AC/DC LANE - WHERE STREET ART IS ALWAYS CURRENT

Ask any street art buff to name a location where one can experience the iconic Melbourne street art scene that the city is globally renowned for and AC/DC Lane is sure to strike a chord. Paying tribute to Australian rock royalty, Corporation Lane in central Melbourne was renamed AC/DC Lane on the 1st of October 2004. Christening the lane, Lord Mayor John So proclaimed: "As the song says, there is a Highway to Hell, but this is a laneway to heaven!"

Due to the legislative restrictions, the trademark lightning bolt in the band’s name was omitted from the sign. This sent a jolt through the hearts of fans who thought this is 'Ain't No Fun". One of those fans, local artist #Knifey, decided to rectify the injustice by taking the matter (and a hammer!) into his own hands. Using the same sheet metal that the street sign is made of, #Knifey created a customized lightning bolt sign and nailed it above the new street name. The transformation was complete and things were official 'Back In Business!

As much as it pays homage to the band, AC/DC Lane is also internationally famous for music-themed street art and graffiti. It is one of the few locations in Melbourne where street art is allowed in a public place without a permit. This appeals to both existing and upcoming artists who use the lane as a platform to showcase their work, grow a fan base and make a statement.

AC/DC Lane flows into Duckboard Place, which is teeming with epic murals worthy of taking the title of the 'Money Shot'.

Let's check out some of the pieces with some street art hunters who know this location like the back of their hand. 'Are You Ready?'

Bon Scott jailbreaking through the brickwork!

In March 2018, as part of the State government's 'Rockin' the Laneways' funding program, local artist and AC/DC Lane regular mural painter @mike.makatron created a larger-than-life metal, plaster, and concrete sculpture of AC/DC former lead singer Bon Scott. The sculpture portrays Bon busting out of the brickwork and pays tribute to the band and the music industry.

Windows into the soul of AC/DC Lane

One of the most recognized features in the lane are these heritage windows on what was once a live-music venue called Cherry Bar. The windows have traditionally attracted a range of paste-up and sticker artists that showcased their creations in this spot. After a long stint in COVID-19 lockdown, the windows were given a new lease on life, completely refreshed with new stickers, featuring a large number of local and international artists.

Malcolm Young - We Salute You!

Following the tragic passing of Malcolm Young in November 2018, two murals in his honor went up overnight in AC/DC Lane.

Malcolm was not only AC/DC's co-founding rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and backing vocalist, but most importantly, he was the heart, soul, and pulse of the band, alongside his younger brother Angus.

The artwork was created by an anonymous Australian street artist @lushsux, whose murals of popular culture attract an international cult following.

It's A Long Way To The Top!

The most prominent artwork in AC/DC Lane is tucked away at the very end of the laneway. Towering four stories high is Fintan Magee's breath-taking mural of a man carrying a tree trunk through the urban landscape. Dubbed 'Australian Banksy', Magee's large-scale realism works are world-renowned and typically explore the politically-charged subject matter.

The street art in AC/DC Lane is ever-changing. You are bound to find unique pieces every time you visit, so make sure to keep your eyes open as you explore. Whether you are visiting to experience the street art subculture or to get your music fix, AC/DC Lane ain't a bad place to be! To all the photography and music lovers, get out there and 'Shoot to Thrill!'

'Till we meet again!

https://www.sticksandspoons.com/post/ac-dc-lane-where-street-art-is-always-current