The article examines AC/DC’s ‘Hells Bells’, the opening track of 1980’s *Back in Black*, through Brian Johnson’s account that its lyrics seemed to arrive in a sudden, unsettling burst of inspiration. The “written by the devil” description is presented as Johnson’s own colourful recollection rather than a literal claim, and underscores the pressure on the band as it rebuilt after former singer Bon Scott’s death.

Johnson said he did not believe in God, heaven or hell, but recalled staying awake all night in a sparse room with a bottle of whisky and writing without stopping, as though his hand were possessed. Recorded in the Bahamas, ‘Hells Bells’ became a tribute to Scott and introduced an album that went on to become one of rock’s most commercially successful records.