to catch my breath and found a trap door under the stage. I opened it and sat there for five minutes just to breathe.” Another fan remarked, “I was there, six months before leaving for America. I have seen many concerts over the years, but that one was the best.”
AC/DC had previously performed in Bendigo in June 1975 and January 1976, yet the 1977 concert remains particularly special. As the band embarks on their international Power Up tour, they are set to play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 16, 2023. The upcoming show is generating excitement among long-time fans and new audiences alike.
The legacy of the Eaglehawk concert endures, illustrating the profound impact of live music and the memories it creates. As AC/DC continues to draw crowds around the world, this chapter of their history remains a cherished memory for those who witnessed it.
