On This Day in 1980, AC/DC Bounced Back From Tragedy With the Release of One of the Biggest Albums in History
On 25 July 1980, AC/DC released Back in Black, their first album following the death of singer Bon Scott and the arrival of replacement vocalist Brian Johnson. The record turned the band’s grief into a major commercial recovery, becoming an international success and one of the best-selling albums ever released.
Scott died from alcohol poisoning in London on 19 February 1980, after AC/DC’s Highway to Hell tour, and the band briefly considered splitting up. Back in Black’s black sleeve and title track were intended as a celebratory tribute to him; it has since sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, including over 27 million in the United States, where it is certified 27-times Platinum.
- Back in Black marked AC/DC’s return after Bon Scott’s death.
- Brian Johnson helped lead the band to worldwide success.
- The album has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.