The 1980 album Joe Elliott called “one of the best vocal performances” in classic rock history
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott has praised AC/DC's 1980 album 'Back In Black' as featuring one of the greatest vocal performances in rock history. The frontman particularly highlights Brian Johnson's singing on the album's dramatic opening track 'Hells Bells,' where Johnson's powerful voice arrives after an extended instrumental introduction.
Johnson became AC/DC's vocalist following Bon Scott's death in 1980, and Elliott emphasises how Johnson brought his own distinctive style rather than attempting to replicate his predecessor. Notably, Bon Scott himself had previously watched Johnson perform and called him one of the greatest vocalists, providing significant endorsement from the very man Johnson ultimately succeeded.
- Joe Elliott praises 'Back In Black' as featuring one of rock's greatest vocal performances
- Brian Johnson became AC/DC's singer in 1980 following Bon Scott's death
- Bon Scott had personally praised Johnson before his own death
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AC/DC is an Australian rock band that rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as one of hard rock's most influential acts. The group's frontman was Bon Scott until his death in 1980, which left them needing a replacement vocalist.
'Back In Black' was AC/DC's 1980 album and the first to feature Brian Johnson as the band's new lead singer. The album became one of the best-selling records of all time, and Johnson's performance helped establish him as a credible replacement for Scott, particularly on the dramatic opening track 'Hells Bells'.
Before his death, Scott had reportedly heard Johnson perform and endorsed him as a gifted vocalist. This prior endorsement helped ease Johnson's transition into one of rock music's most high-pressure positions, given the loyal fanbase Scott had built.