AC/DC: Beyond The Thunder

What do we think about Canadian singer songwriter, Kathleen Edwards? Well, to quote Bon Scott—she’s got balls! We first fell smitten with Kathleen after hearing her reimagined version of AC/DC’s highest charting U.S. single of all time, “Moneytalks”. Then we witnessed her share the same bill with AC/DC at Toronto Rocks. But she really had us when she said Brian Johnson's vocal style is as hard to sing as…opera!

Did AC/DC drive the serial killer known as 'The Night Stalker' down a personal 'Highway to Hell'? The podcast's first foray into the true crime genre unearths a chilling posthumous interview with Philip Carlo, author of The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez. 

Talk this way! Season 3 kicks off with Darryl McDaniels emceeing, the DMC portion of the greatest hip hop group of all time, Run-DMC. The rap pioneer professes his love for the thunder down under and discusses everything from producer Rick Rubin sampling 'Back in Black' for the Beastie Boys, overcoming drugs and depression through the power of music, and even a proposal to reunite Run-DMC to play the Super Bowl Halftime show...with AC/DC!

If there were ever to be a sixth member of AC/DC, Mike Fraser, Canadian record producer, engineer, and mixer is that guy. In Part 1 of this two-part episode we explore Fraser’s humble beginnings as a studio janitor to recording and mixing the last six records for AC/DC—a relationship spanning 30 years with the band. Fraser goes into great detail about each album, band member, recording process, studio equipment and producers he’s worked alongside. Audiophiles will surely be thunderstruck (and Powered Up) by this latest podcast installment.

How much would you pay for a guitar lesson with Angus Young? Meet Wade Sickler, investment manager from Bozeman, Montana, who back in 2000, doubled down for the chance of a lifetime to receive a one-on-one guitar lesson from none other than Angus Young himself. How did he pull that off? Well, let’s just say, Moneytalks! During Episode 5 from Season 2, this bus boy turned money manager goes into great detail for the first time about the bidding war, being gifted a signature cherry red Gibson SG from Angus, jamming for hours with the entire band, and essentially landing a golden ticket to see the band play on tour anywhere in the world. For fans where no dollar value is too great to celebrate this magic thing called AC/DC, this episode honors those who put their money where their mouth is.

From the tattoo of Malcolm on his left arm, and Angus on his right, Scott Ian would have his own 'AC/DC Beyond the Thunder' episode...if he played it right! The founder of Anthrax, and one of the BIG 4, kicks off Episode 4, discussing his love for the Young brothers, and maybe even saving some real estate on his body for a third AC/DC member!

It turns out that AC/DC’s search for a new singer, back when Brian Johnson's hearing loss forced him to leave the Rock or Bust tour, did not begin and end with Axl Rose, who was eventually (spoiler alert) announced as Brian's replacement. Out of the four known auditions for this gig of a lifetime, Lee Robinson, frontman of the AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck out of Raleigh, North Carolina, shares his incredible experience how, for one day, he was able to stand in the shoes of Brian & Bon to sing in the presence of rock ’n' roll icons.

Are we kicking off Season 2 with a posthumous interview from Lemmy? You bet your Ace of Spaces we are! Does our favorite mutton-chopped Motörhead treat us to some juicy AC/DC stories? Well, not exactly. But it’s freakin' Lemmy! Who cares? Listen to how this beloved rock 'n' roll icon admits to likening his own band to AC/DC as “birds of a feather”, tries to impress a date by bringing her backstage (witnessing Bon Scott collapse), contemplate his favorite AC/DC track (including the one he covered), and answering the immortal question: Lemmy or God? Forget the Joker on this episode, Lemmy's got the Jack...& Coke.

Don't know who Phil is? Let's just say without him, there'd likely be no AC/DC. This former Senior VP of Atlantic Records opens up the AC/DC time capsule for our listeners, indulging us with stories told first hand by someone who was not only there in the flesh, (and in the trenches) with this undisputed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, but also who can take credit for saving and catapulting AC/DC's monumental career. And oh yeah, how Bon Scott broke his wife's tooth...

Saul Hudson would hear AC/DC for the first time, and earn his nickname, Slash...on the same day. Fate? We think so. Go behind the scenes of when this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist opened up for AC/DC, why Keith Richards loves them so much, and how satisfying it is to give the Grammy's & Rolling Stone magazine the middle finger. Welcome to the Thunder, baby.

What's so funny about this episode of 'AC/DC Beyond the Thunder'? Saturday Night Live alum, Jim Breuer, is—that's what! Brian Johnson’s vocal doppelgänger will touch your funny bone and prove once again just how influential this band has been, even in comedy.

What if Malcom Young met Mozart? Meet Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, the dynamic instrumental duo who've combined their classical training and the likes of Bach & Vivaldi while infusing the full force, power and antics of AC/DC. Ever try doing the duck walk with a cello? In this episode, we're going Back in Baroque!

In celebration of his 50th birthday, Dweezil Zappa talks about: A) how his father, Frank Zappa, originally wanted to sign AC/DC; B) a member of AC/DC that can't tune his own guitar; C) how both Young brothers perform on an exclusive track with him; D) Angus Young's greatest guitar solo of all time; or Z) all of the above? Tune in to find out!

So just how was our next guest influenced by AC/DC? Does it count if he was actually IN the band? We thought so! From Tom Jones to the Firm, to the man who literally brought the thunder to AC/DC's immortal track, 'Thunderstruck', we'll discuss why no other skin basher can match Chris Slade's rock 'n’ roll resume. We're bringing out this 'Big Gun' for a very special episode of Beyond the Thunder.

In this episode, we throw listeners a curve ball by talking with Hall of Fame Major League pitcher, Trevor Hoffman, a player who became synonymous with a certain AC/DC song as he took the mound to become the all-time saves leader. So what did it feel like taking center stage to the sound of one of the band’s biggest hits in front of 40,000 screaming fans? We'll field that question, and more. Play ball!

In this spine-chilling episode, pilot, author and military war hero, Michael Durant, courageously relives being the sole American survivor of the Battle of Mogadishu, memorably recreated in the war film “Black Hawk Down”. While in captivity for 11 days, you'll be absolutely shocked how AC/DC provide an anthem for Mike to soldier on.

Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider, deconstructs why AC/DC matters, and how dressing up in drag is similar to dressing up as a schoolboy. Hey, anyone who starts off their interview with, “AC/DC literally changed my life,” definitely has our attention. I wanna talk!

American music historian, radio personality, talk show celeb, author, and best known as the host of several hard rock and heavy metal-themed radio and television shows, Eddie Trunk talks about how AC/DC became one of his most influential rockers after winning the album “Highway to Hell” on the Jersey Boardwalk.

AC/DC Beyond the Thunder, the popular podcast dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of rock legends AC/DC, is wrapping up its fourth season with a finale episode titled “Behind the Thunder Part IV.” The episode is packed with listener letters, exclusive interviews, and a live acoustic performance, providing a fitting end to a remarkable season that racked up over 350,000 downloads. Tune in for discussions on AC/DC’s current European tour. Former MTV Headbanger’s Ball host Riki Rachtman reveals his all-time favorite AC/DC album (you won't guess it!). Travel to Scores Gentlemen’s Club to find out the best AC/DC song to strip to (sorry Angus Young, it’s not "The Jack"). Relive the day AC/DC were inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk, with special details like Bon Scott’s mom sending his signature to be included in cement. Hear a firsthand account from Nantucket founder, Tommy Redd, talking about the night Brian Johnson made his American debut on the Back in Black tour. Finally, enjoy an exclusive acoustic female rendition of "Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution."

He’s a comedian, actor, musician, and the host of 'Let There Be Talk', the 1st podcast to ever feature AC/DC as guests to announce 'PWR UP'. Whether jamming to 'Whole Lotta Rosie' alongside Bill Burr and Conan O'Brien or leading the charge in an annual Tribute to Bon Scott Comedy & Rock show (with vocals that'd make the late singer proud), get ready for a Season 4 finale that promises to kick you in the teeth.