AC/DC are plugged in and turned up to eleven (Picture: AP Photo)

There was good news and bad news for fans of rock pioneers AC/DC as they announced their first new album for six years but revealed that founder member, guitarist Malcolm Young, will not be returning to the band due to illness.

Rock or Bust will be the first album in the band’s 41 year history to not feature him but the role of rhythm guitarist is being kept in the family with his nephew, Stevie Young, joining as a permanent member.

AC/DC are revered in rock circles and their longevity is in no small part due to their roster of classic heavy hits and their legendary live shows. To celebrate the news of another album, here are seven songs that influenced a generation of rock.



1. Highway to Hell


One of Malcolm Young’s greatest guitar riffs powers Highway to Hell, which is one of AC/DC’s signature tunes.

Recorded in 1979, it appeared on the album of the

same name and was the last to feature original singer Bon Scott, before he died in 1980.

Rock glitterati from Bruce Springsteen to Marilyn Manson have cited it as an influence with a host of bands covering it including Maroon 5 on a recent tour.

2. Hell’s Bells

Taken from their Back in Black album, Hell’s Bells ushered in the new era with flat-capped Geordie, Brian Johnson taking on the vocals.

It has been heavily used in Major League Baseball for closers throughout the seasons and it has been suggested that it should be honoured by National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

3. Back in Black

If you are asked to name an AC/DC song, then Back in Black is usually the answer. The song is often found in the upper echelons of lists naming the best metal songs ever as well as having one of the most recognisable guitar riffs in rock.

From Foo Fighters to Shakira, everyone feels the energy of Back in Black, though the ultimate tribute must come from Hayseed Dixie and their Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC.

4. Whole Lotta Rosie

When the late Bon Scott had a one night stand with an obese Tasmanian lady, it was only natural that he would write a song about this experience. Now a lot of people know about Rosie and what she has a whole lotta of.

A cover version of this song was recorded by Guns n’ Roses and used as the B-side to their single, Welcome to the Jungle.

5. You Shook Me All Night Long

Another great sing-a-long from AC/DC, You Shook Me All Night Long was voted in the top ten songs of the eighties by VH1. It has touched all manner of genres and singers with Celine Dion and Anastacia performing a duet of it during a Divas concert. It was also the first AC/DC song to reach the American Billboard Top 40.



6. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

This song has become the traditional live set closer, even having a 21 gun salute to accompany it, in case it wasn’t loud enough. Their opus to rock is apparently inspired by the salute that Roman gladiators made as they entered the arena. Not for the faint hearted!

7. Thunderstruck

This represented a return to form for AC/DC in 1990 after a few desolate years. All of a sudden they were relevant again and have maintained their position as Rock Gods ever since.

It has become widely used at sporting venues across the world to pump up the crowd including the rather sedate surroundings of Sussex County Cricket Club as they start their Twenty20 matches.