If you’re someone who enjoys meticulously planning their attire for live music events, this guide is tailored for you. Choosing the perfect outfit for a concert can enhance your overall experience and help you feel connected to the music and the artists.
Perhaps you lean towards wearing a band shirt to showcase your allegiance to the performers, or maybe you find that approach a bit unconventional. We propose a creative alternative: curate an outfit inspired by the fashion choices of the band themselves, blending your personal style with elements that pay homage to their iconic looks.
Focusing specifically on AC/DC, several signature clothing pieces immediately come to mind. If you plan on attending one of their electrifying shows this year—spanning various locations across the globe until August—here are some fashionable apparel recommendations, complete with clickable links to help you shop.
Let’s start from the top. For decades, lead vocalist Brian Johnson has been seen donning a classic newsboy cap, which he originally adopted for practical reasons. During his time with the band Geordie, Johnson often found himself sweating profusely in cramped clubs with inadequate ventilation. One fateful evening, his brother lent him his cap to shield his eyes from perspiration.
In his own words, Johnson recounted to Planet Rock (via blabbermouth.net) in 2020, “I put it on because in the north of England, everyone wore caps—post-war, it was a sort of uniform for Geordies and Yorkshiremen.” He continued, “I wore it for the second half and thought, ‘This is brilliant!’ I decided to get one for myself. People soon began to recognize me as ‘the singer who wears the cap.’ This small detail contributed to our immediate recognition, leading to more gigs and shows. ‘We want that band. You know, the singer with the cap!’ ‘Oh, right. Geordie!’ And that’s how it became my trademark.”
We suggest you get a cap of your own to ward off sweat while you enjoy the high-energy performances of AC/DC, ideally one featuring a classic herringbone pattern similar to Johnson’s.
Amazon / store.acdc.com
When it comes to ties, you have a couple of stylish options to consider. The first option is to emulate Angus Young‘s traditional striped tie, which perfectly complements his signature schoolboy aesthetic. This look was inspired by his sister, Margaret, who conceptualized the idea many years ago. Young typically wears ties in either red or blue, but the beauty of this selection available on Amazon is the variety of colors to choose from—almost any hue in the rainbow!
Alternatively, for a more contemporary twist, consider wearing one of the band’s official merchandise items: an AC/DC-themed tie adorned with striking lightning bolts.
Another wardrobe staple for Johnson is the sleeveless denim vest, which serves as both a style statement and a practical choice for keeping cool while performing on stage. While he once favored lighter washes, he has transitioned to darker denim shades or even sleek black vests in recent years. This particular option available on Amazon not only comes in a range of colors but also features distressed detailing along the armholes, giving it that authentic, personalized look.
If you have a bit of extra budget to spare, you could even invest in a vest that was worn by Johnson himself during a tour—what a unique way to connect with the band’s history!
For those truly dedicated to the aesthetic, you might want to replicate Young’s iconic schoolboy outfit. The first time he donned this ensemble was back in April 1974, and it was actually his own original school uniform.
Young recounted to Guitar World in 2020, “That was the most frightened I’ve ever been on stage, but luckily, I had no time to think. I just went straight out there.” He described the crowd’s reaction as being akin to “a bunch of fish at feeding time,” with wide open mouths. “I thought if I stood still, I’d be a target for bottle-throwing blokes. So I never stopped moving. I figured if I stayed in motion, I’d be safe.”
Recreating this distinctive outfit can be challenging, as online searches yielded no results for velvet suits with shorts. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled some alternative pieces.
The shorts are crucial to achieving Young’s schoolboy vibe, so consider opting for a lightweight material for comfort. If you prefer the classic velvet or velour look that Young typically wears, we’ve found some options that come in various colors.
Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images / Amazon
When it comes to footwear, you have plenty of choices—loafers, sneakers, or other styles will work well. However, the key detail to nail is the white socks that should peek just above your shoes, which you can easily find in bulk on Amazon.
As Young sees it, this outfit transcends mere clothing—it’s a part of his identity.
He once stated, “Some people look amazing in regular clothes. When I was younger, I saw Jimi Hendrix and thought, ‘Wow!’ It’s all about the image; that was my first impression. He looked so cool, and I wanted to embody that coolness. Hence, I chose to wear the school suit. It’s my signature. Why do people come to see our shows? It’s the iconic school suit. It resonates!”
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