Ac/Dc And The Guitarist Who Snapped A String During Whole Lotta Rosie—And Kept Soloing

April 3, 2025

The crowd erupted with energy as the lights dimmed and a thunderous roar filled the air. It was 1978, and AC/DC was electrifying the stage in front of thousands of eager fans at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Among the band, Angus Young, with his trademark schoolboy uniform and wild, tousled hair, was ready to give it his all. The unmistakable opening of “Whole Lotta Rosie” pierced through the excitement, and as the music soared, so did the spirits of everyone in the venue. The guitar riffs were sharp and powerful, echoing off the walls, setting the crowd ablaze with enthusiasm.

As the song reached its exhilarating climax, a moment of chaos struck. With one fierce strum of his guitar, Angus felt an unsettling snap. A string had broken. For many musicians, this could lead to panic or a halt in performance, but not for Angus. In that split second, he faced a choice: stop and risk losing the crowd’s energy or push through and keep the spirit of the concert alive. With a quick glance at his bandmates, he decided to take the leap. He didn’t let the broken string define him; instead, he leaned into the moment, letting the remaining strings sing out even louder. His fingers danced over the frets, and he unleashed a solo that left everyone breathless.

The audience was captivated, their cheers growing louder as they witnessed this unexpected twist. Angus played with such passion that it almost seemed as if the broken string had infused his performance with an extra layer of raw energy. It was a display of resilience, a testament to the power of creativity in the face of adversity. He couldn’t help but grin; this was what music was all about. Not only did he embody the spirit of rock and roll, but he also taught everyone in the crowd a valuable lesson: sometimes, life throws surprises at you, and the way you respond can make all the difference.

When the song faded, the audience erupted into applause, lifting Angus and the band higher than ever. That moment would become legendary, a story passed down through the decades about a guitarist who turned a mishap into a highlight. The incident didn’t just strengthen Angus’s reputation as a performer; it also deepened his connection with the fans. They didn’t just see him as a rockstar; they saw a human being who faced challenges and triumphed through sheer will and creativity. It was inspiring to everyone watching, especially aspiring musicians.

In the years to come, Angus would often think back to that night. It was a pivotal moment in his career that reminded him why he loved music so much. Every time he stepped on stage, he carried with him the lesson learned from that broken string—embracing imperfections and turning them into something beautiful. His performances grew, his passion deepened, and his artistry flourished, leading AC/DC to become one of the most iconic bands in rock history. The broken string had not just been a problem; it had been a spark, igniting the fire of resilience that would burn bright through his entire career.

As the years rolled on, Angus Young became a symbol of determination for many. People learned that even in the face of setbacks, they could rise above and create something extraordinary. The story of the day he soloed through a broken string became more than just a fun tale; it transformed into an anthem of perseverance, a reminder that true greatness often comes from how we handle the unexpected. Angus didn’t just play his guitar that night; he played the hearts of thousands, leaving an indelible mark on rock music and stirring inspiration in all who dared to dream.