This AC/DC Classic Has Deeper Roots Than You Think… and They Go Way Back
AC/DC's "Let There Be Rock" Music video - AC/DC / YouTube
AC/DC’s “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” is widely recognized as one of the most iconic tracks in hard rock history. Released in 1981 as the title track of their eighth studio album, the song has been a staple at concerts and celebrations of rock and rebellion. But few fans realize that the anthem’s roots reach far deeper than electric guitars and cannon fire.
In a 2021 interview with Zane Lowe on Essentials Radio, guitarist Angus Young revealed a surprising inspiration behind the song. The phrase that powers the chorus, “For those about to rock, we salute you,” was not born in a jam session or a smoky studio—it was sparked by ancient history. Young credited his discovery of a line in a piece by British poet and historian Robert Graves as the catalyst.
Graves, known for his writings on mythology and antiquity, referenced a salute used by Roman gladiators facing death. This historical nod gave the track a level of gravitas and mythology that fans may have felt but not fully understood. It turns out, this stadium anthem is also a salute to something much older and darker than rock ‘n’ roll.
The Robert Graves Connection
The Young brothers—Angus and Malcolm—were working on a fresh riff and chord progression when the song began to take shape. While the music came together naturally, the lyrics needed a powerful, evocative theme. That’s when Angus recalled a line he’d come across in Robert Graves’ writing: “For those about to die.” The phrase stuck with him and eventually evolved into the song’s now-iconic chorus.
Graves, an early 20th-century literary figure, often explored Roman history and ancient traditions. One of those traditions included the gladiatorial salute to Caesar before battle: “Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant”, or “Hail Caesar, those who are about to die salute you.” That ancient line resonated with Angus, not only for its intensity but also for the drama and ceremony it evoked.
The band molded the historical line into something more celebratory—turning a death sentence into a declaration of rock unity. “For Those About to Rock” became more than a track title; it became a rallying cry for fans across generations. Graves may have been writing about the past, but AC/DC brought that past into the present—loud, fast, and full of fire.
Gladiators, Guitars, and Symbolism
There’s a poetic irony in AC/DC transforming a gladiator’s death chant into a high-voltage anthem. Where ancient warriors saluted Caesar before fighting for survival, modern rockers salute their fans with amps turned to eleven. The same sense of confrontation and spectacle exists—but the battlefield is the stage, and the weapons are guitars and attitude.
Angus Young has always been drawn to high-drama imagery, and the Roman salute fit perfectly with the band’s larger-than-life style. It’s a classic example of how rock often draws from historical and mythological sources to amplify its message. Even if listeners didn’t know the origin, they felt the weight of the words when shouted back at concerts.
The transformation also gave AC/DC a powerful identity during the post-Back in Black era. This wasn’t just another hard rock song—it was a declaration, a ritual. It invited fans to be part of something ancient and rebellious, whether they realized it or not. In that sense, AC/DC didn’t just borrow history—they redefined it for a new generation.
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The Thunder of Cannons and Royal Weddings
As if ancient Rome weren’t enough, another piece of modern history shaped the sound of the song. During the early recordings of “For Those About To Rock,” the band caught the televised wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. What stood out wasn’t the royal romance—but the cannons fired during the celebration.
That unmistakable boom gave AC/DC another layer to add to their track. Inspired by the dramatic sound, they incorporated cannon blasts into the song’s climax. This added both a military precision and a theatrical power that elevated the track beyond typical rock fare. The final product sounded like a victory march—historic, defiant, and unforgettable.
It’s fitting that a song inspired by gladiators and emperors would end with the roar of cannons. With this layered history—from Roman salutes to British weddings—“For Those About To Rock” became more than just a rock song. It became a tribute across time, tying the past and present together in one thunderous salute.
