AC/DC’s Timeless Hits Make a Chart-Topping Comeback
It’s often said that history repeats itself—and for rock legends AC/DC, that couldn’t be truer. Two of their most iconic tracks, “Thunderstruck” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” have surged back into the spotlight, climbing multiple Billboard charts in a surprising resurgence.
A Chart-Topping Revival
“Thunderstruck,” the electrifying 1990 anthem, has once again captured the attention of music fans around the world. The track is currently dominating the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart and has landed at No. 3 on the Hard Rock Streaming Songs list. Meanwhile, “You Shook Me All Night Long,” released in 1980, has also made its mark by securing the No. 24 spot on the same streaming chart. These achievements are a testament to the enduring appeal of AC/DC’s classic sound.
The Netflix Factor
The revival of these songs can largely be attributed to their prominent placement in America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a popular Netflix series. Season 2 of the show, which premiered on June 28, 2024, features “Thunderstruck” during one of the cheerleading squad’s most iconic routines. The energetic use of the song has not only reignited interest in the band but also inspired younger audiences to revisit their catalog.
Several standout cheerleaders from the show, including fan favorites Reese Weaver, Jada Mclean, and Charly Barby, made a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 25. They performed a high-energy dance routine set to “Thunderstruck,” which brought the studio audience to its feet and delighted viewers at home.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. One viewer wrote on YouTube, “Wow those cheerleaders just did a lovely performance. I was so impressed by the song that they danced to, and I’m a fan of AC/DC.” Another fan chimed in, “I’ve watched DCC Making the Team and the Netflix show, and watching them do ‘Thunderstruck’ still gives me chills.”
TikTok Sparks a New Trend
More than three decades after its original release, “Thunderstruck” has found new life through social media. Following the premiere of America’s Sweethearts, fans began recreating the cheer routine online, sparking a viral TikTok trend. This digital wave has introduced the song to a new generation of listeners, further solidifying its status as a timeless rock staple.
Behind the Music: A Costly Classic
Interestingly, “Thunderstruck” has long been recognized for its cultural impact beyond this recent revival. In 2014, veteran music supervisor Thomas Golubic revealed that the song was the most expensive he had ever licensed for a film project. It was used in the 1999 football drama Varsity Blues, where it played during a pivotal scene. Golubic recalled being stunned when presented with the $500,000 licensing fee.
“I remember being absolutely horrified when I heard that number,” he admitted. Despite exploring alternatives due to budget concerns, the production ultimately decided the song was worth the price. That decision helped cement “Thunderstruck” even further in pop culture history.
Today, thanks to its powerful presence on screen and streaming platforms, AC/DC continues to prove that great music never fades—it simply finds new ways to strike again.
