AC/DC Single Campaign Beats Band’s Chart Record

A brave attempt to place AC/DC at UK Christmas number one for the band’s 40th anniversary fell just three paces short last night – but still gave them their first-ever top ten single.

Over 170,000 people liked the Facebook campaign to send Highway To Hell to number one.

The Australian giants were beaten to the top spot by this year’s X-Factor TV gameshow winner Sam Bailey, who was special guest on BBC Radio 1 as the chart results were announced live.

Over 43,000 people actually bought the track during the eligible time period while Bailey’s track Skyscraper sold 149,000 copies.

The Official Charts Company said: “AC/DC have scored their first ever UK top ten single with Highway To Hell. Despite having several top ten albums here, including three number ones, the veteran rockers’ previous best was number 12 in 1988 with Heatseeker.”

Campaign organisers Jon and Steevi said: “Take a bow everyone. You all deserve a 21-gun salute. AC/DC’s highest-ever charting single in the UK. Well done – It’s not number one, but historic all the same!”

Supporter Jordan Myles Evans said on Facebook: “Let’s see if Sam Bailey is still in her prime and still selling records and still selling out stadiums 40 years from now.”

The campaign got the support of AC/DC’s official Facebook page on Friday, while TeamRock Radio had been offering support before and during the eligible chart period.