We're celebrating today at Whammo. Why? Well, in news just in, AC/DC's management have announced that Back In Black has sold over 40 million albums worldwide! This achievement makes Back In Black one the highest selling rock albums of all time. Does that make AC/DC the greatest rock act ever?
That's arguable but, statistically, it looks like Angus and the boys are top dogs of the rock world. I still remember standing among a massive crowd in 1980, waiting for Kiss to start their Brisbane concert and trying to work out what album was being played as a warm-up to the show. It sounded like AC/DC but the voice of Brian Johnson had me confused.
Since the very early days of the band, the only voice you could possibly associate with Angus Young's riffs was Bon Scott's demonic growl. History tells us that the transition from Scott to Johnson was smooth and it says a lot about the loyalty this band commands from their committed fans.
It also must be a proud achievement for Brian, whose first album with the band has become such an overwhelming success story. For the band, it's difficult to dwell on the past when there's so much happening now. Their Live At Donnington DVD has now officially been certified platinum.
Angus Young has described the historic 1991 concert as one of the bands' best shows and the package is totally comprehensive, including a ridiculous amount of camera angles, 'Angus-cam', band commentary and a full discography with Angus and Malcolm’s comments on each album. I'd like to say that the band were at their peak during that memorable show but in reality AC/DC started peaking in 70s and have never stopped hitting that level of quality with each new release.
Both Back In Black (recently remastered/repackaged) and the Live At Donnington DVD are available through Whammo.
