The period around AC/DC's breakthrough 1979 album Highway to Hell was one of the band's most thrilling and fruitful, a time when the scrappy Aussie bar band with big dreams truly made the creative and commercial leap into legit international stardom. Sadly, charismatic, hard-partying singer Bon Scott would pass away less than a year after the album's release, before the band could produce its follow-up, Back in Black, which saw them ascend to even greater heights. But here we take a look back at the happy times when Scott, guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd were raising hell, taking names and securing their place in the rock & roll pantheon.
AC/DC: See Insane Photos From 'Highway to Hell' Era
No one raised hell like Bon Scott, Angus Young and Co. at the top of their game
13 great albums turning 25 in 2024
Type O Negative, Mr. Bungle, Slipknot and more dropped killer releases
METALLICA 'Kill 'Em All': 10 wild stories behind all-time thrash classic
From haunted mansions to "sour notes"
Slipknot Albums Ranked: From Worst to Best
A critical look back at the 'Knot's imposing catalog
20 Greatest Comebacks in Heavy-Music History
These artists shook the world by rising from the ashes
25 Essential Thrash Albums
From Anthrax to Voivod
20 Essential Nu-Metal Albums
Linkin Park, Korn, Slipknot and beyond
15 Essential Grunge Albums
From Alice in Chains to Temple of the Dog
Terror's Scott Vogel: My Advice for Young Hardcore Bands
"Dedication is way more important than talent"