If you’re a diehard rock and roll and heavy metal fan, chances are you have AC/DC on your playlist. This legendary band has left an indelible mark on the music world, from their powerful guitar riffs to their electrifying stage presence.
If you’re looking for something new yet equally captivating, we’ve listed a few bands that share the same vibe and style as AC/DC. These bands may not be able to replicate AC/DC’s raw talent, but they’ve certainly captured the essence of what makes this genre so thrilling.
So let’s crank up the volume and discover 13 bands like AC/DC that will rock your world. Let’s dive in!
1. Aerosmith
One of America’s greatest rock bands Aerosmith has been thrilling audiences with their powerful music for over 50 years. Their hits “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion” have earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and four Grammy Awards.
Aerosmith has released 15 studio albums and a whopping 72 singles, with a total sales of over 150 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
With their bluesy, hard rock sound and high-energy performances, they have drawn comparisons to other legendary bands like AC/DC. Fans of AC/DC would also appreciate Aerosmith’s gritty guitar riffs and frontman Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals.
2. Rose Tattoo
Next up, we have another Australian music group. The legendary rock band Rose Tattoo has been rocking since the 1970s. Fans of AC/DC and classic rock will find plenty to love about this band’s hard-hitting sound and uncompromising style.
Their hard-edged bluesy sound has often been compared to AC/DC. Their collaboration with Vanda & Young, producers who also worked with AC/DC on “Nice Boys,” has become iconic in the world of rock music.
With hits like “Bad Boy for Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw,” Rose Tattoo has firmly established itself as one of the top classic rock bands. Their raw energy and no-holds-barred attitude have earned them a dedicated fan base that has spanned generations.
3. Motörhead
The iconic heavy metal band Motörhead has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Their hit songs “Ace of Spades” and “Overkill” have become anthems of the genre and have sold over 30 million records worldwide.
Motörhead’s music shares similarities with AC/DC, with both bands employing driving rhythms, power chords, and lyrics celebrating living on the edge.
Fans of AC/DC will find themselves drawn to Motörhead’s hard-hitting sound and unapologetic attitude. With their lively performances and devotion to the heavy metal ethos, Motörhead has inspired countless bands and continues to influence the genre to this day.
4. Airbourne
The hard-rocking Australian quartet Airbourne formed in 2003. The group shares a similar sound and live energy with AC/DC. Because of their gritty blend of blues, heavy metal music, and unyielding live performances, the band has often been compared to the iconic rockers.
While Airbourne has yet to achieve the same level of commercial success as AC/DC, they have released six studio albums and earned a reputation as one of the most exciting live bands in the business.
Fans of AC/DC—and classic rock, in general—will enjoy Airbourne’s electrifying guitar-driven sound and charismatic stage presence.
5. Krokus
The hard-hitting music and powerful chords of Krokus shares this similarity with AC/DC, as well as energizing performances. Their 1980 album Metal Rendez-vous helped establish them as one of the leading European hard rock bands during the time.
The classic rock aesthetic and heavy guitar-driven sound of the Swiss heavy metal band will likely resonate with fans of Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and particularly AC/DC.
Though the band has not yet reached the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, Krokus has maintained a dedicated following throughout their career.
6. The Answer
Another excellent recommendation for fans of AC/DC is The Answer’s. Formed in 2000, the group found fame with their debut album, Rise, and has since gained a significant following.
The band has opened for legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and AC/DC on their Black Ice World Tour in 2009-2010, showcasing their electrifying energy during live performances.
Their stadium-worthy arena rock sound incorporates powerful power chords and blues-rock influences. With their modern take on classic rock, The Answer is sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates AC/DC’s powerhouse legacy.
7. Rhino Bucket
Hard rock band Rhino Bucket from Van Nuys, California, formed in 1987 and is often compared to AC/DC for their raw and straightforward rock and roll sound.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 1990, which helped solidify their reputation as a music group that pays tribute to classic rock while bringing their unique style to the forefront.
Despite various lineup changes, Rhino Bucket has continued to produce music, with their most recent album being The Last Real Rock N’ Roll, released in 2017. Fans of AC/DC and classic rock enthusiasts alike will appreciate Rhino Bucket’s energetic and authentic sound, which is sure to get any crowd moving.
8. Danko Jones
Formed in 1996, the Canadian rock band Danko Jones is best known for their energetic performances and guitar-driven music. Their hard rock sound and power chords are reminiscent of AC/DC, making them an excellent recommendation for fans of the iconic Australian rockers.
Danko Jones’ music is a fusion of classic rock, heavy metal, and punk influences, offering a dynamic listening experience for fans who enjoy exploring different music genres.
With a loyal fan base and a reputation for putting on unforgettable live shows, Danko Jones is a band that should not be overlooked. Give their music a listen!
9. Buckcherry
The California-based hard rock band Buckcherry has been compared to AC/DC due to their high-energy music and powerful guitar riffs. Influenced by classic rock bands, the band has developed their unique sound and style, combining heavy metal and hard rock elements.
Formed in 1995, Buckcherry has remained active despite several lineup changes and released ten successful albums. They have also toured extensively to support their releases.
With their electrifying live performances and memorable rock anthems, Buckcherry is a solid recommendation for fans of AC/DC and anyone looking for high-octane, guitar-driven rock music.
10. The Black Crowes
The bluesy and soulful sound of Atlanta, Georgia, band The Black Crowes draws heavily from classic rock influences such as The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. The group has undergone numerous lineup changes, but brothers Chris and Rich Robinson have remained the band’s core members.
They have released several hit albums, like 1992 The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, and have earned multiple Grammy nominations and awards.
The Black Crowes are also known for their incredible live performances, which have earned them a reputation as one of the best live acts. As a fan of AC/DC blues-infused rock and roll sound, you will surely enjoy The Black Crowes’ music.
11. The Darkness
Another band that can be considered similar to AC/DC is The Darkness. Hailing from England, this group has garnered attention for their energetic and dazzling performances on stage.
The Darkness is heavily influenced by classic rock bands like Queen, Thin Lizzy, and AC/DC. In fact, lead singer Justin Hawkins has been known to hit high notes and scream in a manner reminiscent of Brian Johnson’s vocals.
The group’s music may not sound exactly like AC/DC’s, but they share the same flair for guitar-driven music and high-energy performances.
12. Wolfmother
With a sound heavily influenced by classic and hard rock, the Australian band Wolfmother is a solid recommendation for fans of AC/DC. While Wolfmother draws from classic rock influences, they also incorporate elements of psychedelic and stoner rock, giving their music a unique twist.
Formed in 2004, their self-titled debut album, released a year after their inception, was a huge success. It featured catchy guitar riffs and powerful vocals reminiscent of early AC/DC.
Wolfmother has sold millions of records worldwide and won multiple awards, including three ARIA Music Awards and a Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy for their single “Woman.”
13. Guns N’ Roses
Those who love AC/DC’s high-energy performances and hard-rock sound might also resonate with the music of Guns N’ Roses. Debuting with the album Appetite for Destruction in 1987, the American rock band has since been releasing hit albums and singles.
Notable Guns N’ Roses songs include “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “November Rain,” among many others that have won them numerous awards and accolades.
And though Guns N’ Roses have bluesy tones to their sound compared to AC/DC’s heavy beats, both bands have had a huge impact on rock music and continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like AC/DC
The hard-driving, guitar-driven sound of AC/DC has been a staple of classic rock for decades, and its influence can be heard in countless bands that have followed in their footsteps.
From Airbourne to Danko Jones and beyond, there’s no shortage of bands that capture the same energy and attitude that make AC/DC so beloved.
At the end of the day, the bands listed here are just the tip of the iceberg in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. But we had to start somewhere to get your blood pumping and your head banging. So turn up the volume and let the music take you on a wild ride!
