Rock 'n' Roll Rabbit Hole

AC/DC's 'Back in Black': A Band Reborn With Brian Johnson

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Many if not all rock 'n' roll fans feared rock powerhouse AC/DC would die along with Bon Scott. But then Brian Johnson came along, and the result was one of the band's strongest albums ever, featuring the timeless "Back in Black." The song itself was a tribute to Scott, which makes it appropriate that it would become an AC/DC signature. On this episode, we dig deep into "Back in Black" and offer up some insights into the remaking of the band in its transition to Johnson. A few tidbits to kick things off:

  • This week's beer is Harveistoun Old Engine Oil Black Ale.
  • Bon Scott knew Brian Johnson thanks to sharing a bill with his previous band, which is a key reason AC/DC chose Johnson after Scott's death.
  • The song came out just five months after Scott died, in part because it was already partially written. Johnson finished it with lyrics.
  • That a band could change lead vocalists so seamlessly is nothing short of impressive. How many other bands did it? Few, if only because the singer so often is seen as the focal point.
  • If Scott had lived on, would the band have faded into a Scorpions-esque semi-obscurity?
  • If you haven't seen Jim Breuer's impersonation of AC/DC performing "The Hokey Pokey," you absolutely should. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imrcyyajCaI
  • Let's all join hands and thank the Rock Gods AC/DC didn't ask Sammy Hagar to join the band.

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    Rock 'n' Roll Rabbit HoleBy Kevin Gibson/Butch Bays