On This Date, July 25th, in 1980: AC/DC released Back in Black, their first album with Brian Johnson as their lead singer. The album was dedicated to late vocalist Bon Scott and has gone on to sell more than 50 million copies worldwide. To date it is the second highest selling album of all time, as well as the best-selling hard rock or heavy metal album.
Guitarist Angus Young and Bon (Image Source)
On This Date, February 19th in 1980: AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott (born Ronald Belford Scott) died of acute alcohol poisoning in London while sleeping in a friend’s car. He was 33 years old. Addicted to Vinyl adds a few poignant thoughts to Bon’s passing: “Bon died just as AC/DC was becoming one of the biggest international rock acts of its time. Highway to Hell had broken the Top 20 on the U.S. album charts and the band’s back catalog was seeing a worldwide resurgence. 1980 was destined to be a breakthrough year, though it would ultimately happen with Brian Johnson as lead singer.” Rest in Peace.
“Have a Drink On Me”
Let us take a moment to raise a posthumous toast to the late AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott, who was born on this day, July 9th, in 1946. It’s staggering to realize that it’s been over 30 years since Scott died from the effects of excessive drinking. What a shame. Cheers, Bon!