"Highway to Hell" is one of AC/DC's most iconic songs and albums, and there are several interesting facts and trivia associated with it:
Album Release: "Highway to Hell" is the title track from AC/DC's sixth studio album, released in 1979. It was the last album recorded with lead singer Bon Scott before his untimely death in 1980.
Title Controversy: The album's title and its cover art, which features Angus Young as a devil, sparked controversy and even protests from religious groups. Many radio stations refused to play the song because of its perceived sacrilegious content.
Bon Scott's Legacy: "Highway to Hell" is often considered one of Bon Scott's greatest vocal performances. His distinctive raspy voice and energetic delivery helped make the song a classic.
Malcolm Young's Contribution: Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, came up with the famous guitar riff for "Highway to Hell." This riff is widely recognized and celebrated as one of rock music's most iconic guitar parts.
Commercial Success: Despite the initial controversy, "Highway to Hell" became a massive commercial success for AC/DC. The album went multi-platinum and helped the band gain widespread recognition.
Eddie Van Halen's Influence: Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist of Van Halen, contributed to the song's background vocals. He was a friend of the band and happened to be in the studio during the recording.
Cover Versions: "Highway to Hell" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence on the rock music scene.
Live Performances: The song has been a staple of AC/DC's live performances and is often used as a closing number for their concerts due to its high energy and crowd-pleasing nature.
Legacy: "Highway to Hell" continues to be a classic rock anthem and is regularly featured in various forms of media, from movies to video games, ensuring its lasting legacy in popular culture.
Tributes: After Bon Scott's death, AC/DC's future was uncertain, but they recruited Brian Johnson as their new lead vocalist and released the album "Back in Black" in his memory. This album went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.
"Highway to Hell" remains a timeless rock song and is a testament to AC/DC's enduring influence on the world of music.