The Thunder Roars Again

 


2020 has been a year of doom for many. The pandemic leading to shows being cancelled, the recent death of Eddie Van Halen, and even the great Journey lawsuit.

But 2020 has also been a year in which many rockers bounced back. The ones I'm talking about here are the one and only AC/DC!

First in six years

Todays new release, Power Up, is AC/DC's first in six years. The album has so far generated two singles, Shot in the Dark, and Realize, with a third expected for release in December. 

Founding lead guitarist Angus Young calls this record, "a tribute to his brother, Malcolm." 

Pictured above, Malcolm Young had recovered from lung cancer and had been diagnosed with dementia in 2014, which led to his resignation from the group, and his uncle, Steve Young, replacing Malcolm. Malcolm died in November of 2017 as a result of dementia. 

Trouble on top of trouple

In 2015, AC/DC's long-time drummer, Phil Rudd, had been charged with various accounts of murder, trheats to kill, and other crimes, which led to Chris Slade joining. Slade had previously been with AC/DC from 1989 to the mid 90s, most noteably contributing to their 1990 LP The Razors Edge, featuring their comeback hits Moneytalks, and Thunderstruck. 

However, that was not all that had happened. At the begining of spring 2016, it was reported that Brian Johnson had lost his hearing. The last few dates of the Rock or Bust tour were pushed back, with Axl Rose taking the mike. Later in 2016, Cliff Williams made his retirement known, calling AC/DC a "changed animal," and citing personal health issues.

But they're back

In late 2018, it was rumored that AC/DC were making an album at The Warehouse studio in Vancouver, BC, where they had recorded since 2001's Stiff Upper Lip. The photo, showing Johnson, Angus and Steve Young, Cliff Williams, and Phil Rudd led to question and speculation.

AC/DC finally announced their return on social media in October 2020, days before the release of the album's lead single, Shot in the Dark. The record is regarded to be a tribute to the late Malcolm Young, akin to how Back in Black was an homage to original vocalist Bon Scott, whose death came four decades ago as did the album.

Not Touring Yet

Thanks to the pandemic and social-distancing boundries, the Thunder has not announced any plans to tour as of yet due to uncertainty. However, they did promote the album and its singles with a few teasers, and trailers for the videos to the first and second singles, Shot in the Dark, and Realize, the former which topped the Bilboard Mainstream chart for two weeks.

Out of the Vault

In addition, as with the Boss, some of the album's tracks were extracted from the AC/DC vault. As a result, songs on the LP are credited to the original Young brothers - Angus and Malcolm Young.

If AC/DC comes to my city, I'll be sure to see them. I wish I did back in 2009. You should see them too.

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