Drum Sheet – AC/DC – Let’s Get It Up

For a fan of great rock drumming, “Let’s Get It Up” is one of the hidden gems in AC/DC’s catalog. Released on the album For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) in 1981 and written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, the song perfectly captures the band’s ability to turn a simple blues-based riff into an explosive hard-rock anthem. It was produced by the legendary Robert John Lange, who had also helped shape the sound of AC/DC’s hugely successful album Back in Black.

The composition of “Let’s Get It Up” followed the classic AC/DC formula. Angus and Malcolm Young developed the driving guitar riff, built on a blues-rock groove that feels loose, energetic, and irresistibly catchy. Brian Johnson then added lyrics that reflected the band’s playful and cheeky sense of humor. Johnson himself once described the song as “filth, pure filth,” highlighting the tongue-in-cheek nature of the lyrics. Rather than aiming for complexity, AC/DC focused on groove, attitude, and a rhythm section that could make the song swing as hard as it rocked.

For drum fans, the real star is Phil Rudd. His performance demonstrates why he is often considered one of rock’s greatest groove drummers. Instead of filling every space with flashy techniques, Rudd locks into a deep pocket, driving the song forward with his trademark precision. The beat feels effortless, yet it gives the track enormous power. Many fans have noted that “Let’s Get It Up” contains some of Phil Rudd’s most interesting drum work from the Brian Johnson era, particularly in the way he accents transitions and supports the swinging feel of the riff.

After its release, “Let’s Get It Up” became the first single from the album and was featured prominently during the band’s 1981–1982 world tour supporting For Those About to Rock. AC/DC performed it in arenas across North America, Europe, and other territories, often using it as an early-set energy booster. The song was also featured in a promotional performance video that showed the band delivering it live in front of an audience, emphasizing its concert-ready spirit.

Today, “Let’s Get It Up” remains an underrated AC/DC classic. While it never achieved the legendary status of “Back in Black” or “For Those About to Rock,” it stands as a perfect example of the band’s chemistry—and for drummers, it is a masterclass in how Phil Rudd could make a straightforward rock beat feel absolutely irresistible.