#3 AC/DC - Back In Black

19th Febrary 1980. Bon Scott, lead singer of AC/DC is found lifeless inside a Renault 5 in South London. Pronounced dead on his arrival to the hospital, the world wakes up to find one of the biggest Rock 'N Roll bands of the day are now without a lead singer.

It was a tragic moment that could have seen the end of AC/DC, guitarist's Malcom and Angus Young considering whether to call it time in the band in memory of Scott. However, from all the unlikely sources, it was Bon's bereaving family that gave them the nod to continue, believing it was what Scott would have wanted.

They hired "Geordie"(the name of his band, not his accent...although, he was actually a Geordie) singer Brian Johnson, a man who Bon Scott himself recommended, and set to work.

So, rejuvenated by the news that they will continue, and inspired by the sadness that had preceded the album and the willingness to cement a fitting tribute to their fallen comrade, AC/DC began work on what has since become the legendary "Back In Black" album.

Opening with a fitting nod towards Scott with a song he helped write, "Hells Bells" starts with the ominous chime of church bells before leading into the sinister riff that sets the tone for song, and the album. This was refined, this was precise. AC/DC were back, and they meant business.

Following on from the opener, "Back In Black" rattles through hit after hit on an album that packs more punch than an a four armed Chuck Norris. The sexual shenanigans in sing along rock song "You Shook Me All Night Long" and the rifforama frenzy that made the title track "Back In Black" one of the single most recognisable Rock riffs in history, "Back In Black" is AC/DC's defining album.

With "Back In Black", AC/DC made the transition from big Rock band to true gods of the industry. Selling 49 million copies to date, it is the third highest selling album ever, and the highest selling hard rock album ever. Telling statistics of the album's mass appeal. It wasn't an album that particularly had any metaphorical weight, AC/DC weren't trying to tell a story, nor were they making a political statement. It was good, honest, hard-working Rock 'N Roll for the masses. And maybe that's why it appealed to everyone. What's not to like? Riffs? Check. Vocals? Check. Wild guitar solos? Check. Check. Check.


When it all boils down, music is a motivator. A lifter. A collection of people making lots of noise that comes together to make one, big sound. And AC/DC are just that. They had a fucking massive sound, and they sold it to the world.

Back In Black: The world's greatest tribute.