AC/DC Unleashes “Thunderstruck” at River Plate — A Legendary Night with the Greatest Rock Crowd on Earth

AC/DC’s December 4, 2009, performance of “Thunderstruck” at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires is a pure electric storm—in human form. As Angus Young emerged in his schoolboy uniform, guitar in hand, the night air crackled. The first chords were dropped like lightning bolts, ripping through the massive crowd and surrounding the stadium in volcano-level anticipation.

The opening riff is practically mythical by now, but that night, it felt younger and sharper. Angus’s precise picking doused the arena in sonic adrenaline, while Brian Johnson, microphone gripped tight, unleashed guttural roars like a war cry. The band didn’t just kick off a song—they announced a metal celebration in full swing.

Live drums from Phil Rudd and bass lines from Cliff Williams provided an immovable rock foundation, giving Brian and Angus a sonic runway to fly. The precision of that rhythm section felt like the engine of a live concert beast—relentless and unwavering—even as the crowd surged in unison.

Reddit users still gush about that moment. One fan commented,

“My favorite frame from the Thunderstruck Live at River Plate video, Brian in the middle with the fans all around him. Just shows that even after 30 years you can still have the voice for a song.”
That snapshot captured a frontman owning his realm, high above his loyal army.

In the stands, over 190,000 fans gathered across three nights—and on this night, the sea of humanity pulsed with each downbeat. You could see phones raised like beacons, chants echoing like thunder, and communal headbanging weaving a kinetic tapestry of devotion.

AC/DC employed a 32-camera HD shoot that night, capturing every grin, sweat drop, and Angus pose for posterity. That technical investment wasn’t just for show—it chronicled the legacy of a band who’ve always thrived in live ritual, amplifying moments into folklore.

That River Plate gig came during the monster Black Ice World Tour, which spanned over 4.9 million fans across six continents. Yet, for many, “Thunderstruck” in Buenos Aires still marks the pinnacle—a ritualistic communion between band and crowd.

The visual of Angus doing his signature duckwalk while dropping those riffs remains iconic. It’s like seeing lightning personified on stage—playful, powerful, and iconic. The camera catches his bounce, smiles, and relentless energy, reminding fans why he’s rock’s eternal student and teacher.

The crowd responded in waves—chanting, bouncing, screaming. By the last chorus, the stadium floor felt like it might collapse. That collective hysteria was so tangible, you’d swear the Earth was leaning on it.

Mid-song, the audience calmed only slightly as the haunting echo of the main riff took hold. That pause—followed by the crescendo—may be one of the most spine-tinglingly perfect live-built moments in rock history.

Angus wasn’t alone up front. Malcolm’s rhythm riffs nestled between his solos like gravity; Cliff and Phil were locked into the groove like they were serving cosmic law. That unity preserved the song’s power while riding each of its earthquakes.

Watching the live DVD later, many fans marveled at the energy captured so well in the mix. One Amazon reviewer compared it to “being at the soundstage”—a high compliment considering how massive and chaotic River Plate can feel.

The legendary song opened deeper sets that night but stood alone in magnitude. It was a triumphant declaration: AC/DC still had it, and the world still needed it.

For the band, playing River Plate was also bittersweet—it was the last live album featuring original rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young before his retirement. That weight added emotional depth to every note played under those lights.

Today, clips of that performance—especially “Thunderstruck”—still go viral. Fans from gen Z look on wide-eyed, as though the song emerged this instant, while lifelong devotees grin in knowing validation.

In short, AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” at River Plate was more than a concert moment—it was a heart-pounding, soul-shaking ode to rock’s endurance. That night, magic wasn’t created—it was summoned.