Top 5 ACDC Tribute Bands and "Copycats"

This is my top 5 list of my favourite tribute acts and copycat bands (plus some extras).
Please leave a like if you like, share with your buddies and subscribe!
Spoilers DON'T READ BELOW if you don't want the video ruined...
Where to check out bands featured in this video:
Banda Dirty Jack - / bandadirtyjack
Ballbreaker - / ballbreakertheband
Dangerous Young - / @dangerousyoung378
AB/CD - / abcdvevo
and they're on Spotify
77 - / official77rocks
and they're on Spotify too.
Further comments - The number 1 band's latest album seems to drift away from the AC/DC sound much to my disappointment, but all of their albums until then have definitely had a strong AC/DC vibe.

[@richardmitchell8213]

I saw a band one time called "Bon Fire", they were very good, singer looked exactly like Bon Scott. They played only Bon Era tunes, but man, they rocked.

[@rpm2085]

Absolutely, Bon Fire 🔥 lead singer looks as if he could pass as Bon Scott's twin brother. Sounds just like him. 👍 Those guys Rock out.

[@lewislambert4590]

You totally missed Back in Black from Dallas. The lead singer is so good, he auditioned for AC/DC when Brian had to bail out for awhile. And Brians wife said he even gave her the creeps because he looked and sounded so much like him. As a bonus he can switch to Bon with ease. They even have a move called "My stupid tribute band".

[@CSS122308]

Saw them two weeks ago for the first time, blew me away.

[@Robert_Fiori]

My favourite AC/DC tribute band here in Australia is Whole Lotta Rosie. The lead singer is a female and is just amazing how she pumps out the songs in a way that's so tuned-in to the originals yet with a sympathetically different presentation (and yep ... she's hot up on stage)

[@frankienoe4815]

I'll have to check that out!!!

[@kralkrauterblach414]

sounds like a WOKE band with female singer hahaha , no thanks , tribute means you have to copy real as possible

[@diewoidtons5043]

very good work- great list! we do have many AC/DC tribute bands in Bavaria! Greetings, Oliver

[@chrissydshow9928]

Hey! Someday I'll visit and have a cold Bavarian Beer with a live AC/DC tribute. What a treat :)

[@diewoidtons5043]

@@chrissydshow9928 Good idea!

[@wilpower97]

Krokus is not an AC/DC tribute band, they are a stand alone band period. However influenced by them in the 70s yes!

[@chrisandersen3213]

I think Marc Storace was seriously considered to replace Bon after his death......... I have been a fan of Krokus since he mid 80's....

[@markhansen7789]

You have to see Thunder Struck the best tribute band ever

[@ThunderstruckUS]

Thank you, Mark!

[@jman5390]

I just seen them 5/9/22 and they were absolutely fantastic!! The lead singer and lead guitarist were absolutely flawless! Angus Young and Brian Johnson made over. Drummer, bass, rhythm guitarist were spot on! This group is a must see.

[@dannymiller9725]

Cool video, did not know this, love your passion.

[@stylico]

Fan net house band-probably the best cover band ac/dc ive ever seen!

[@priball]

For sure stylico, for sure

[@30anvz28]

The AC/DC house band is absolutely firing on all cannons.

[@MichaelLynch1]

Been an AC/DC Fan Since 76 , there is only 1 band that stands out Live Wire from UK They Are Simply The Best If You Love AC/DC You Must Check Them Out 😈💯

[@garethbuckeridge6910]

Totally agree about Live WIre but Dirty DC & AC/DC-uk are also on a par. AC/DC-uk also have the most authentic Angus for any tribute.

[@MichaelLynch1]

@@garethbuckeridge6910 ill check em out , thanks 😈👍

[@jasonhill2543]

Have you guys not checked Whole Lotta DC? Awesome night with these and Richard (Angus) is as spot on throughout the night as you can get 😁👍

[@garethbuckeridge6910]

@@jasonhill2543 What part of the country are WLDC based?

[@jasonhill2543]

@@garethbuckeridge6910 they're based in the Midlands but travel nationwide relentlessly 👌

[@charlesmcwhirter6386]

There’s a very good AC/DC tribute band called Back in Black. They are on KZbin. I seen them live. They do Bon and Brian era sets, and they are very good. Check them out.

[@charitywhan8147]

House Band is AMAZING, I'm always ready to see when they have a new vid out. But concert experience-wise in the US, Thunderstruck: America's AC/DC is killin' it! The guitarist for them is just mad crazy.

[@Roy-ho6ii]

I really enjoyed this Chrissy, but I think that Rhino Bucket should be on this list. They produced a number of good albums and they sound very like AC/DC.

[@chrissydshow9928]

Thanks for the comment ☺️ Rhino bucket is a very good suggestion. I think the list just wasn't long enough lol. Maybe the next list? 😉

[@JimiH61]

Beat to death like a dog is my favourite of theirs

[@RodFitzpatrick]

Personally i would say DC/79 ... they really have such a raw sound and the singer gets Bon's voice really well. Seeing them live is exactly like seeing AC/DC live back in the days when they were still doing pubs and smaller venue gigs.

[@fabrice9584]

yeah fully agree !

[@kennethharris-ry6zv]

Thunderstruck …absolutely one of the best cover bands I’ve ever seen. Kick Ass Rock and Roll

[@Stryder46]

Back in Black (on the East Coast in the US) is probably the best I've heard. Phenomenally good.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

You talking about the band based in Atlanta or the one based in Texas?

[@MegaCoKO]

IE/DC from Ireland lol can't believe we didn't get an honourable mention 😂 some serious bands there, each deserving of it's spot. Top class!

[@ughan1]

MegaCoKo strikes again 😂

[@vanjarvinen7520]

Cool man. I love your enthusiasm as well. Interesting choices. I wasn't familiar with most of them. I'm curious to know how you would rate the touring American ac/dc tribute band called 'Noise Pollution' ?

[@lancelacey4134]

They are my favorite! Seen them 4 times and getting ready to see them again in a couple weeks in Redondo beach, Ca.

[@joeruiz1469]

You forgot LA’S own “ Bon Fire”! Best all around Bon Scott era. Better than all the bands that you mentioned, by far.

[@donatocongialdi4811]

Exactly 💯....and Dirty DC

[@megalodonseancasey8429]

Agree, the singer has the swagger & he sounds pretty lose to Bon. Was Bon murdered? People who saw him that night said he wasn't loaded

[@gsdfan8455]

I just stumbled across Dangerous Young the other day and have to say that I was impressed

[@mattkaustickomments]

Just saw them for first time a few minutes ago. They crushed it. Phenomenal Brian Johnson voice.

[@rawkinj6609]

I LOVE AC/DC, always have!! Thanks for this, I've played in covers bands..rarely doing AC/DC, cause singers could never do it justice. And that is the thing. .Bon and Brian...if ya can do that, yer da shits!!

[@tonycruz9026]

Thanks!! Love 77 Songs!!! 🎶 🎶 🇪🇸 🇪🇸

[@rocknrollguitarcovers5654]

I saw '77 once back in 2009, in a small pub in Catalunya. One of those places that get very sweaty after a few songs. What a night... They played 'TNT', and I remember closing my eyes, and it was just like hearing Bon and the boys right in front of me. Same guitar tone, same raw energy, almost same 'vocals'... what a night...

[@chrissydshow9928]

WOW! Awesome thanks for sharing that must've been great. I can tell they would fill a room with sound just from their live videos. I hope to see them some day.

[@huskym6]

Tribute, or "copycat" bands give so much joy to those who can't see their idols... If a band can replicate that experience live, then it's a win-win for us all ♥

[@nickharris7403]

Definitely check out Airbourne. They have got 5 albums & sound very close to AC/DC especially with their first album Runnin' Wild

[@chrissydshow9928]

I know Airbourne well. I have to slightly disagree there. There is certainly a lot of inspiration from DC but to me it sounds quite different and in my opinion is different enough to not be a tribute or copycat. They tend to use a lot of chugging rhythm guitar and very fast tempos (not that DC don't have quicker songs). Their drummer uses very fast/ dry cymbals which just greatly changes the timbre in the backside. Also the solos tend to favour more modern straight up and down melodic licks rather than DCs big vibrato, bends and blues solos. I think they'd be happy to hear they're similar but distinctive sounding in their own right. Awesome band though, they even supported AC/DC which would've been a hell of a show! Their energy live is IMMENSE. Running wild is a great album too. There are a good few stand out tracks from their later stuff that are on my Rock playlists too. 🤘

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Agreed😁👏🤘👊

[@Gearhead-en8dz]

Madden NFL

[@sebking4508]

@@chrissydshow9928 the Airbourne album that comes closest is their Ready To Rock EP from 2004 - unfortunately after that they became very screamy... but if you haven't heard that EP, I strongly recommend you do... to me this is to Airbourne what Powerage is to AC/DC.

[@TV2-Live]

Man Brother. Krokus is Krokus. one vice at a time does have that raw ac.dc feel but I dont think they are a copycat band. just my thoughts, very cool video though thanks for posting.

[@petestanton1945]

Ya that's true. It's OK 2 acknowledge the similarities, but not present them as intentionally or even mostly derivative. It's like when Robert Plant or others criticized Whitesnake. Yabut... no. Just bc you're the 1st doesn't mean u get 2 b the only

[@darrenscott8225]

Well well well. Looks like Bon still has an awesome following. Keep on rocking the mighty AC💥DC. Big respect to you all.

[@thomasfoytek7633]

Great tributes! I would agree with the folks who mentioned Rhino Bucket, but I did not see D*A*D! "Girl nation, globetrotting to lady land, back where time began!". They were "sleeping the day away", doin' a lil different take with the clean leads, but I loved it. The rhythm feel and rock vibe were unmistakably AC/DC influence. Rim of Hell, ZCMI, True Believer, heck the whole No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims album just has that tone.

[@chrissydshow9928]

I've never heard of D.A.D they sound awesome! Thanks for tellin me about em !

[@cerveraoliver]

To me: - Tribute/Cover: ACDCfansDOTnet House Bands. They are the best

[@veekatore8983]

I have to add Jim Brewer...I was blow away with him doing ACDC..lol

[@Anonym-mg3si]

AB/CD WE SALUTE YOU HOLEFULL OF LOVE 😀🤗 AB=CD from GERMANY..🎈🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@pepper_Chill]

I am surprised "Rhino Bucket"...wasn't mentioned.

[@kingbeat101]

ACDC music has been so popular over the years but you don't hear many bands that can reproduce it worth a flip..So they don't really try..Glad these bands do...:)...Good stuff!!!!

[@michaelwood9866]

so you left off live wire the ac/dc show???? those guys are extremely close

[@sballonz]

great! I also really like Rinho Bucket

[@willardwayne3]

Saw Krokus live a few times back in the day. VERY good live reproduction of their studio work. "Screaming in the night " is the starting point for this band. Then, dig in and get ready!!!

[@SteveRobertsosu1983]

Gotta hear Heat Strokes before screaming in the night to better appreciate the power of Marc's vocals and the talent of Fernando's guitar playing.

[@SizzlerWA]

Cool video thanks. Have you checked out Hell's Belles? Top notch AC/DC cover band in my opinion.

[@SteveRobertsosu1983]

Disappointed that BACK IN BLACK (Dallas Texas) didn't make the top 5 list

[@Rebel-Rouser]

Why isn't back in black from Dallas Texas on this list? Their singer was actually invited to audition to replace Brian Johnson in 2016... They are excellent

[@tonyw2136]

I'm from Illinois the south Chicago area and seen several cover bands and just regular bands that throw them in the mix, easy band to cover and always fun with crowd, and I've seen the the band at least 20 times, always fun

[@craigoliver3709]

Krokus took me back to when I was in school,saw them live in Derby a very long time ago

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

4:12 Wow they sounds exactly like AC/DC back in the late 70's !

[@nelson1765]

I agree, AC/DC cover bands are fun and a great way to spend an evening. i have quite a lot on my youtube 🤘

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Yeah for me having seen a quite a few times it's Dirty DC

[@BROU-bb2uc]

I would say RHINO BUCKET 🤘

[@davidgamboa918]

Gonna miss the late great bucket. Seen em at least 30 times. Great live band. Rock on

[@jdb123ize]

Rhino bucket, I’m a super fan of them. They are in fact better than AC/DC.

[@mikeskillings4270]

We were talking they're talking about AC/DC tribute bands not other bands but yeah rhino buckets good

[@kevinburns5762]

If you get the chance, you should go see a band called livewire, they are superb. They have 2 singers, one does Bon Scott, the other Brian Johnson. And their "Malcolm" is absolutely spot on

[@RevInstone]

Back in Black. Their singer actually got an audition with Ac/Dc.

[@magnusmowat8024]

I saw a cover band here in the Orkney islands about 2003 called BONS BALLS and that’s the closest I’ve ever heard to Bon’s voice…

[@kellyd1648]

Hey Chrissy guess what? Nalle posted that Ivan Gac from AC/DC Houseband is the vocalist on the newly released 21 gun salute by AB/CD

[@chrissydshow9928]

I know I suggested it to him a while ago (others suggested too) SO glad he went with it, it sounds SO good! What a connection we both helped to make Kelly ! :D Thanks again! Email me plz

[@jonridyard6899]

Interesting list - ive been a drummer in original bands, and cover bands I struggle with tribute acts - I find it a bit cringy, dressing up and pretending to be their idols, its not for me ... i will say this though - there is exceptional talent amongst them

[@kaivirtala3816]

Cheers. Would you like to check out a finnish try-out concerning playing AC/DC? I listened (and know) these all, but they all seem to lack the rare combination of precise playing and the real feeling. Bon would approve the down-payment effort for sure, when and where ever the pants are moistening. And more important, I have seen the actual audiences reaction when the bass turns on Live Wire to go.

[@ryanhawley677]

There was one in Arizona for a bit like 20 years ago and they were amazing. They just kind of went away sadly. Singer may have sounded better then Brian Johnson.

[@Rosszac]

Thunderstruck based in Sydney Australia are very good, Malcolm Youngs son Ross goes to all their shows and he gets up and sings a couple of songs with the band.

[@chrissydshow9928]

That's Awesome! Wow!!

[@mattkaustickomments]

I saw Hayseed Dixie live and got their autographs. Fun guys!

[@Eds_PanAm]

check out the band..Hells Belles....all woman,, they kill it....along with the Iron Maidens....oh, I been jamming that AB/CD band because of you...I dig it!

[@chrissydshow9928]

I have seen vids of those two bands, they're good but just couldn't quite make this list for me performance wise. Maybe the next list? ;) Hey glad i'm bringing AB/CD to the people, rock on! :D

[@Eds_PanAm]

@@chrissydshow9928 yeah, i like those originals, but just seen the Iron Maidens last week, you might want to catch another show lol way more talented than probably most original bands out there, except for Maiden of course lol

[@jlcrisp007]

Your # 4 is my # 1.

[@dingelberryhandpump7834]

Tbh. I think BANDA DJ are legit amazing. The lad on Angus knows how it’s supposed to be. Would love to see em come to the UK

[@Blazerbound]

Back in Black from the great state of Texas….. check it (the look and the sound)

[@davidsmith8459]

What about THUNDERSTRUCK from Australia? The All girls tribute band

[@clovenwizard]

AcDc uk??

[@jonathandasilvaferraz4026]

ficou legal esse video , um abraço aqui do brasil !

[@goojedooje660]

I saw the original ac DC in Sydney 1974 just after bon Scott joined them in a hotel 3 dollars to get in

[@chrissydshow9928]

That's amazing! I bet you appreciate that fact every day.

[@benjireddy2728]

Live wire?

[@kelvinnoden3057]

Saw Dirty DC at the Robin 2 in Bilston UK a couple of years ago they were breathtakingly good.

[@chrishill9276]

Dirty DC are at KK`s Steel Mill Wolverhampton these days every December 28th along with five other bands

[@big8rack]

You need to add an honorable mention to Americas AC/DC band - Thunderstruck.

[@Harleyfunman]

Forgot Back In Black from Springfield Massachusetts

[@user-fl8lw7mb8y]

Damm right..we better keep all these tribute bands going too

[@andrewhewson62]

How about Live wire?

[@JClaus1221]

The three best Bon imitators had decent careers themselves, and that would be Steve Whiteman from Kix , Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl and Chris Von Rohr of Krokus.

[@dadzy8208]

Lucky to have seen AC-DC many times over the years, even with Axl coming in for Brian....of late I have seen a few times...and enjoyed immensely tribute band Livewire

[@chrisautry1958]

Ac/dc A true satin band I like how they say they’re not, but say they are in the album flick of the switch and maybe highway to hell

[@pheonixmjs]

Back in Black tribute band/Dallas TX 🤘

[@tjp3rd]

Fyi. Krokus' lead singer turned down replacing Bon Scott after his death,out of loyalty to his band.

[@ricrowland6034]

What about Rhino Bucket

[@user-iy2my2ll8c]

what about Bon Again ? saw them ,in Murry Bridge 2006 ,,they went hard !

[@ekrwy2]

I’m surprised Airbourne wasn’t mentioned. All originals but definite AC/DC sound.

[@misst1586]

How fun! There's a band in Washington State. Problem child. ❤

[@charlesbrown2168]

Back in black from Dallas Texas. Lead singer did try out when Brian stepped down.

[@chrissydshow9928]

No way! That's pretty cool 😃

[@charlesbrown2168]

@@chrissydshow9928 they did an interview on barside jive 1st show on you tube

[@gageboy14]

Dirty deeds Australian tribute band and Thunderstruck Americas AC/DC, check them out!

[@chrissydshow9928]

I know Dirty Deeds, I hadn't seen Thunderstruck Americas before. They're both cool! 🤘

[@pierreleclercq7729]

Ballbreaker, the swedish band is quite awesome. They look like like the giant version of ACDC. The video shows them, as if they are going to bang their head on the ceiling. There's that video where Angus says he chose the Gibsoon SG because he is a small guy with small hands. Man! The guitarist giant playing that SG is quite epic with his huge hands!!

[@user-pg6yo2hw4k]

Guys, I reccomend you to listen to Easy Dizzy from Russia. No questions will be needed anymore.

[@skummisrocker]

AB/DC made a new record this spring. 🤘🏻

[@MartyWilson100]

AB/CD are releasing a new album. Rhythm guitarist Nalle Påhlsson is also a notorious session bass player since the 80's

[@chrissydshow9928]

I know! Feel free to check out my interview with him 😉

[@MartyWilson100]

@@chrissydshow9928 Nice, I didn't know you had met him, I will check it out :) Nalle Påhlsson seems like a very nice and humble guy

[@lancelacey4134]

You need to check out Noise Pollution! They are spot on excellent and the lead singer and lead guitarist are as good as it gets for an ACDC tribute band!

[@abelgarcia5718]

Noise Pollution kicks ass!

[@raphaelmeienberger1597]

Hi Chrissy, I can highly recommend the Swiss band "Live-Wire". They have their twentieth anniversary in 2022. Have seen them over 10 times and also the original AC/DC between 1990 - 2010 several times. You can find many videos on KZbin from Live-Wire. I'm curious about your comment?

[@williamsaloka9043]

I would have to vote for Bon Fire as the top. Amazing!! How did they bring Bon back from the grave?? That's what I wanna know!

[@aj45045]

Whole Lotta Rosie from Australia with female vocals my pick! I'm from Croatia and there is a band called Ballbreakers from Zagreb that is pretty good, check them out

[@davetbassbos]

They are long gone but Beefy DC from Boston (named for the singers physique) were incredible live!!

[@David_Theisen]

You never mentioned ANY American tribute bands!! Electric Shock is an awesome tribute band!! The lead singer does great doing Bon Scott AND Brian Johnson!! The Angus guy is just awesome! They have the energy AND a fan base!! They are especially popular in Eastern Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin!! The Angus guy does a long guitar solo and goes around into the crowd, standing on tables, and even goes out of the room into the casino where they play!! I’ve seen them 12 times and they NEVER disappoint! The only disappointing thing is they don’t play anything from Ballbreaker or after!! But they still are awesome!!

[@judyneerlan7671]

What about the female AC DC tribute bands like Hells Bells? Girls can do anything! Please respond

[@chrissydshow9928]

I agree girls can do anything 😆 but Hells Belles just didn't make my list... Maybe the next list? Hehe. Response done!

[@ralfhenke8148]

Besides my comment on Dangerous Young playing again I have strong suggestion for your "honorable mentions": BACK:N:BLACK - All girl band from Switzerland. They sure aren't the best or most true to the original and they are suffering/enjoying line-up changes quite frequently (with their blonde rhythm guitarist appearing to be the only fixpoint in the band over the years) BUT: They are putting on an extremely fun and entertaining show. Always! Plus they really live and breathe AC/DC's (or should I say Bon's) party type R'n'R. Being sexy AF is an added bonus. Check out their Bonfest tribute to the Ronald Belfort Scott playing "It's a long way to the top" live in his hometown on the back of a truck (yes, you may have seen that before ;-)): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHacgn5vq7GCjJY

[@bud1584]

Have you ever compared the voice of the lead singer of Rhino Bucket to the voice of Bon Scott? I think he could sing songs and sound a lot like him. He has that distinct voice like Bon did.

[@chrissydshow9928]

Very similar sound, high in the mouth, almost nasal sound of their voices. Bon is the greatest and Rhino Bucket are cool.

[@rylo9743]

Ever listened to the band RHINO BUCKET?

[@sebking4508]

Btw, ever heard of HARDBONE? It's a band from Germany, and I think they are pretty awesome. Their latest album "No Frills" actually is my favorite. Check them out!

[@kellyd1648]

Hey Chrissy, Back N Attack was delivered to me today. Its a good album. There are 3 singers on the album...Pontus, Micke and Ivan...Pontus sounds like Paul Stanley and Micke sounds like Gene Simmons

[@chrissydshow9928]

Hey Kelly! I still have to order mine, but I've heard all their singles, I like em 😁 Hope you're doin well.

[@kellyd1648]

@@chrissydshow9928 I was bummed out to hear Micke sound like Gene Simmons. I wanted to hear The Rock N Roll Devil voice. Oh well

[@scottinWV]

ACDCfansdotnet House Band with singer Ivan Gac are awesome! Ivan sings just like Brian Johnson.

[@JPEBeard]

There is a band in Texas called Black in Black! They are the best!

[@carlosvillanueva4041]

HAVE YOU SEEN BACK IN BLACK TRIBUTE BAND THE USA

[@gavinpeters949]

Livewire acdc tribute. Been mentioned on here too. Shut your eyes and it's ACDC

[@rickr2029]

Back in Black from Dallas, Texas should have been #1 with a singer that.can do both Bon and Brian. They were even on your list. Boo!

[@moxig5717]

LA bonfire, best I’ve ever seen, especially in Let There Be Rock, the guitar playing it is phenomenal!!!!!