AC/DC’s 1979 album classic, “Highway To Hell”, is marking its 35th anniversary on North American rock radio series In The Studio.
Host Redbeard presents archival interviews with brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, who discuss the project that catapulted the Australian rockers into the mainstream with singles like “Girls Got Rhythm”, “Touch Too Much” and the title track.
Produced by Mutt Lange, “Highway To Hell” was the first AC/DC album not produced by Harry Vanda and George Young. Pre-production of the album began in January 1979 with demos cut at Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia, where they met the intended producer, Eddie Kramer. Kramer was fired before a single track had been completed, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange was brought in to replace him.
“Highway To Hell” peaked at No. 17 on the US Billboard 200 on its way to selling more than 7 million copies in the States alone.
The band launched a worldwide tour in support of the record on July 13, 1979 with a show in Arnhem, Holland; the trek wrapped up in Southampton, UK on January 27, 1980.
Sadly, lead singer Bon Scott would die less than 4 weeks later while enjoying a post-tour break in England.
On February 19, 1980, Scott died after a night of heavy drinking in London at the age of 33.
Six months later, AC/DC would release “Back In Black” as a tribute to Scott as the band introduced new frontman Brian Johnson. Fueled by the groundswell of support from “Highway”, the follow-up would go on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.
Hear the 35th Anniversary of “Highway To Hell” on In The Studio here.
AC/DC recently completed recording a new album without founding member Malcolm Young, who remains in hospital to address some health issues.
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