The Real Intense Jailbreak Stories Behind AC/DC’s ‘Jailbreak’

Like so many stories about Bon Scott, the origins of AC/DC’s “Jailbreak” come with a bit of mystery. One well-known account comes from guitarist Angus Young, who says the song was inspired by a real story Scott heard while locked up in Perth, Australia. It’s a rough-and-tumble tale: a convict makes a daring attempt at freedom, but just when he seems close to escaping, he’s shot down, bound for nothing but a lost dream of freedom.

A Tale of Chopper Reid

Another story behind the song is that Scott found inspiration after reading about Australian criminal Mark Brandon “Chopper” Reid, who was sentenced to 16 years for killing a gang leader. Only three years into his sentence, Reid attempted an escape, though the plan was foiled when his partner panicked. Whether or not Reid’s story is the true source, Scott’s fascination with characters who lived dangerously fit perfectly into the “Jailbreak” narrative, adding depth to the song’s theme of desperation and the drive for freedom.

The Song That Became a Fan Favorite

Written by Bon Scott, Angus Young, and Malcolm Young, “Jailbreak” may have started during AC/DC’s 1975 TNT sessions, but it didn’t see the light until Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap hit shelves in Australia in 1976. Surprisingly, when Dirty Deeds was released in the U.S. in 1981, “Jailbreak” was left off the tracklist. This omission only added to its allure, making “Jailbreak” a favorite among die-hard AC/DC fans who loved its rebellious lyrics and raw storytelling.

Despite its absence on the U.S. album release, “Jailbreak” found a second life on fan-made mixes and live shows, where it became a staple that captured the rough-edged, gritty side of AC/DC. The song’s relentless energy and Scott’s storytelling flair certainly made this track one of AC/DC’s most enduring anthems.

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