Ac/Dc And The Soldier Who Mailed Thunderstruck To His Family As A Goodbye

April 2, 2025

On a chilly autumn day in 1980, a soldier named Jake stood in his barracks, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had received news that he would be deployed to a war zone halfway across the globe. With the thought of leaving his family behind, he felt a mix of anxiety and determination. As he packed his bags, he reached for a cassette tape that had become his lifeline to the world outside. The moment he pressed play, the electrifying sounds of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” filled the small room, and he felt a surge of motivation racing through him. That song, with its powerful guitar riffs and driving beat, ignited a fire inside him, reminding him of the strength he needed to face the challenges ahead.

Inspired, Jake decided to send a piece of himself to his family with the tape. In his letter, he described how the energy of AC/DC’s music kept him going during training, making him feel invincible. He wrote about the band’s lead guitarist, Angus Young, who was known for his wild performances and schoolboy uniform. “Whenever I hear those opening chords,” Jake told his family, “I feel like I can conquer anything.” He finished the letter, folded it carefully, and mailed it off, hoping it would bring comfort to his loved ones during the uncertainty of his deployment.

Back home, his family received the tape just as Jake was boarding a plane to his deployment. They gathered around the old cassette player, eager to hear the music that had become so important to him. As “Thunderstruck” blasted through the speakers, they could almost feel Jake standing right there with them, sharing his bravery and enthusiasm. The song filled the living room with an electrifying energy, lifting their spirits and reminding them of the bond they shared. It became their anthem, a song they would play whenever they missed him too much, keeping his spirit alive while he was away.

Meanwhile, AC/DC was experiencing a pivotal moment in their career. Just days before the release of “Back in Black,” their lead singer, Bon Scott, had tragically passed away. The band was heartbroken but determined to honor their fallen friend. They poured their grief into their music, creating a powerful album that would go on to define a generation. “Thunderstruck,” which would be celebrated as one of their greatest hits, marked a new beginning– not just for the band, but for fans like Jake, who found comfort and strength in their tunes during tough times.

As months passed, Jake faced challenges he never anticipated, but the energy of “Thunderstruck” and AC/DC’s music fueled his spirit. Whenever he felt overwhelmed, he would hum the melody, reminding himself of the love waiting for him back home. The song became a source of courage, and in those moments of doubt, he knew he was not alone; he had the music and the memories of his family pushing him forward.

Eventually, Jake returned home, greeted by a hero’s welcome. The warm embrace of his family felt like a powerful encore, and as they played “Thunderstruck” once more, they celebrated not just his return but the resilience of their love. For Jake, and many others like him, music was more than just a melody; it was a lifeline, a reminder of hope, and a testament to the power of passion that could heal even the deepest wounds. AC/DC’s music had not only impacted his life but had also woven itself into the fabric of countless stories like his, proving that in the face of adversity, one can always find strength in the rhythm of life.