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The roots of this band started back in 1986, as an idea of Bob's and by 1988 had started as one of theWorlds first (if not the first) AC/DC Tributes, in the form of "BACK IN BLACK".
The THUNDERSTRUCK name change came about around 1993/94 due to legalities with the name
"BACK IN BLACK", (copyright issues with the bands former management).
Through the years there has been line up changes, to the point now, there are no original members
from the early days. With a 'split faction' in early 2005, the members separated, with one part
staying as THUNDERSTRUCK. Those members then recruited new players, to fill the roles left by the
split.
(Brendan) BJ Vernal came into the band in the spring of 2005. BJ is so diversified with his vocals, it
has been heard from people to call him "the man of a thousand voices." He eerily sounds like Bon
when doing the Bon Scott era of AC/DC, but then, has the ability to manipulate his voice to sound
similar to Brian Johnson, thus giving you a full compliment of AC/DC.
Shaun 'Webby' Webb came into the band in recent times to take up the role of Angus Young.
Formerly with the Bon Scott era AC/DC Tribute band POWERAGE from Albury/Wodonga on Rhythm
Guitar, Webby has also dip his young hands into the world of Originals with the band IDLE FRET. (now
defunct).
After near on 8 years with "Dirty Deeds" (an opposition AC/DC tribute), Bassist Dave Ross crossed
over to THUNDERSTRUCK in 1998. Dave is meticulous when it comes to sound and what needs to be
played.
Dave has, through the years, played in many a band, mostly originals and also as a rhythm guitarist.
Dave has now moved over to the ‘fill in’ role on Bass.
Coming into the band in April 2015 acting as a fill-in on Rhythm Guitar, Mark 'Cloudy' Colautti
eventually joined the band on a fulltime basis in August 2020.
Cloudy's previous years had seen him with Melbourne Original Band MERLIN'S MADHOUSE and later
with Classic Rock Band HARD COPY.
Cloudy later formed SABOTAGE - The Australian BLACK SABBATH Tribute and in recent years returned
to the original scene with BJ on Bass and vocals in JAR Band.
On the Drums is Nick (Nicco) Hunt.
Nicco is also a former DIRTY DEEDS player, but resigned to a part time role with that band around
2000, where he came to join BJ in DARK ROOM - The ANGELS (ANGEL CITY) Tribute Show. His more
recent years have seen him working with DESTROY SHE SAID, an AUSSIE ROCK (original) Band.
Dave Beaton came into the band on Bass Guitar at the end 2021. Over the years he has filled with
THUNDERSTRUCK, and was also a member of DIRTY DEEDS. Dave is also the Bass Player for the
Karley Jewel Band, a Melbourne original band.
With Cloudy, Dave and Nick, you have the most experienced and strongest rhythm sections in any of
the AC/DC tributes going around. Their knowledge of the music/songs and their strength as a unit
shines through in every show.
Webby's blistering solos and talent along with the showmanship of Lead Vocalist BJ Vernal, gives this
band one hell of a head-start on any AC/DC tribute.
THUNDERSTRUCK give you the full spectacle, so you not only have a great musical tribute, but a fully
fledged show that will leave you feeling as if you have just witnessed AC/DC themselves, either from
the 70s, or current, with BJs ability to vocally change from sounding like BON SCOTT, to "roughing up
the voice a bit", to sing in a voice similar to BRIAN JOHNSON's.
The band does 2 sets, one dedicated to BON, & the other as AC/DC are now, for most pub/club
shows.
The band will also punch-out one long set, in 'Concert form' for festivals and the like.
THUNDERSTRUCKS ability to diversify allows them to chop and change the sets (even during the
show), so you are not always hearing the same songs at every show; yes, the 'HITS' will be there and
at most shows, the classics, but the obscure songs change regularly, bringing you - THE ULTIMATE
AC/DC TRIBUTE SHOW.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
171 - 183 McIvor Rd, Strathdale, Bendigo, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3550
Tickets