Back in Black (song)
"Back in Black" | |
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"Back in Black" | |
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"Back in Black" | |
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Song |
"Back in Black" is a song by AC/DC, known for its distinctive opening guitar riff, appearing as the sixth track on their 1980 album of the same title, Back in Black. The band's unstated tribute to their deceased former singer Bon Scott, the song was a worldwide success, and peaked in the U.S. at #37 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1981 and #51 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The single was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA, and recently was certified as an RIAA Platinum Ringtone.[citation needed]
The song was ranked #4 by VH1 on their list of the VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs [1] . It was also ranked #187 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Sampling
A number of artists have sampled "Back in Black" without permission from the copyright holders (see above list of recordings).
In 1984 the Beastie Boys sampled "Back in Black" without permission for their song "Rock Hard". In 1999, when they wished to include it on an upcoming CD compilation release, they sought permission but AC/DC refused. Mike D of the Beastie Boys quoted Malcolm Young's reason for refusing as: "'Nothing against you guys, but we just don't endorse sampling.'" [2]
Art Brut usually begin their song "Formed a Band" with the intro to "Back In Black" when they play it live. A recorded version of this can be found on their 2006 "Nag Nag Nag Nag" EP. Eminem released a version of his hit, "My Name Is", with "Back In Black" as the bassline.
Personnel
- Brian Johnson - Lead vocals
- Angus Young - Lead Guitar
- Malcolm Young - Rhythm Guitar, Background Vocals
- Cliff Williams - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals
- Phil Rudd - Drums
Covers and other versions
Two live versions of the song later appeared on both versions of the album Live, as well as the Australian tour edition of Stiff Upper Lip. It has been covered by bands such as The Hives, Steriogram, Living Colour, Foo Fighters with Jack Black, Travis and Colombian pop singer Shakira. Other versions include:
- 1984 Beastie Boys, sampled without permission on "Rock Hard"
- 1986 Boogie Down Productions, sampled without permission on "Dope Beat"
- 1995 Kid Rock, demo with no vocals he scratch over the riff and added a hip hop beat to it
- 2001 Hayseed Dixie, on A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC
- 2003 Living Colour, on Collideøscope
- 2003 Back in Baroque... The String Tribute to AC/DC
- 2004 Shakira, on Live & Off the Record
- 2004 Six Feet Under, on Graveyard Classics 2
- 2005 Wing, on Wing sings AC/DC
- 2006 Art Brut, sampled without permission on a live recording of "Formed A Band"
In the media
![]() | This article contains a list of miscellaneous information. (January 2008) |
- On New Years Eve Dec 31, 2002, this song was performed live by The Foo Fighters with vocalist Jack Black for US MTV.
- In September 2006, "Back in Black" was used in a US Gap TV commercial featuring footage of Audrey Hepburn.
- The song is played when the University of Iowa Hawkeye football team runs onto the field of Kinnick Stadium.
- The song was used for advertising of the Black Motorola Razr.
- The song was used as entrance music for now-deceased professional wrestler Chris Candido.
- The Chicago Blackhawks use the song after the starting lineups when they wear their black jerseys at home.
- It was used during the trailer for Men in Black 2.
- Lewis Black uses a re-recording of the opening riff on his segment on The Daily Show.
Notes
- ^ "VH1 40 Greatest Metal Songs", 1-4 May 2006, VH1 Channel, reported by VH1.com; last accessed September 10, 2006.
- ^ "AC/DC nix Beastie Boys sample" (LexisNexis Academic Search), New Musical Express, November 11 1999, retrieved 2007-02-15
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External links
- Lyrics on AC/DC's official website