Black In Black - AC/DC

This band that has probably inspired the highest number of tribute acts ever. AC/DC were formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973 by the Young brothers Angus and Malcolm. They got the idea for the band’s name after seeing the acronym “AC/DC” on the back of their sister’s sewing machine. The term means “alternating current/ direct current”, i.e., that an electrical device can use either type of power, and the brothers felt that this perfectly symbolised the band’s raw energy and power-driven performances.

“Back In Black”, released on July 25th, 1980, was AC/DC’s seventh studio album and their first with present vocalist Brian Johnson. Previous singer and co-songwriter Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott died on February 19th, 1980 after a night of heavy alcohol consumption. The band briefly considered disbanding after the tragedy but eventually decided to carry on. Angus and Malcolm had commenced pre-production for the album before Bon Scott’s death, and Scott had even written lyrics for potential new songs, but the decision was made by the Youngs to start the album from scratch on hiring Johnson. Producer Robert “Mutt” Lange (probably now better known as Mr. Shania Twain), who had worked with the band on their previous album “Highway To Hell”, agreed to work with them once again on this one.

“Back In Black” is AC/DC’s biggest selling album, having sold over 40 million units worldwide. Angus Young has said in interviews that the album’s all-black cover was a sign of mourning for Bon Scott. It also spawned some of the band’s most popular hits including “Hells Bells”, “You Shook Me All Night Long” and the title track, “Back In Black”. Despite it being AC/DC’s most successful album, “Back In Black” was not their highest charting album. That honour went to their next album “For Those About To Rock, We Salute You”, which hit no.1 in the US in 1982.
On October 1st 2004, one of Melbourne’s central thoroughfares, Corporation Lane, was renamed in honour of the band. However, as the City of Melbourne forbids the use of the slash character in street names, the four letters were combined and it is named ACDC Lane.

“Back In Black” track listing:
1. "Hells Bells"
2. "Shoot To Thrill"
3. "What Do You Do For Money Honey"
4. "Givin' The Dog A Bone"
5. "Let Me Put My Love Into You"
6. "Back In Black"
7. "You Shook Me All Night Long"
8. "Have A Drink On Me"
9. "Shake A Leg"
10. "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution"