Music

AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’: The Feud That Nearly Derailed The Record

“Highway to Hell” stands as a monumental achievement in AC/DC’s storied career, marking their meteoric rise to international fame. Under the guidance of producer Mutt Lange, this album was a turning point, showcasing a refined sound that would catapult the band into the global spotlight.

A Tumultuous Beginning

However, the journey to releasing “Highway to Hell” was fraught with challenges. In 1979, as the album was nearing its release, a significant conflict arose between Angus and Malcolm Young, the driving forces behind AC/DC, and their US record label.

Breaking into the US Top 20

Despite these initial struggles, “Highway to Hell” achieved remarkable success, becoming AC/DC’s first album to break into the US Top 20. This success laid the groundwork for their future triumphs, including the iconic “Back in Black.”

The Feud That Almost Changed Rock History

The feud between the Young brothers and their label was so intense that it nearly led to a change in the album’s title. The story behind this disagreement sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the music industry and the band’s unwavering commitment to their artistic vision.

^{Angus Young and Malcolm Young of AC/DC, portrait, London, United Kingdom, 1995}

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To uncover the full story behind “Highway to Hell,” its near-title change, and the true contributors to AC/DC’s songwriting, tune into “Behind The Hits.”

Behind the Hit s: A Must-Listen AC/DC Special

This December marks the 50th anniversary of AC/DC’s first gig, and “Behind the Hit s” celebrates this milestone with a 3-part series delving deep into the different eras of AC/DC’s remarkable career.

Episode 1 – AC/DC: The Bon Scott Era: This episode offers an exclusive look into the rockstar life of Bon Scott, one of Australia’s greatest frontmen. It features insights from AC/DC band members including Bon Scott himself, Angus and Malcolm Young, and Mark Evans.

Episode 2 – AC/DC: The Brian Johnson Era: Transitioning from the Bon Scott era, this episode explores the band’s evolution with Brian Johnson as the lead vocalist, marking a new chapter in their storied history.

Episode 3 – AC/DC: Beyond a Band of Brothers: The final episode delves into the band’s deep connections, exploring the dynamics that made them more than just a group of musicians.

Hear firsthand accounts from the band members and key industry figures like Iva Davies, Molley Meldrum, Dave Gleeson, Michael Chugg, Michael Browning, Mark Opitz and Fifa Riccobono. This series offers an unparalleled glimpse into the behind-the-scenes moments and pivotal events in the band’s journey.

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