AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” Surges Back onto U.K. Sales Charts Decades After Release

AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” reclaims the top sales spots in the United Kingdom. Brian Johnson performs during the Power Up tour at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 21 2025. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Get ty Images)

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AC/DC’s discography ranks among the most successful, instantly recognizable, and commercially robust in hard rock. The Australian band has released several of the best‑selling rock albums of all time and a string of singles that remain ingrained in popular culture.

While the group’s roots lie in harder rock, many of its tracks have become fixtures at sporting events, ensuring they stay in the public consciousness. “Thunderstruck,” arguably the band’s most iconic anthem, has now reappeared on multiple U.K. charts, reaffirming its enduring popularity decades after its original release.

Thunderstruck Re‑enters Two U.K. Sales Charts

This week, “Thunderstruck” re‑enters the Official Singles Downloads and Official Singles Sales charts at positions 57 and 62, respectively. Both rankings track individual song purchases, with the downloads chart focusing on digital transactions and the broader sales chart encompassing both digital and physical sales.

Thunderstruck Previously Achieved Top‑10 Status

Historically, “Thunderstruck” has performed slightly better on the downloads chart, having previously peaked at No. 9—a rare accomplishment for a hard‑rock track on that list. On the overall sales ranking, it came within two spots of the top tier, reaching No. 12.

Thunderstruck’s Long‑Standing Chart Success

The song has now logged more than 100 weeks on each of these sales‑focused rankings, amassing 127 weeks on the Official Singles Downloads chart and 110 weeks on the Official Singles Sales list. It remains the only AC/DC track to achieve triple‑digit tenure on either roster. The next longest‑charting AC/DC hit on the sales chart is “Shot in the Dark,” with just five weeks, while “Highway to Hell” follows on the downloads tally but has yet to surpass two months of presence.

AC/DC Dominates U.K. Rock Chart With Four Hits

On the Official Rock & Metal Singles chart, AC/DC claims four positions this week. “Thunderstruck” leads the pack, climbing one spot to No. 4. “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black” also gain ground, landing at Nos. 14 and 25, respectively. In contrast, “You Shook Me All Night Long” dips, falling from No. 23 to No. 31.

AC/DC Classics Clock Hundreds of Weeks on Charts

Collectively, the four AC/DC tracks have each spent over 600 weeks somewhere on the Rock & Metal chart. “Thunderstruck” has just crossed the 700‑week milestone, while “Back in Black” is on the cusp of joining that elite club. “Highway to Hell” has accumulated 676 weeks, and “You Shook Me All Night Long” sits at 635 weeks. Three of these four tracks have also occupied the chart’s top spot at some point; “You Shook Me All Night Long” is the sole exception, having peaked at No. 2.

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