A major milestone is being achieved as one of the best-selling albums of all time celebrates 45 years since its release. While many rock albums defined the 1980s, perhaps none did it bigger than this one, as it remains highly praised. In fact, for a record to be revered this long after its initial run, it takes a work of art that is truly special.
Some artists, such as the Eagles, created one of the best-selling albums from their greatest hits. Even the Beatles took a similar path, creating a top seller from their collection of songs. However, this record, which is turning 45, was all new tracks. Not only that, but it came from the band when they made the biggest change to their lineup.
The decision they had to make to replace the iconic voice behind them was not something they expected. However, an unspeakable tragedy occurred, forcing them to pivot in a way they never imagined. Just when they thought things could be over for them, they rose above, inspiring others and adding to their Hall of Fame legacy.
AC/DC’s Back In Black Is Turning 45 Years Old
Time Has Flown By
45 years ago, on July 25, 1980, AC/DC released Back in Black. This was their seventh record, which came at a crucial point in their discography. The record followed their 1979 breakthrough album, Highway to Hell. It was released almost a year to the day that Back in Black was, keeping the band on a steady pace.
The record features 10 tracks, lasting just over 42 minutes. From the start, it provides listeners with an iconic hard rock sound that is uniquely AC/DC. Two songs that quickly gained notoriety were “You Shook Me All Night Long” and the title track, “Back in Black.” Both ranked on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a major victory for them.
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Their ability to stand out in rock and roll in 1980 was remarkable. Prior to the album’s release, musicians such as Ozzy Osbourne, Joy Division, and Judas Priest had all put out records, making it difficult for this one. Nonetheless, AC/DC carved their own niche in the genre, showing that they were just as great.
The album ended up on many different charts, including the US Top Rock Albums (Billboard), where it placed as high as number six. Additionally, they almost reached the top of the coveted Billboard 200, ranking at the fourth position. This is a chart they have appeared on multiple years after the fact, even placing on it in 2024.
AC/DC’s Iconic Hard Rock Album Was Born From Tragedy
This Record Almost Didn’t Happen
Even though AC/DC’s Back in Black was a tremendous success, it was actually surrounded by a devastating tragedy. Just a few months prior to its release, the band’s original lead singer, Bon Scott, died suddenly on February 19, 1980. The official report listed it as “acute alcohol poisoning” and classified it as “death by misadventure.”
After the news, the band was left stunned. They had imagined this huge follow-up to their 1979 record, but everything stopped in an instant. In the aftermath, thoughts of disbanding even crossed their minds. Scott had such a unique voice and stage presence that the idea of replacing him seemed almost impossible.
Instead of stopping, they forged ahead. Miraculously, they were able to find a lead singer whose voice was similar to Scott’s: Brian Johnson. It didn’t take long for Johnson to fit in, and the making of the album was underway. In fact, the creation happened so fast that many had conspiracies for years as to how they did it.
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Johnson and the band stand by the fact that things just clicked. As the new lead singer, he understood what AC/DC was all about. They even paid tribute to Scott with the album cover, as it was all black. This was a way to mourn, paying their respects to their former singer. Overall, the comeback album was triumphant.
Back In Black Remains One Of The Most Historic Albums Ever
The Legacy Continues on
Examining Back in Black 45 years later, the record still holds up as a cornerstone of rock and metal. With an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide, it remains one of the best-selling albums ever. Additionally, its reach continues to spread as songs such as “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hells Bells” remain rock radio staples.
Certainly, this release cemented the legacy of AC/DC. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and this 1980 release assured that this would happen. Beyond what it meant for the band’s success, there was a bigger message regarding the ability to continue in the face of adversity.
After such a devastating loss, AC/DC showed other musicians that it’s possible to prosper. In fact, the message is even bigger than music. There is a universal lesson that can be learned from their story. As tough as it is to understand what’s best following a tragedy, the most important thing is to keep trying, because greatness can emerge.
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Decades later, AC/DC remains one of the most legendary acts. The iconic riffs from this album still electrify venues, keeping their name at the forefront. They have had a tremendous influence on rock and metal in an immeasurable way. Back in Black stands in its own category as an important piece of music history and AC/DC’s eternal legacy.
