Ac/Dc And The Wake Where The Family Played Let There Be Rock Instead Of Offering Condolences

April 2, 2025

It was a chilly evening in November when the news hit the small town of Redbank Plains, Australia. The beloved grandfather of the Miller family had passed away, and they were all gathered together to say their goodbyes. Yet, instead of the quiet somberness that typically surrounded a wake, a different energy filled their home. The family’s love for music, especially rock, turned the event into something unique. As the mourners sat huddled in the living room, a surprise unfolded. Without a second thought, the youngest Miller, thirteen-year-old Jake, pressed play on his portable speaker and blasted AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock.”

At first, the room fell silent, the guitar riffs echoing off the walls like thunder. But as the familiar beat pulsated through the air, something beautiful happened. Instead of gasps and disapproving glances, the tension melted away. One by one, the family members began to nod their heads and tap their feet. It became a celebration of life rather than a mourning of death. Jake’s grandfather had always been a huge fan of the band. He had shared stories of watching them perform live during their iconic 1970s tours, and in that moment, the music brought him back to life in their hearts.

AC/DC was formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, and their high-energy music quickly became a defining sound of rock and roll. With their powerful anthems, they inspired generations of fans, including the Millers. For the family, playing “Let There Be Rock” was not just a way to remember Grandpa Miller; it was a tribute to his spirit. The lyrics chanted the message of resilience and passion, themes that resonated deeply with the family as they celebrated a life that had been filled with love, laughter, and, of course, rock music.

As the song played on, Aunt Carol grabbed a guitar that had been leaning against the wall. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she strummed along, inviting her cousins to join in. Soon, laughter filled the air, and voices echoed as they sang together. They weren’t just offering condolences; they were creating memories that would last a lifetime. The house filled with joy and a sense of togetherness, reminding them that their grandfather would want them to remember him with smiles and music, not sadness.

Later that night, after the last notes of “Let There Be Rock” faded into silence, Jake felt a sense of purpose that he had never experienced before. Inspired by his grandfather’s love for AC/DC and the resilience the music represented, he decided he wanted to learn guitar. That spark ignited a passion within him that would change his life. He spent hours practicing, inspired by the guitar solos of Angus Young, dreaming of being on his own stage one day. His grandfather may have passed, but his spirit pushed Jake to chase his dreams, to embrace the power of music, and to let it rock on in his own life.

In a world where loss often brings sadness, the Miller family found strength in their music. They transformed a wake into a celebration of life, choosing to uplift one another through the power of rock. They were reminded that music could transcend even the heaviest of hearts, and that their grandfather’s legacy could live on in each note, strum, and lyric. And as they carried that spirit forward, their family bond grew deeper, fueled by the rhythm of life and the unshakeable love of rock and roll.