Discover ACDC Lane: Melbourne's Rock 'n' Roll Gem!

03 May, 2025

Ever wondered if a humble laneway could embody the spirit of rock 'n' roll? In Melbourne, Australia, the answer is a resounding yes: Ac/dc Lane, a vibrant tribute to one of the world's most iconic bands, is a living, breathing testament to the power of music and the enduring allure of street art.

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's central business district, Ac/dc Lane isn't just a thoroughfare; it's a cultural landmark. Named in honor of the legendary Australian hard rock band AC/DC, this narrow alleyway pulsates with a unique energy. It's a place where the city's love affair with grungy rock 'n' roll finds its physical form, a space where creativity explodes onto the walls, floors, and even the benches, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Name	Ac/dc Lane
Location	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Type	Laneway
Named After	AC/DC (Australian Hard Rock Band)
Original Name	Corporation Lane
Renamed Date	October 1, 2004
Key Features	Street Art, Tribute to AC/DC
Notable for	One of the few locations in Melbourne where street art is allowed without a permit.
Nearby Streets	Flinders Lane, Exhibition Street, Russell Street, Swanston Street
Related to	Hosier Lane, Union Lane (Other popular laneways in Melbourne)
Reference Link	City of Melbourne Official Website

Originally known as Corporation Lane, this unassuming alleyway underwent a transformative renaming on October 1, 2004. The Melbourne City Council, in a unanimous decision, recognized the band's monumental contributions to music and Australian culture, bestowing the lane with its electrifying new moniker. This act of civic recognition transformed a simple street into a pilgrimage site for fans and a canvas for artists.

Ac/dc Lane is more than just a tribute; it's a vibrant ecosystem of creativity. It's one of the few locations in Melbourne where street art flourishes without the need for permits, making it a haven for artists and a constantly evolving gallery for the public. The artwork, as dynamic as the music it celebrates, is not intended for preservation but for appreciation, a testament to the transient beauty of street art.

The lane's proximity to other iconic Melbourne landmarks like Hosier Lane and Union Lane solidifies its place in the city's cultural landscape. While Hosier Lane may be more widely known, Ac/dc Lane offers a unique perspective, a more intimate experience, where the spirit of AC/DC's music and the raw energy of street art converge.

The decision to rename Corporation Lane was particularly apt, given AC/DC's deep roots in Melbourne. The band's early career, their formative years, were spent within the city's embrace. The location of the lane, near Swanston Street, where the music video for "It's a Long Way to the Top" was famously filmed, added another layer of significance to the renaming.

The legacy of AC/DC in Melbourne extends beyond a simple street name. It's a symbol of the city's embrace of rock 'n' roll, a testament to the band's enduring influence, and a celebration of artistic expression. The lane is a brief, narrow passage, but its impact is immense.

The naming of Ac/dc Lane wasn't just a symbolic gesture. On the day of the official renaming, a ceremony was held, attended by prominent figures from the Australian music scene. A bagpipe tribute to "It's a Long Way to the Top" echoed through the laneway, solidifying the connection between the band, the city, and its people.

The laneway, teeming with rock 'n' roll energy, is a must-visit for anyone exploring Melbourne. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of vibrant artwork, capturing the essence of the band's music and spirit. The ever-changing art scene within the laneway keeps it fresh and dynamic, giving visitors a unique experience with each visit.

While Melbourne's Ac/dc Lane pays tribute to the Australian rock legends, it's not the only place to find a street dedicated to the band. In Legans, a suburb of Madrid, Spain, there's "Calle de AC/DC," a testament to the band's international appeal. However, Melbourne's lane holds the distinction of being named in honor of AC/DC earlier, in October 2004, while the Spanish street was named in March 2000. The Spanish version reflects another manifestation of the band's worldwide influence.

The renaming ceremony in Melbourne was a momentous occasion. The Lord Mayor, John So, officially christened the lane with a speech that encapsulated the spirit of AC/DC: "As the song says, there is a highway to hell, but this is a laneway to heaven." This proclamation captured the essence of the street, celebrating the band's contribution and acknowledging Melbourne's vibrant culture.

For visitors, Ac/dc Lane offers an extraordinary experience. It's a smaller, more intimate alternative to the more crowded Hosier Lane. As you walk through the lane, you'll encounter a series of statues, and graffiti paying homage to the band. The experience is immersive, allowing fans and art enthusiasts to delve deep into the legacy of AC/DC and appreciate Melbourne's street art scene.

The name "Ac/dc Lane" itself speaks volumes. It's an acknowledgment of the band's impact and the city's love of music. It has transformed a functional thoroughfare into a cultural landmark that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The lane's accessibility, combined with the ever-changing artworks, ensures that the spirit of rock 'n' roll will continue to resonate in Melbourne for years to come.

One of the unique aspects of Ac/dc Lane is its dynamic nature. The art constantly changes. It's a venue for street artists to express themselves freely. Graffiti artists use the walls to exhibit their creativity. It's a testament to the urban landscape that keeps the laneway alive. The constantly changing nature is a testament to the fact that the art is meant to be appreciated as it comes and goes.

In the words of the mayor, it is a 'laneway to heaven.' The spirit of the music is a tribute to a band that has been iconic in the world of rock and roll. Its lasting appeal is reflected in its renaming, but it is also a reflection of the city's culture. So, if you find yourself in Melbourne, be sure to visit the Ac/dc Lane and experience a piece of rock 'n' roll history.

AC/DC lane is a famous location for street art in the city of Melbourne

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Bon Scott Sculpture at ACDC Lane in Melbourne, Australia, Urban Art

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ACDC Lane, Destination, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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