Back in Black 40th Anniversary: When and where to stream the virtual celebration of AC/DC's landmark album
'Back in Black' was the seventh studio album from rock band AC/DC released on 25 July, 1980. The album was originally set to be their big follow-up after their commercial breakthrough with their sixth studio album, 1979's 'Highway to Hell', but sadly, vocalist Bon Scott would die from alcohol poisoning before they could embark on their next adventure. Instead of disbanding, however, the band recruited Brian Johnson, who previously fronted Geordie, and completed their album which included classics like 'Hells Bells', 'Shoot to Thrill', 'You Shook Me All Night Long', and the anthemic title track.
'Back in Black', named to represent the band being in mourning, would go on to become an unprecedented success. It moved a remarkable 50M units worldwide since its release in 1980. It remains one of the best-selling albums in music history and consistently features on 'greatest albums' lists. In 2019, the album was certified 25 times Platinum.
This Friday, the world of rock n' roll is uniting to celebrate the 40th anniversary of AC/DC's landmark album. Here's everything you need to know about the virtual live-stream event.
When
'Back in Black 40th Anniversary: A Virtual Celebration' will stream live on Friday, July 24, at 5 pm ET/ 2 pm PT.
'Back in Black'
AC/DC first hit the scene in 1973, breaking into the international markets with their fourth record, 1977's 'Let There Be Rock'. 'Highway to Hell' producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange decided the band could benefit from a catchy, more accessible sound and it led to them skyrocketing to fame. By 1979, they were poised to be cemented as one of the greatest rock acts of all time, embarking on the final leg of their tour to mark the album's release with a plan to begin recording their next album as soon as the tour was completed.
On February 19, 1980, Scott would go on a drinking binge at a London pub, eventually losing consciousness. He was found the next morning in the back of his friend's Renault 5 unresponsive and was later produced dead on arrival at the King's College Hospital. His death was ruled a case of acute alcohol poisoning and further classified as "death by misadventure". The loss devastated the band, who were prepared to throw in the towel. But friends and family persuaded them to continue. Following Scott's funeral, the band began auditions to find a new vocalist. Lange recommended Johnson and after several days of auditions and two rehearsals, Malcolm Young called the singer and offered him the job.
Together, they wrote and recorded 'Back in Black' between April and May of 1980, opting to start fresh and not use any of Scott's writing so as not to seem like they were profiting from his death. But it was no easy task, owing to a lack of recording spaces forcing them to opt for Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. While there, the band had to battle tropical storms which messed with the studio's electricity, as well as the imminent danger of being robbed, which prompted them to sleep and record with six-foot fishing spears placed by the door. To add to their misery, their equipment was held up at customs and Johnson was under immense pressure trying to record with a group he had never worked with before.
Eventually, the band pulled through, infusing their music with these experiences and ultimately creating one of the greatest records of all time.
Host and guest appearances
To celebrate 40 years of AC/DC’s landmark album, the 'Back in Black 40th Anniversary: A Virtual Celebration' live-stream event is set to feature an all-star lineup of some of rock music's finest. Hosted by blues-rock guitarist and singer Jared James Nichols, the event will feature Slash, Sebastian Bach, members of Alice in Chains, Cage the Elephant, Anthrax, Trivium, Lamb of God, Refused, Airbourne, GWAR, Cherie Currie, Dave Amato, Orianthi, Sergio Vallin of Mana, Emily Wolfe, Brian Posehn and many more.
The special event will also include AC/DC testimonials, appearances, tutorials and performances.
Giveaway
Rock fans will be even more delighted to learn that Gibson is giving them the chance to win the Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG “Red Devil” guitar in Cherry Red, just like the one Angus Young of AC/DC used, as well as two Gibson SG Standards in Ebony.
In addition, the giveaway will include an AC/DC music rig featuring the latest SoloDallas Schaffer Tower EX signed by inventor Ken Schaffer, a Marshall JTM45 amp with a SoloDallas Black Mod converting it to a JTM50 — like the one Young used on 'Back in Black' — and a Marshall cabinet loaded with vintage speakers (total value $15,000). Five runners-up will each receive a Schaffer Replica Storm pedal and the album Back in Black on vinyl.
Entries for the AC/DC giveaway are limited to residents of the US and Canada. Click here to win.
Where to stream
Tune-in on Friday, July 24, to watch the free live-stream across the Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitch channels of Consequence of Sound.
