In January 1977, AC/DC performed a concert in Eaglehawk that nearly faced cancellation due to concerns over potential “indecent acts” on stage. The event took place at the Eaglehawk Town Hall on January 13 and marked a significant moment in the band’s early career, as they were on the cusp of becoming Australia’s premier rock band. This concert is now remembered as a defining night in Bendigo’s music history.
AC/DC, featuring brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young, frontman Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans, and drummer Phil Rudd, electrified the audience with their high-energy performance. Current reports suggest that the concert remains a topic of nostalgia for many who attended. A fan 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. I still shake a bit every time I think of it, as I was only 14 at the time. It brought me out of my shell.”
The local Borough of Eaglehawk council convened a special meeting on Christmas Eve in 1976 to debate the concert’s fate. Minutes from this meeting reveal a “lengthy discussion” regarding recent negative publicity surrounding performances that were deemed indecent. Council solicitor Reg Schleiger warned that cancelling the concert could result in significant financial repercussions, potentially costing the council “several thousand dollars.” Ultimately, the concert proceeded, solidifying its place in the city’s lore.
Social media activity has surged with fans reminiscing about their experiences at the concert. One attendee shared on social media, “I was front and centre right under Bon Scott. I kept getting squashed against the stage, so I bobbed down to get a breath, and there was a trap door under the stage, so I opened it and sat there for 5 minutes.” Another commented, “I was there, one of my favourite memories.”
AC/DC had previously graced the Bendigo stage in June 1975 and January 1976. Now, the band is set to embark on their international Power Up tour, with a highly anticipated performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 16, 2023. The legacy of that night in Eaglehawk continues to resonate with fans, demonstrating the enduring impact of live music and the powerful connection it fosters among audiences.
As AC/DC prepares for their upcoming tour, reflections on their historical performances remind us of the band’s significant role in shaping Australia’s music scene. The Bendigo concert, marked by controversy and unforgettable energy, remains a cherished memory for many and a testament to the band’s early influence.
