Every band handles tough situations differently, but when AC/DC faced their biggest tragedy, they turned it into their greatest success. The decisions they encountered were not easy, but they were not alone, as finding a great musician to perform with them. Either way, these decisions can be challenging; with the latter, it's even more difficult due to its sensitivity.
Truly, when a decision arises from a painful real-life occurrence, bands are left in the toughest predicament. While acts like Linkin Park have continued, others such as Led Zeppelin have stepped away. There are even scenarios faced by groups like Blind Melon, where they attempt to move on, but it doesn't work out as intended. For AC/DC, they found themselves in the same position as all of these other acts, but perhaps they addressed it more swiftly than ever before or since. In fact, many would say they didn't even miss a beat.
AC/DC's Original Vocalist, Bon Scott, Died 5 Months Before Back In Black's Release
The Band Was Left With Their Toughest Choice
After forming in the early '70s, AC/DC quickly got to work on creating records. Their first couple of albums in 1975 were Australasia releases only, meaning they were available solely to Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and surrounding island markets. Then, in 1976, they had their first international release, which shared its name with their debut album, High Voltage. Following this, four records would arrive over the next few years. They quickly gained popularity for hit songs such as "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "T.N.T.," and "Highway to Hell."
Sadly, 1979's Highway to Hell would turn out to be the last album to feature lead singer Bon Scott.
With everything going well, the band had no intention of slowing down and looked to follow up their 1979 record with another in 1980. Tragically, 1979's Highway to Hell would mark the final album to showcase lead singer Bon Scott. As they assembled for more in-studio work, Scott decided to take some time for himself. After a night out, he was found unresponsive on February 19, 1980, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical facility. The official report labeled acute alcohol poisoning as the cause of death, with the coroner calling it "death by misadventure."
With all of these plans for a new record in the works, AC/DC was left to pick up the pieces after this untimely tragedy. Scott is known as one of the greatest rock and roll vocalists of all time, so filling his position was not something to be taken lightly. He had such a distinct voice that anything short of that would have been considered a step-down. With their reputation on the line, the band knew a wrong decision could completely derail their career. With everything they had built, it just didn't seem like an option to let it all go. Instead, they would be forced to make a choice that would change the course of rock and roll history forever.
AC/DC's Decision Not To Disband Led To Their Greatest Success
They Persevered Even Through Conspiracy
The band made the decision to carry on, but they had to find a lead singer who could fill the void left by Scott. Not only did he need to have the same energy to match their onstage style, but his voice also had to be capable of singing their iconic songs. Within a short time, they were informed about singer Brian Johnson. After bringing him in to audition, they determined he was the perfect fit to help the band continue.
They quickly got to work and released Back in Black on July 25, 1980, just five months after Bon Scott's death. Although Johnson was slightly different, his voice matched well with how Scott sang. Fans quickly took a liking to Johnson, and with hit songs such as "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Hells Bells," and the title track, a new era of the band began. During its initial release, the album reached number four on the Billboard 200. However, the most important part of its legacy is that it is 27x platinum in the United States and has sold over an estimated 50 million copies worldwide.
Why AC/DC's "Back In Black" Is Still Dogged By Conspiracy Theories, 45 Years Later
AC/DC is one of the greatest bands of all-time, but a conspiracy theory has followed them since 1980, and singer Brian Johnson is ready to end it.
Of course, with the album ranking as one of the best-selling of all time, there have been a fair share of critics who voiced their opinions over the years. Many believe the album was put together too quickly to align with the timeline it took for the band to find Johnson and release the record. The main conspiracy is that Scott had left behind these songs in his notebook and that the band essentially took them. However, the vehemently deny this accusation, with Johnson even writing in his book that these songs came from a pen in his hand onto paper.
AC/DC Enduring Now Honors Bon Scott's Legacy
The Greatest Hits Continue On
Since AC/DC decided to move forward with Brian Johnson as their lead singer, they have produced 11 studio albums, including 2008's Black Ice, which demonstrated that the band could still perform at a high level even decades into their career. Not only that, but they have been able to continue touring, with 2025 marking another chapter in their storied history as they play some of the biggest stadiums in the world, in front of their loyal fans.
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With them continuing to tour, it's a chance for fans to Bon Scott each night they take the stage. The band still plays some of the greatest songs he helped create. They even show him respect by not playing "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," because Johnson feels it is too closely associated with Scott. Overall, AC/DC took an unthinkable tragedy, turned it into their biggest success, and proved why they are one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.