Thunderstruck
AC/DC's thunderous anthem, a global rock staple with a legacy of viral fame and cultural impact.
"Thunderstruck" is a song by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released as the lead single from their twelfth studio album The Razors Edge (1990). It peaked at No. 4 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, No. 1 in Finland, and No. 5 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. In 2010, it topped Triple M Melbourne's Ultimate 500 Rock Countdown in Australia. It is one of the best-selling singles of all time with over 15 million units sold.
- Song Title
- Thunderstruck
- Artist
- AC/DC
- Venue Association
- Raymond James Stadium
- Primary Usage
- Kickoff & Big Plays
- Cultural Status
- Iconic Fan Tradition
- Genre
- Hard Rock
Lore & Background
The song has sold over a million digital copies since it became available for digital download. In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the "most Australian" songs of all time, "Thunderstruck" was ranked No. 8. The music video, directed by David Mallet, was filmed at London's Brixton Academy on 1990; audience members were given free T-shirts with the words "AC/DC – I was Thunderstruck" on the front and the date on the back. The track is a popular song to learn among beginning guitarists. The song was reportedly used as part of the payload of a computer virus which attacked the Iranian nuclear program in 2012. In 2025, it was revealed that the US Department of Agriculture in Oregon was using drones playing the song to deter wolves from attacking livestock. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, "Thunderstruck" was the goal song for Australia. There is a popular drinking game where participants listen to the song in a circle and drink every time the word "thunder" is sang; a 2024 study revealed it is the most popular rock drinking song on drinking playlists.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights dimmed as the countdown reached zero. A low hum rippled through the crowd before the first guitar riff cut through the humid Florida night air. Fans stood in unison, hands raised, feeling the vibration of the speakers before the players even hit the field. It wasn't just music; it was a signal that war had begun.
Reader's Guide
The single-CD (ATCO Records / 7567-96427-2 XS Europe) includes the tracks: "Thunderstruck" (4:55), "Fire Your Guns" (2:55), "D.T." (2:54), and "Chase The Ace" (3:01). Personnel: Brian Johnson – lead vocals; Angus Young – lead guitar; Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals; Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals; Chris Slade – drums, percussion. Music and lyrics by Angus Young and Malcolm Young.
Did You Know?
- "Thunderstruck" is widely considered one of the band's best songs. In 2020, The Guardian ranked it number eight on its list of the 40 greatest AC/DC songs, and in 2021, Kerrang! ranked it number six on its list of the 20
- Rayne Leat, a niece of former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, is a professional wrestler who uses a finishing move called Thunderstruck, a step-up knee strike to the head, as a reference to the song.
- Writing for WRKR in 2025, Joe Davita expressed resentment towards children who play the riff in music stores, calling it one of the "10 Worst Guitar Center Songs Ever."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thunderstruck in relation to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Thunderstruck is the hard rock anthem by AC/DC that serves as a pre-game ritual at Raymond James Stadium for over two decades. While distinct from the official fight song, it became the de facto soundtrack signaling the start of battle to fans across Florida.
When does this anthem play during home games?
The track typically plays before kickoff and is also used to celebrate major big plays on the field. Its aggressive riff helps ignite the electric atmosphere that defines Bucs football for spectators.
Which artist performs this iconic stadium song?
This anthem is performed by the legendary Australian hard rock band AC/DC. Their music has become synonymous with the franchise during its most successful eras over the last twenty years.
Why is Thunderstruck culturally significant to Bucs fans?
The song's lightning imagery and heavy sound align perfectly with the team's identity as a cultural touchstone. It represents more than just background noise, defining the electric atmosphere of home games for decades.
Does this musical tradition have an official ending?
There is no specific conclusion to this tradition as it remains an active part of the game day experience today. The track continues to signal the start of battle and maintain its status as an iconic fan ritual at Raymond James Stadium.
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