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The inside story of AC/DC's Back In Black, the biggest-selling rock album of all time
Guitar World ^ | 7/23/20 | Paul Elliott

Posted on 01/18/2025 9:10:38 AM PST by DallasBiff

It was the record that resurrected a band in mourning. From tragedy to triumph, this is the story of AC/DC’s greatest victory.

(Excerpt) Read more at guitarworld.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; History; Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: 1980s; acdc; backinblack; clickbait; music
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Heard "Rock and Roll ain't Noise Pollution" this morning on the radio, brought back memories of a simpler time.

Have fun it's saturday, criticize away, and MAGA returns in less than 48 hours.

1 posted on 01/18/2025 9:10:38 AM PST by DallasBiff
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To: DallasBiff

i read ‘highway to hell’ is about a bar that sits in a steep gully that is dangerous to drive- not sure if true or not- but read that once-


2 posted on 01/18/2025 9:16:58 AM PST by Bob434
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To: Bob434

here’s a writeup on it- but note the end and photo of the album with the devil horns and tail and pentagram- so not sure that they didn’t intend double meaning-


3 posted on 01/18/2025 9:21:33 AM PST by Bob434
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To: DallasBiff

Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZSkb84oUM


4 posted on 01/18/2025 9:27:37 AM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion, or satire, or both.)
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To: DallasBiff

Takes me back to High School.


5 posted on 01/18/2025 9:28:28 AM PST by yuleeyahoo (“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” - the deep-state)
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To: BenLurkin

That cover is horrible.


6 posted on 01/18/2025 9:31:06 AM PST by DallasBiff (Apology not accepted.la is not the sharpest knife in the drawer)
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To: DallasBiff

I guess it depends on the source. I always thought the best selling rock album of all time was “Eagles Greatest Hits.”

“When it comes to album sales in the United States, this Eagles’ collection of favorites and timeless classics remains No. 1.”

https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_25_top_selling_rock_albums_of_all_time/s1__39121793

Wikipedia says it’s “Thriller” - but that could be classified as more “pop” than rock - with “Back in Black” as #2 and the Eagles “Hotel California” at #4. (”Dark Side of the Moon is #3).

Also saw this at another source:

“Biggest selling albums in US History”:

Eagles “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” 38 million

Michael Jackson “Thriller” 34 million

AC/DC “Back in Black” 27 million

Eagles “Hotel California” 26 million


7 posted on 01/18/2025 9:32:31 AM PST by Bon of Babble (You Say You Want a Revolution?)
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To: DallasBiff

I think it was a simulcast concert that I saw in a theater...somewhere...Denver, maybe, which would have made it 1981. They were collecting contraband at the door, and we sat near the middle. In front of us, were a young teen boy, an older sister (I assume) and mom. After about two minutes of music, mom and sis had fled, and Junior was head-banging away. Good times....


8 posted on 01/18/2025 9:32:56 AM PST by gundog (It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. the )
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To: DallasBiff

Im old enough to have seen Bon Scott at least twice.

Brian Johnson does a great job but Scott had something Johnson doesn’t.


9 posted on 01/18/2025 9:37:26 AM PST by V_TWIN (America...so great even the people that hate it refuse to leave!ly)
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To: Bon of Babble
The Eagles were not really a rock band until "Hotel California" in 77.

Michael Jackson was pop, even though Eddie Van Halen did the guitar solo on "Beat It".

10 posted on 01/18/2025 9:39:44 AM PST by DallasBiff (Apology not accepted.la is not the sharpest knife in the drawer)
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To: DallasBiff

Ah. You will really like this artist’s cover of Thunderstruck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g50Un5QD2u0


11 posted on 01/18/2025 9:40:56 AM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion, or satire, or both.)
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To: DallasBiff

AC/DC.......more than likely THE shortest rock band in history.


12 posted on 01/18/2025 9:41:07 AM PST by V_TWIN (America...so great even the people that hate it refuse to leave!ly)
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To: Bob434
https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-of-highway-to-hell-by-ac-dc/

"Elsewhere, there is a more literal explanation that has been documented. “Highway to Hell” is the nickname of the Canning Highway in Australia, which runs through Fremantle (where Bon Scott lived) and ends at a bar called The Raffles. As the highway comes to an end, it turns into a steep decline.

Because of this, many drivers have been killed driving fast over that intersection after a night out. So when Scott sings about being on the “Highway to Hell,” it means he is making the trek down to The Raffles, hoping not to end up as one of the many who never reach their destination."

13 posted on 01/18/2025 9:44:16 AM PST by T.B. Yoits
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To: DallasBiff; BenLurkin
She's talented, but this is not the song for her to cover, IMO. Nothing can compare to Brian's unique vocals - yelling, raspy, scratchy, warm.

I think this is the first album post Bon Scott and Brian absolutely made it his own.

14 posted on 01/18/2025 9:44:50 AM PST by HonkyTonkMan ( )
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To: V_TWIN
...more than likely THE shortest rock band in history.

"BTO is the biggest band in rock & roll! Did you ever see those guys? They're huge!"

--Radio station comedy bit I remember from the '80's.

At least they didn't know Screaming Trees yet.

15 posted on 01/18/2025 9:48:24 AM PST by Rinnwald
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To: BenLurkin

Well she did a good rendition of “Thunderstruck” on the bagpipes, but that video looks like Grace Slick’s worst LSD trip.


16 posted on 01/18/2025 9:50:48 AM PST by DallasBiff (Apology not accepted.la is not the sharpest knife in the drawer)
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To: DallasBiff

Had a guy in high school who’s sole daily attire was a (were?) black AC/DC tee-shirt(s).

We used to call him “Black in Back” (black in front, too).


17 posted on 01/18/2025 9:51:16 AM PST by Rinnwald
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To: V_TWIN

Bon Scott was a consummate showman. Brian is the “everyman” that Bon wasn’t - two different types of people that are legends in their own right. Hard to equate them.


18 posted on 01/18/2025 9:52:42 AM PST by Spacetrucker
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To: DallasBiff

When was Grace Slick NOT on an acid trip? That woman was an incredible vocalist but her personal habits were atrocious.


19 posted on 01/18/2025 9:54:44 AM PST by Spacetrucker
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To: Rinnwald

Reminds me of a friend from my High School, who always wore REO Speedwagon T-Shirts.

And then Hi Infidelity came out, and I noticed he stopped wearing them. I asked him why, and he just said, “I’m never listening to that effing band, again!”


20 posted on 01/18/2025 9:57:54 AM PST by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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