The UK charts could be left “Thunderstruck” this Christmas if a campaign to get AC/DC to No 1 is successful.
Fans of the legendary rock band have launched a bid to travel not on the Highway to Hell, but to the top of the festive charts to mark the group’s 40th anniversary.
Bon Scott, AC/DC’s original frontman, spent his early years in Angus before moving to Australia.
The singer is fondly remembered in the county and this link is reinforced every year in Kirriemuir, where thousands flock to take part in Bon Fest, organised by community group DD8 Music.
AC/DC has never had a UK top 10 hit but almost 20,000 people have already “liked” the campaign, Highway to Hell for Christmas No.1, on Facebook in a matter of just two days.
The page owners declined to reveal their identity but are thought to be from Angus. They say they have been amazed at the initial response.
Speaking to The Courier, the secretive fans behind the campaign said: “AC/DC are an institution that transcends generations.
“There are pensioners into them and there are school kids into them. It doesn’t matter what age you are, AC/DC are just one of the greatest rock n’ roll bands this planet has ever seen.
“At the time of writing, our campaign has been going exactly 24 hours. At 2pm on November 7 we had one member, now we have over 17,000 members.
“It’s astonishing, but just shows the sheer affection for the band and perhaps even good music in general.”
The race for an alternative Christmas No 1 took hold in 2009 when American rap/rock group Rage Against the Machine beat X Factor winner Joe McElderry to the top spot.
The group behind the AC/DC page added: “Anyone who is interested in getting involved should jointhe page or follow @ACDCxmas on Twitter and download the track from December 15.”