Royal Mail has launched a unique tribute to iconic rock band AC/DC, marking the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, High Voltage. A special collection of 12 stamps will be officially released on February 18, 2025, but fans can pre-order them now, capturing the band’s legendary status and prolonged influence on the genre of rock music.
The stamp set features live shots from various memorable performances throughout AC/DC's illustrious career. Alongside these electrifying images, four stamps will highlight the covers of some of their most beloved albums, including High Voltage, Highway to Hell, Back in Black, and Power Up. The project aims to encapsulate the essence of AC/DC's music and live entertainment for fans around the globe.
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, praised AC/DC, stating, "AC/DC is one of the most successful rock bands in the world," referencing the mammoth sales of their albums and their far-reaching impact on rock culture. He went on to highlight their Back in Black album as the biggest-selling rock album of all time, underlining their monumental status. It is no surprise then, as AC/DC joins the ranks of other musical legends like The Beatles and Queen, to be celebrated with such collectible memorabilia.
Originated from Sydney, Australia, AC/DC formed back in 1973 and quickly garnered acclaim for their gritty, hard rock sound. Their album, released as High Voltage, provided the band with their first major platform and has since been attributed with redefining rock music. Over the past five decades, AC/DC has cemented themselves as not just rock stars but as pivotal figures within the industry, becoming part of the fabric of Australian musical heritage.
The Royal Mail’s stamp project serves as both celebration and recognition of this iconic band's contributions. According to Gold, "These stamps capture a sample of their electrifying live performances, along with some of their most iconic album covers, and celebrate their significant contribution to the world of rock music." This thoughtful encapsulation highlights how AC/DC's music resonates with fans both past and present, and the significance those historical performances have had on rock history.
The new stamp set is not only for collectors but presents fans with the opportunity to engage more personally with the band’s legacy. There will be 38 variations available including presentation packs and collector’s sheets, ensuring there is something for every fan. Such memorabilia serves to connect younger generations with the legacy of rock giants like AC/DC.
Looking forward, AC/DC’s vibrant history is poised to continue. The band recently announced their plans for a massive European tour set to begin on June 26, 2025, kicking off in Prague and concluding on August 21, 2025, in Edinburgh. While no official Australian dates for 2025 have been confirmed yet, speculation is rife among fans hopeful for their hometown return, which many fans feel is long overdue after their last performance there during the Rock or Bust Tour back in 2016.
With the Royal Mail’s new stamp collection and their impending tour, AC/DC’s legacy is far from fading. Instead, it’s being celebrated and recognized at every turn, ensuring they are remembered not only as musicians but as part of cultural history. For fans eager to show their appreciation and commemorate the band’s 50 years of rock, the new stamps are set to become treasured items.