AC/DC's Brian Johnson shoots down Bon Scott 'Back in Black' rumours
"I want to put this baby to bed"
Last updated 26th Oct 2022
AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has shot down speculation that Bon Scott wrote many of the lyrics for the band’s seminal ‘Black in Black’ album.
Following Bon Scott’s untimely death in February 1980, Malcolm and Angus Young decided to continue AC/DC with the blessing of Scott’s family and they swiftly recruited former Geordie frontman Brian Johnson to their ranks.
Two months after Scott's death, AC/DC and new vocalist Brian Johnson decamped to Compass Point Studios in The Bahamas to record what would become their blockbuster album ‘Back in Black.’
Writing in his autobiography The Lives of Brian, Johnson addressed the long-standing rumour that Bon Scott penned lyrics for ‘Back in Black.’
Confirming he was indeed the band’s new primary lyricist, he writes: "It was me at the end of the pen, writing every night and every morning, with only the title to work with. That's what happened. That's the truth and I really hope that settles it."
In a new interview with Rolling Stone to promote his memoir, Johnson explained why he was so keen to rubbish the rumours in his book.
"There was one particular journalist — a writer in Australia — who just wouldn't let go of this thing,” Johnson said. “And of course, Malcolm and Angus were like, 'What a f---ing load of bulls---.' And I said, 'I wish you would tell him.' And their attitude was always, 'Just leave it. Just let them talk himself into a f---in' early grave.'
“And of course, it became more and more obvious by the day that Bon hadn't, because the riffs weren't written then. The boys were still doing it. So we didn’t say anything because otherwise it would have given him more fame.”
Johnson continued: "It wasn't something that stuck in me craw a lot, but every now and again, a fan would come up and say, 'This guy's saying this.' And factually, it wasn't true. There wasn't an internet then; it didn't really get further than Australia. But I thought it was awful I had to explain meself and that’s why in the book, I went, once and for all, I want to put this baby to bed."
Published in the UK by Penguin, ‘The Lives Of Brian’ is available to buy right now.
AC/DC's legendary career in photos:
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Glasgow-born, Sydney-raised siblings Angus Young and Malcolm Young formed AC/DC in 1973 when they were just 18 and 20 years old respectively. The first incarnation of the band also featured bassist Larry Van Kriedt, vocalist Dave Evans, and drummer Colin Burgess.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Angus and Malcolm Young came up with the AC/DC band name when they saw the letters on their sister Margaret's sewing machine. Literally meaning "alternating current/direct current", the brothers said the name perfectly reflected the raw power and electricity of their music. AC/DC's iconic logo (pictured) was designed in 1977 by Gerard Huerta.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Embracing a glam rock sound, AC/DC released just one single with Dave Evans as their frontman, July 1974's 'Can I Sit Next to You, Girl.' The band performed the track on Australian music television show Countdown that summer. The original Australian vinyl is now a highly sought after collector's item.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Abandoning their embryonic glam rock sound, AC/DC ditched vocalist Dave Evans in 1974 and Angus and Malcolm recruited fellow Scottish born, Aussie raised musician Bon Scott as their new frontman on the recommendation of their older brother and producer George Young. Older and more experienced than Angus and Malcolm, Bon Scott had previously been in the bands The Valentines, Fraternity and The Spektors. Pictured is Bon Scott (second left) looking resplendent in red with The Valentines in 1969.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Featuring a cover of Big Joe Williams' 'Baby, Please Don't Go', AC/DC's debut album 'High Voltage' was released in Australia only in February 1975. Produced by Harry Vanda and Malcolm and Angus' older brother George Young, the album peaked on the Australian charts at no.14 and has since gone on to sell 350,000 units.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Shortly after the release of 'High Voltage', AC/DC's line-up evolved to also feature bassist Mark Evans and drummer Phil Rudd alongside the core members of the Young brothers and Bon Scott. Here they are straddling a ladder, naturally.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's Australia and New Zealand only album 'T.N.T.' was released a few weeks before Christmas in 1975. 'T.N.T.' saw the band delve into more abrasive, hard-edged rock and roll and featured the album title track, 'High Voltage', 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)' and a re-recording of debut single 'Can I Sit Next to You, Girl.'
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Atlantic Records' UK head Phil Carson signed AC/DC on a global deal in December 1975, and the following April the band released their first international album 'High Voltage'; essentially a compilation record featuring songs from their Australian releases 'High Voltage' and 'T.N.T.' To date, 'High Voltage' has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's third studio album 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' was released in September 1976 with the Australian and international editions featuring different track-listings and artwork. Released for the first time Stateside in 1981 on the back of the success of 'Back in Black', 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' has sold more than 6 million copies in the US alone - while single 'Back in Black' is now certified 3x Platinum.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Here's the Australian artwork for AC/DC's 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' depicting Angus Young flicking the v's and Bon Scott with an almost Popeye-esque right arm. It was created by Kettle Art Productions.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's fourth album 'Let There Be Rock' was released on 21st March 1977 and once again the track-list was different on the Aussie and international editions. It features some of AC/DC's biggest tracks including 'Whole Lotta Rosie', 'Dog Eat Dog' and the album title track.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Mark Evans was fired from AC/DC in 1977 allegedly due to a feud with the Young brothers and replaced by English musician Cliff Williams. An experienced bassist, Williams was previously a member of progressive rock band Home and hard rock act Bandit. Pictured is Cliff (on the left) with his Home band mates Laurie Wisefield, Mick Cook and Mick Stubbs in 1973.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Cliff Williams' inaugural album with AC/DC was May 1978's hard rock tour-de-force 'Powerage'. Featuring the single 'Rock 'n' Roll Damnation', although it wasn't an instant commercial success 'Powerage' is rightfully regarded as a classic amongst AC/DC fans.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, Angus Young, Cliff Williams and Bon Scott in 1979.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and released in July 1979, AC/DC's blockbuster sixth album 'Highway to Hell' proved to be a colossal commercial breakthrough in the US peaking at no.17 and shifting 7 million copies to date. It was the last album to feature Bon Scott, who died seven months after its release.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Legendary AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott died on 19th February 1980 aged just 33 years old. Following a night of drinking at Camden club Music Machine (now known as KOKO), Bon Scott slept in a Renault 5 car outside his friend Alistair Kinnear's flat in East Dulwich. After Kinnear found Bon lifeless in the vehicle, he was pronounced dead King's College Hospital in Camberwell.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
After briefly considering quitting, AC/DC decided to carry on after receiving encouragement from Bon Scott's family. Former Geordie vocalist Brian Johnson successfully auditioned for the band singing 'Whole Lotta Rosie' and Ike & Tina Turner's 'Nutbush City Limits.' Bon Scott was a fan of Johnson having seen Geordie live on trips to the UK.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
In April 1980, AC/DC and new vocalist Brian Johnson decamped to Compass Point Studios in The Bahamas to complete songs they had begun working on with Bon Scott. Pictured is Brian Johnson and Angus Young on stage in the early 1980s.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Dedicated to the memory of Bon Scott and produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the resulting album 'Back in Black' was an unprecedented success and has sold more than 50 million units globally including an astonishing 25 million in America. It's the second best-selling album of all time behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and it has spawned the singles 'You Shook Me All Night Long', 'Hells Bells', 'Back in Black' and 'Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution.'
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's next two albums 'For Those About to Rock We Salute You' and 'Flick of the Switch' were released in November 1981 and August 1983 respectively.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Drummer Phil Rudd's relationship with Malcolm Young deteriorated rapidly during the 'Flick of the Switch' sessions due to Rudd's issues with alcohol and drugs. He exited the band and was replaced by English drummer Simon Wright in the summer of 1983. AC/DC held hundreds of auditions on both sides of the Atlantic before eventually settling on Wright
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Here's AC/DC looking resplendent in their swimwear on the beach in Ipanema, Brazil during their South American tour in January 1985.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
With Simon Wright on drums, AC/DC released the albums 'Fly on the Wall' and 'Blow Up Your Video' in 1985 and 1988, the latter of which features the fan favourites 'Heatseeker' and 'That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll.'
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Malcolm Young temporarily took time off from touring during the Blow Up Your Video World Tour in 1988 to recover from alcoholism. His nephew Stevie Young briefly stood in for him.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Following a six-year tenure, Simon Wright left AC/DC in 1989 and joined Ronnie James Dio's eponymous band Dio. AC/DC replaced Simon Wright with distinguished session musician Chris Slade who had previously played with Tom Jones, Uriah Heep, Gary Numan, Manfred Mann's Earth Band and David Gilmour to name but a few.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Released in September 1990 and produced by Bruce Fairbairn (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi), AC/DC's twelfth studio album 'The Razors Edge' was a rip-roaring commercial success and featured the blockbuster single 'Thunderstruck'
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Buoyed by the success of 'The Razors Edge', AC/DC embarked on a massive world tour in 1990 and 1991, including a headline slot at Monsters of Rock (immortalised in the 1992 concert film 'Live at Donington') and the spin-off event in the Soviet Union in front of an estimated 1.6 million people. It's widely regarded as one of the largest concerts of all time.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
A number of concerts on The Razors Edge World Tour featured on the 1992 live album 'AC/DC Live', which, along with AC/DC's 1978 live album 'If You Want Blood You've Got It', is widely and rightfully regarded as a classic.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC released the standalone single 'Big Gun' for the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Last Action Hero in 1993, and the following year Phil Rudd returned to AC/DC with Chris Slade departing on amicable terms.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
'Ballbreaker', AC/DC's first album in half a decade, was released in September 1995 with Rick Rubin and Mike Fraser on production duties. It featured the singles 'Hard as a Rock', 'Hail Cesar' and 'Cover You in Oil.'
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young and Angus Young in 1996.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's fourteenth album 'Stiff Upper Lip' came out shortly after the turn of the millennium and saw George Young take on production duties once again.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 alongside The Clash, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, The Police and The Righteous Brothers. They were inducted by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler with Angus Young, Phil Rudd, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams and Bon Scott all honoured. AC/DC played 'Highway to Hell' and 'You Shook Me All Night Long' at the ceremony, and were joined by Tyler for their performance of the latter.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
On 1st October 2004, Corporation Lane in central Melbourne was renamed ACDC Lane in the band's honour. The street is emblazoned with tributes to AC/DC and in 2018 Bon Scott was honoured with a 'bas-relief' sculpture - a low relief carved from a wall – on ACDC Lane. It's three metres high, two metres wide and protrudes 15cm.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
On 25th October 2008, a bronze statue of Bon Scott was dedicated at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour in Western Australia, where the late singer was brought up. The life-size statue depicts Bon standing on top of a Marshall speaker. Bon is buried in the town's cemetery, and is apparently the most visited grave in Australia. Eight years later in April 2016 a life-sized bronze statue of Bon was revealed by former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans in Bellies Brae Car Park in Kirriemuir, Scotland.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's first album in eight years, 'Black Ice', was unleashed to the world in October 2008 and featured the singles 'Rock n' Roll Train', 'Big Jack', 'Anything Goes' and 'Money Made.' It was produced by Brendan O'Brien and recorded at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, British Columbia. Sadly, it proved to be Malcolm Young's final AC/DC album.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's Malcolm and Angus Young in a Toronto hotel room in 2009 during the Black Ice World Tour.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
As well as providing the soundtrack to Marvel superhero movie Iron Man 2, 2010 saw AC/DC headline Download Festival in triumphant style. Testament to their legendary status, AC/DC brought their own stage to Download Festival, which sat alongside the Main Stage. Download booker Andy Copping told Planet Rock it was his proudest Download moment ever, explaining: "They hasn't done a festival in nearly 10 years, and they weren't looking to play festivals, but I convinced them to play. Yes, they brought their own stage, yes, they brought a whole load of demands, but it's AC/DC, and I would do the same again. It was an important part of Download's growth that we got a band like AC/DC and it was an incredible day: we had over 100,000 people in that year. I feel that was my biggest, most inspired and best booking."
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's trio of December 2009 shows at the River Plate Stadium in Argentina were released as the DVD 'Live at River Plate' in May 2011. The concerts featured arguably the most enthusiastic crowd in the history of rock music. Also documenting the concerts, AC/DC's first live album in two decades, 'Live at River Plate', came out in September 2012.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
In July 2014, AC/DC announced that Stevie Young had replaced Malcolm Young in the band due to Malcolm's ill health and they were releasing a new album entitled 'Rock or Bust'. They said in a statement: "Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm's condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of Rock or Bust in 2015." Malcolm's last concert with the band was in Bilbao, Spain in June 2010. It later transpired he was battling dementia.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC's first album not to feature Malcolm Young, 'Rock or Bust', was released in November 2014 and reached number three on the UK album chart.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC drafted in drummer Chris Slade once again in early 2015 for the Rock or Bust Tour due to legal issues Phil Rudd was facing in New Zealand. In July of that year, Rudd was sentenced to eight months' home detention after admitting drug charges and threatening to kill a former assistant. Pictured is Phil Rudd arriving at court wearing an AC/DC leather jacket.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
In March 2016, Brian Johnson quit the Rock or Bust Tour, with AC/DC explaining: "Brian Johnson, has been advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss." He thanked the band for their support in his departing statement.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Following intense speculation and rumours, AC/DC announced in April 2016 that Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose was joining them to perform the final two legs of the Rock or Bust Tour in North America and Europe. Unfortunately for Axl, he broke his foot at Guns N' Roses' show in Los Angeles that April and he was forced to use Dave Grohl's throne (used when he broke his foot in Sweden) for the early AC/DC shows.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Following the conclusion of the Rock or Bust Tour at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on 20th September 2016, Cliff Williams announced he was retiring from AC/DC. "Thanks to everybody who supported us on this tour, it's been a hell of a tour, it's been great," Cliff said. "It's time for me to step out, and that's all."
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Just three weeks after his older brother George passed away, legendary AC/DC guitarist and co-founding member Malcolm Young died on 18th November 2017 following a lengthy battle with dementia. He was 64 years old. Pictured is a tribute on ACDC Lane, Melbourne.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Following two years of intense speculation after band members were spotted at The Warehouse Studios in August 2018, in September 2020 AC/DC announced their return with their seventeenth studio album 'Power Up'. Excitingly, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd were all on board for the new record.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
Released on 13th November 2020, AC/DC's seventeenth studio album 'Power Up' serves as a tribute to Malcolm Young, much like 'Back in Black' was a tribute to Bon Scott four decades earlier. Preceded by the single 'Shot In The Dark', 'Power Up' boasts 12 new AC/DC tracks and it was produced by Brendan O'Brien.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
In March 2023, it was announced that AC/DC will make their live comeback at Californian mega-festival Power Trip on Saturday 7th October. Appearing alongside Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Tool and Judas Priest, the show is their first since they played the Wells Fargo Center way back in 2016 when Axl Rose was singing with the band.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
AC/DC recruited new drummer Matt Laug, in September 2023, for their performance at Power Trip in place of Phil Rudd. Sharing a snippet of audio from rehearsals, AC/DC wrote on 9th September: "PWR UP for Power Trip! Listen to the rehearsal of the boys powering up with Cliff Williams, who's coming out of retirement for the festival and Matt Laug on drums." No explanation has been provided about Phil Rudd's absence at Power Trip, however some fans are speculating that it could be due to visa issues stemming from his home detention in July 2015.
Sadly, in December 2023 the news was revealed that original AC/DC drummer Colin Burgess had sadly died aged 77. Announcing the news, the band paid tribute to Colin, writing: 'Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.'
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
The European leg of AC/DC's 'Power Up' tour ran from May to August 2024, visiting London, Dublin, France and Germany, among other countries. The set list included songs from their latest album 'Power Up' as well as many popular classics.
AC/DC’s legendary career in photos
In October 2024, 44 years after it was first released, AC/DC single 'You Shook Me All Night Long' went 2x Platinum. The track, from the album 'Back in Black', was the first with Brian Johnson singing the lead — and is a real crowd-pleaser at live shows.