"It's a long way to the top if you want to Rock n Roll!" AC/DC
"It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll!"
– AC/DC, 1975
Few lyrics capture the struggle and spirit of the entertainment industry better than this iconic line from AC/DC. Released in 1975 on their album T.N.T. (and later on High Voltage), “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem for every artist, roadie, stagehand, producer, and crew member who’s put in the blood, sweat, and tears to make the magic happen.
A Song Born from the Road
Written by Bon Scott, Angus Young, and Malcolm Young, the song is a gritty reflection of life on the road—the long drives, sleepless nights, shady promoters, and the grind behind the spotlight. Bon Scott, AC/DC’s original lead singer, famously said the lyrics were inspired by their relentless touring schedule across Australia in the early ‘70s, playing in pubs, clubs, and anywhere that would have them. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s a rare mainstream tribute to the grind behind the glamour.
The song also features a now-legendary bagpipe solo—Scott himself played the instrument after briefly learning it as a teen, and its inclusion gave the track a rebellious, anthemic edge that perfectly suited the band’s sound and attitude.
Beyond the Band: The Real Backbone of Rock ’n’ Roll
While the song highlights the band’s journey, its message resonates deeply with everyone working behind the scenes in the entertainment and event industries. Stagehands, producers, lighting and sound techs, riggers, tour managers—these are the unsung heroes who turn empty venues into immersive experiences.
They’re the first ones in and the last ones out. They haul gear, climb trusses, program cues, test sound systems, manage logistics, troubleshoot chaos, and often operate under extreme pressure and tight timelines. Without them, there is no show.
The “top” in rock ’n’ roll—or any corner of the live entertainment world—isn’t just about fame. It’s about mastery. It’s about resilience. It’s about earning your place through long hours, tough conditions, and unshakable passion.
The Modern-Day Climb
In today’s fast-paced, tech-heavy world of events and live entertainment, the climb to the top is steeper than ever. Expectations are higher. Budgets are tighter. Audiences are savvier. And yet, the spirit of that AC/DC lyric lives on in every backstage crew, every overnight load-in, every 4 a.m. breakdown, and every triumphant curtain call.
Whether it’s a major festival, a corporate event, a theater production, or a global arena tour—everyone involved knows that the road to success is long, demanding, and rarely glamorous. But it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.
Photo: Noise11.com
A Salute to the Road Warriors
So next time you hear that thunderous riff and that immortal line—"It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ’n’ roll!"—remember: it’s not just a song. It’s a rallying cry. A reminder of the dedication and heart it takes to make magic happen, night after night.
To all the stagehands, techs, producers, and crews out there: thank you. You may not always be in the spotlight, but you are the reason it shines.