With their roaring riffs, electrifying rhythms, and high-octane lyrics, AC/DC is synonymous with raw energy and rock ‘n’ roll celebration. But behind the band’s vibrant music lies a history shadowed by tragedy and perseverance.
AC/DC forged a path unlike any other, reviving rock’s primal energy in response to the grandeur of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and prog rock. While their sound radiated chaos, their personal lives were far tamer than one might expect. Guitarist Angus Young famously swapped wild partying for the simple joys of chocolate milk.
The exception was their legendary frontman, Bon Scott, whose larger-than-life persona and love of heavy drinking became his undoing. In February 1980, Scott was tragically found dead from acute alcohol poisoning, marking a devastating chapter for the band.
Despite Scott’s passing, AC/DC made the tough decision to carry on, driven by the recommendation of Geordie vocalist Brian Johnson. Though the music press relentlessly compared him to Scott, Johnson rose to the challenge, helping the band scale unprecedented heights with Back in Black just months later.
Back in Black not only introduced Johnson but also became a cathartic tribute to Scott. Songs like “Hells Bells” took on profound significance, blending grief and defiance. Angus Young reflected: “Looking back, an awful lot of sweat went into making Back in Black. ‘Hells Bells’ reminded us of Bon, and I think a lot of our older fans still see it as a tribute to him. Whatever it was, we were doing it right because it was the most successful album we’d made at the time.”
“Hells Bells” became more than just a song—it was a statement of resilience. Together with tracks like the title song and “Shoot to Thrill,” it cemented AC/DC’s legacy and proved that even in their darkest hour, they could deliver timeless rock anthems.
Through heartbreak and triumph, AC/DC turned tragedy into a defining moment, proving their unrelenting spirit and solidifying their place as one of rock’s most iconic bands.
