Ac/Dc And The Punk Band That Said They Owed Everything To Powerage

April 3, 2025

In the heart of the late 1970s, when rock and punk music collided into a dizzying whirlwind of energy and rebellion, a small band from London called The Clash was on the rise. They were fueled by the raw emotions of the world around them, and they wore their influences like badges of honor. One album, in particular, shaped their sound and ambition: AC/DC’s “Powerage.” The moment they heard the gritty riffs and relentless energy of songs like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation,” they felt a spark ignite within them. It was as if the music called out to them, urging them to take the wild leap into punk rock.

As The Clash honed their craft, they often credited AC/DC’s “Powerage” for giving them the courage to push boundaries. The band’s frontman, Joe Strummer, once shared in an interview how the album filled him with a sense of urgency. “Listening to AC/DC was like drinking a shot of adrenaline,” he said. “It made us believe that we could say what we felt, scream what we thought, and rock hard with no apologies.” This realization was pivotal for The Clash, as they wrote songs that tackled social issues and personal struggles, capturing the voice of a generation seeking change.

But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. As The Clash prepared to perform, they faced naysayers who criticized their style and message. Some doubted that a punk band could stand up to the established giants of rock music. However, their passion was stronger than any criticism. They began to play small clubs, pouring their hearts into every performance, channeling the energy they drew from AC/DC. Each strum of the guitar pushed them closer to their dreams, and with every show, their fan base grew.

In 1979, after countless gigs and determination, The Clash released their self-titled debut album. It was an explosion of sound and spirit, infused with the raw essence of “Powerage.” The world listened. The album was well-received, and suddenly The Clash found themselves sharing stages with iconic bands, getting airplay on the radio, and appearing in magazines. The band’s resilience and hard work became evident; they weren’t just another punk band; they were a force to be reckoned with, powered by the very essence of rock music that AC/DC had inspired in them.

Years later, as The Clash became legends in their own right, they continued to pay homage to their influences. During a concert in 1982, they surprised their fans by covering “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation,” a tribute to the very band that had inspired them. The crowd erupted in cheers, and it was clear that the music was a bridge connecting generations. In that moment, the raw influence of AC/DC’s “Powerage” resonated, showing how powerful music can be and how it can unite people from different walks of life.

As The Clash forged their path, they proved that with passion and determination, dreams can take flight. They had learned that music was not just about the notes and lyrics; it was about sharing your truth and inspiring others along the way. In a world filled with challenges and doubts, they showed that every riff of rebellion and every chorus of hope could light the way forward, echoing the spirit of those who dared to rock.