AC/DC & Steven Tyler’s Electrifying “You Shook Me All Night Long” at the 2003 Rock Hall

The stage came alive at the 2003 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction when AC/DC and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler tore into “You Shook Me All Night Long,” turning a celebratory night into a moment of seismic rock energy. A song originally from their 1980 Back in Black album, its legendary riff and infectious chorus found new life that evening in a performance still celebrated today.

Emerging from Sydney in 1973, AC/DC carved their niche in hard rock with gritty, blues-infused anthems and a devotion to riff-driven DNA. Their Back in Black album, featuring “You Shook Me All Night Long,” was a tribute to lost frontman Bon Scott and Brian Johnson’s debut, quickly becoming one of the best‑selling records ever. Against this backdrop, “You Shook Me” became a defining moment in their vault of crowd-pleasers .

Aerosmith and AC/DC forged a bond when Aerosmith championed AC/DC during their early U.S. tours—supporting and opening for them. That synergy led AC/DC to invite Steven Tyler to induct them into the Hall. His invitation as a connector between the two bands set the stage for a lasting collaborative moment .

When Tyler joined Angus Young and Brian Johnson onstage, his voice—raw, charismatic, and full-throttle—blended seamlessly with AC/DC’s muscular groove. The chemistry between Johnson’s no-nonsense vocals and Tyler’s swaggering rock tone created a compelling dual-frontman spectacle .

Backed by the powerhouse rhythm of Angus, Malcolm, Cliff, and Phil, the song exploded into life. Tyler and Johnson swapped lines effortlessly, each riff hit with precision, and Tyler’s trademark high-lilted run felt like an Aphrodite of rock had descended on Mack Arena. It was electric.

Beyond the performance itself, this moment was a statement: a cross-pollination of rock styles. It bridged Australian hard rock’s muscle with Aerosmith’s American swagger, and highlighted a mutual respect that transcended generations and subgenres .

The impact rippled through fans and critics. Clips resurfaced across streaming platforms and social feeds. Reddit threads buzzed with fans asking, “Why did AC/DC choose Tyler? Because he earned it,” and applauded the “pure rock magic” of the event .

The collaboration also spotlighted AC/DC’s legacy heading into the new millennium. The performance helped fuel renewed interest in their catalog, coinciding with remastered releases and renewed touring. It energized younger audiences and reminded long-time fans of their enduring power .

Media narratives echoed the sentiment. Articles celebrated Tyler’s swagger and AC/DC’s timeless riffs, with many calling the performance the highlight of the induction ceremony and one of the most dynamic collaborations in Hall of Fame history.

The moment did more than recreate a rock classic—it memorialized a full-circle story. A band nurtured by Aerosmith now paid tribute through shared flame, demonstrating how rock lineage carries forward through friendship and mutual admiration .

In the years since, this performance remains a staple highlight. AC/DC’s classic continued to enjoy massive radio play, while live versions—including the Hall collaboration—are celebrated in box sets and anthologies, reinforcing its acclaim .

Technically, the night showcased peak performance prowess. Johnson’s gritty delivery paired flawlessly with Tyler’s aerodynamic flair, while Angus Young’s schoolboy riffs and Phil Rudd’s propulsive backbeat gave the song its full sonic power. It proved both vocalists and musicianship were in unison .

Since then, AC/DC has continued selling million‑plus records, with Back in Black certified multi‑platinum and their induction performance becoming part of the band’s storied mythology.

More than a one-off moment, Tyler’s guest spot emphasized rock camaraderie—something Tyler highlighted in his induction speech praising AC/DC’s legacy and the power chord that shakes souls .

In sum, Steven Tyler’s collaboration on “You Shook Me All Night Long” stands as a testament to rock’s communal spirit—a moment when two rock titans converged, fans surged, and the stage trembled with electrifying history.