AC/DC Back in Black 1980

AC/DC Back in Black 1980

We were all devastated when Bon Scott died. We didn't know what was going to happen to AC/DC. Were they going to get a guy like the singer from Rose Tatoo who was near clone-like?

One day in 1980 a song came on the radio. It was slow, eerie and cool. Then when the vocals hit, I thought for sure this was a new Nazareth song. When the song finished, the DJ informed us that it was a new song by AC/DC called Hell's Bells featuring their new singer Brian Johnson.

I was pretty much floored. It kicked my ass on the first hearing. Now, it was getting close for AC/DC's world domination. This time they came back to NY and headlined a quickly sold-out Palladium. NY crowds are tough on bands and artists if they don't cut the mustard. Showcasing the new singer however was no problem. We welcomed him with open arms and he took command of the stage.

And of course the highlight, as always, is the brilliant, Angus Young. Once again, unmatched energy poured from his body. His solos were relently, passionate, rocking and ripping blues metal.

Watch this classic AC/DC "Hell's Bells" video

Audio CD (August 16, 1994) Original Release Date: August 1980 Number of Discs: 1 Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered Label: Atlantic / Wea ASIN: B000002JS6

AC/DC Highway to Hell 1979

AC/DC Highway to Hell 1979


Once again AC/DC was the opening act but this time it wasn't the Palladium, but rather the world's greatest stage Madison Square Garden. They opened for Ted Nugent who was hot off of Cat Scratch Fever and onto Double Live Gonzo.

Just a year earlier, AC/DC rocked NY's Palladium with the packed house that was familiar with and yearning to hear AC/DC. It was different this time. While die-hard fans like myself who were up front in orchestra applauded and supported our Aussie rocker's with as much respect and admiration that any headliner would crave for. After each song the chears grew louder from the crowd. By midway, this hard crunching lunatics from down-under captured the hearts of the Garden rockers and history was written. This was indeed an explosive, commanding show. I vividly remember Bon Scott just gazing into the sea of thousands of fists and he nodded his head with smirking gratification. Raised his other hand and took another swig from his Jack Daniels, turned and resumed rocking. Magnificent memories.



Audio CD (February 18, 2003)
Original Release Date: August 1979

AC/DC - Powerage 1978

AC/DC - Powerage 1978

I saw this tour at NY City's legendary Palladium, sitting towards the back of orchestra. My crew of buddies have been fans of AC/DC for about a good year or two by this time and we were ecstatic over the notion that they were the opening for Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow who were touring their "Long Live Rock and Roll" Tour. What a bill!

Angus was young (yes pun) and incredible. Very tight performance. Bon Scott carried Angus through the crowd on his shoulders while Angus constantly ripped his long solo - ran all through orchestra and then even upstairs. The crowd were on their feet from start to finish. A true classic rock music moment.






Audio CD (September 20, 1994)
Original Release Date: May 1978
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
Label: Atlantic / Wea
ASIN: B000002JSV