Music That Feeds My Soul – AC/DC
My love affair with AC/DC’s music truly ignited with Highway to Hell. Released on July 27, 1979—the summer between my freshman and sophomore years at Spring High School—it marked both a breakthrough and a bittersweet turning point in the band’s history. As their sixth studio album, it catapulted the Australian rockers from hard rock cult favorites to global superstars. Yet it would also be the last record to feature their legendary frontman, Bon Scott.
By the late ’70s, AC/DC had built a devoted following through relentless touring and gritty records like Let There Be Rock and Powerage, but they struggled to fully break into the U.S. market. Their label urged them to work with a producer who could polish their raw power without dulling it. Enter Robert “Mutt” Lange, whose meticulous style helped harness the band’s energy into a more refined, radio-friendly sound. The result was Highway to Hell—a perfect fusion of power, precision, and pure rock swagger.
The title track, driven by Angus Young’s iconic riff and Bon Scott’s rebellious snarl, became an instant anthem. Songs like “Touch Too Much,” “Shot Down in Flames,” and “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” showcased a band at its absolute peak. The album’s irresistible mix of hooks and attitude made it a global hit and eventually a multi-platinum classic.
Tragically, just months after its release, Bon Scott died in February 1980. His passing cast a dark shadow over the band’s success—but AC/DC refused to stop. With new vocalist Brian Johnson, they recorded Back in Black, a thunderous tribute that went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Back in Black had to grow on me—not because it wasn’t great, but because it wasn’t Bon. I missed his gravelly voice, his charisma, his devil-may-care swagger. But Brian won me over quickly. He didn’t need to be Bon; he was Brian. And he rocked just as hard.
Over the years, I’ve bought nearly every AC/DC album and seen them live more times than I can count. Bands that I love truly feed my soul. When I learned they’re coming to Houston in 2026, I was giddy. I swore my best friend and concert buddy to secrecy and told her to mark her calendar. People are amazed that we’re still blasting hard rock in our 60s—but some fires never fade.
