AC/DC and the art of transcending time

From last summer to today, on the occasion of his 45th birthday, “Back in black” (from the album of the same name from July 1980) has reappeared in various charts. Nothing to be surprised about: in the ranking of timeless songs and records, the AC/DC classic certainly occupies an excellent position.

In February 1980, the band was struck by a sudden loss: the frontman Bon Scott he died at just 33 years old due to alcohol-related complications. Many consider AC/DC’s career to be over. However, brothers Malcolm and Angus Young decide to continue, choosing Brian Johnson as the new singer. In April 1980 they went to Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas with producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who had already collaborated with the band on the previous album. In just over seven weeks they recorded an album that relaunches the group in a new erawithout forgetting the past: the title and the “total black” cover represent the mourning for the loss of Scott.

For the rest, that is musically, there is no mourning in “Back in black”: it is a record of pure hard rockof tight riffs and pounding rhythms. The opening track, “Hells bells”, begins with the ringing of a bell that clearly evokes Scott’s death, but immediately explodes into pure energy. Among the “seal” pieces are “You shook me all night long”, a symbol of transgression and rock’n’roll fun, and the title trackwhich will become a generational anthem.

“Back in black” is not just a masterpiece: it’s a phenomenon. Worldwide sales estimated at around 50 million copies, one of the best-selling albums in music history. Third best-selling ever in the United States. A milestone for hard rock from the 1980s onwards.

Why, 45 years later, doesn’t “Back in Black” get old? Because it is simple and effective at the same time; Why it’s iconic through and throughfrom the cover, to the catchphrases; because it turns a tragedy into a rock party. And in a piece of music history.