Rock legends AC/DC have hit another milestone, notching their first Diamond-certified single in the United States with “Thunderstruck.”
The song was certified Diamond by the RIAA after shifting 10 million equivalent units, which now includes both pure sales and streaming activity. Interestingly, the song hadn’t achieved any certification until now, with the RIAA awarding it Gold (for half a million units), Platinum (one million), and Diamond simultaneously.
Released in 1990 as the lead single and opening track on The Razor’s Edge, “Thunderstruck” has endured as one of AC/DC’s most recognizable songs with its frenetic fret-tapping intro by guitarist Angus Young and the anthemic shout-along gang vocals.
Not only has “Thunderstruck” remained a staple on classic rock radio and bar jukeboxes, but it has also become a mainstay at sporting events the world over. The intro to “Thunderstruck” can often be heard blaring from the PA when a home football team needs an important third-down stop, or prior to tipoff at a basketball game to hype up the crowd.
“Thunderstruck” highlights numerous new AC/DC certifications by the RIAA. Eight other songs were certified Platinum, including “T.N.T.,” “Hell’s Bells,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” among others. Meanwhile, the band’s mega-selling album Back in Black achieved 26-times Platinum status in the latest batch of certifications.
The news comes amidst AC/DC’s ongoing UK/European tour, the band’s first outing in eight years (get tickets here).
Revisit the music video for “Thunderstruck” below.
