Today, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock bands in the world, but in the summer of 1976, they were just a young band from Australia trying to break into the European market. The band made its first appearances in Sweden during their "Lock Up Your Daughters Tour," and while they didn’t draw massive crowds back then, they left an unforgettable impression on the few who were there.
The Beginning of a Swedish Odyssey
The tour in Sweden began on July 16, 1976, at Cortina in Vinberg, Halland. The performance is now surrounded by myth and legend. AC/DC performed as intermission entertainment for the dance band Jigs, and the stories of what happened that night are both unexpected and entertaining.
According to Swedish Radio, the streetlights in the area reportedly flickered from the sheer volume of the band’s sound. The audience, mainly there to dance to Jigs, retreated further into the venue, shocked by Angus Young’s searing guitar riffs and Bon Scott’s raw vocals.
A Clash of Genres
It wasn’t uncommon at the time for rock bands to share stages with dance bands, especially in Sweden’s folk parks and smaller venues. For many attendees that night, AC/DC’s performance must have been a shock. Transitioning from the smooth tones of dance music to Angus Young’s frantic guitar playing and the band’s explosive energy was an unexpected cultural clash.
For the few who appreciated the band’s music, it was an experience that would stay with them forever. One attendee later remarked that it felt like standing on the edge of something big, even if the audience wasn’t ready for it yet.
Höllviken and Backstage with Bon Scott
After their performance in Vinberg, AC/DC traveled to Höllviken in Skåne, where they played at Nyckelhålet on July 17. The venue was small and intimate, perfectly suited for the band’s raw and straightforward style.
One attendee from that night recalls how he grabbed a beer at the bar and unexpectedly found himself next to Bon Scott, the band’s legendary lead singer. "He was incredibly relaxed and friendly," the witness remembers. "It was hard to believe that just a few minutes later, he would be on stage delivering one of the most energetic performances I’ve ever seen."
This kind of spontaneity and openness defined much of AC/DC’s early years. They weren’t stars yet and were happy to interact with their audience, creating lifelong memories for those lucky enough to be there.
From Lilla Helfvetet to Växjö
Another iconic stop on the tour was July 21, 1976, at Glädjehuset in Stockholm. The band was beginning to build a reputation as an explosive live act, and even though the crowds were still small, word of their performances was spreading.
On July 23, they performed at Barbarella in Växjö, one of the country’s most well-known nightclubs at the time. The club had hosted other big acts before, but AC/DC’s raw energy and passion were something entirely unique.
Witnesses from this show describe how Angus Young, dressed in his iconic school uniform, completely dominated the stage. He moved like a whirlwind, climbed on speakers, and engaged the audience with his intense stage presence.
Final Stop: Anderstorp Raceway
The tour concluded on July 24 at the Anderstorp Raceway, where the band performed during a motorcycle race. It might not have been the most conventional venue for a rock concert, but for AC/DC, it didn’t matter. Their motto was always to give 100 percent, no matter where they played or how big the crowd was.
It’s said that the roar of the motorcycles in the background couldn’t drown out the sound of the band’s powerful amplifiers. Bon Scott took the opportunity to joke with the crowd, telling them they didn’t need earplugs – just scream back.
AC/DC’s Legacy in Sweden
Even though their first tour in Sweden didn’t draw large crowds, it marked the beginning of a long-standing bond between AC/DC and their Swedish fans. The band has returned to Sweden many times over the years, each time to larger and more devoted audiences.
For those who were there during the summer of 1976, the memory of AC/DC’s first shows in Sweden is something truly special. Seeing them on small, intimate stages before they became world-famous is an experience few can boast of.
A Reminder of Rock History
AC/DC’s early performances in Sweden are more than just a part of the band’s history – they’re a part of Swedish music history. They show that even the biggest stars once started on small stages, where they had to fight to win the audience’s hearts.
And perhaps it’s this struggle that made them the band they are today. Because if you can win over an audience expecting dance band music, you can probably conquer the world.
AC/DC’s journey through Sweden in the summer of 1976 was a time filled with unique moments and unexpected encounters. From Cortina in Vinberg to the Anderstorp Raceway, they left an unforgettable impression on the few who were there. It’s a story of passion, hard work, and unwavering belief in their music – a story that still inspires today.
By Chris...
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Skälet att de kom til Sverige och Varberg för sin första utlandsspelning, starten på deras internationella karriär, var att ABBA ville spela i Australien. Myndigheterna ställde krav på reciprocitet för att ge ABBA arbetstillstånd. Det råkade bli ett helt okänt band med det konstiga namnet AC/DC som man försökte hitta spelning för, och Varberg råkade bli första anhalt på världskarriären!