"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" is a hard rock anthem by AC/DC, released as the title track and closing song of their 1981 album For Those About to Rock We Salute You. Here's a breakdown of what makes the song and its legacy so powerful:

🎸 Overview

• Artist: AC/DC
• Album: For Those About to Rock We Salute You
• Release Year: 1981
• Writers: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson
• Genre: Hard Rock
• Length: Around 5:43

🔥 Musical Style

• Features a slow-building intro that launches into a heavy, mid-tempo rock riff.
• The main riff is anthemic and powerful, backed by pounding drums and high-energy vocals from Brian Johnson.
• Ends with cannon fire sound effects, which have become a signature part of the song’s identity, especially live.

🎤 Lyrical Theme

The lyrics are a tribute to rock fans and live audiences, echoing the ancient Roman salute to gladiators ("For those about to die..."). AC/DC twists it into:

"For those about to rock — we salute you!"

It’s a rallying cry for rockers everywhere — a salute to the power of music and those who live for it.

🤘 Legacy

• Became one of AC/DC’s most iconic tracks and a staple of their live shows.
• During live performances, real cannons are often fired on stage during the finale.
• Though it didn't chart as high as Back in Black singles, it's one of the most enduring fan favorites.
• Often used to close concerts, making it a kind of victory lap for both the band and the crowd.

💡 Fun Fact

The album For Those About to Rock We Salute You was the first AC/DC album to hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, solidifying their status as global rock giants after the success of Back in Black.

The zip file below contains the PDF for this lick and the Guitar Pro file as well. You can't see the zip file attachment in the mobile app. You need to be in a browser to be able to download the zip file.