When AC/DC began working on Back in Black in 1980, they didn’t just bring their instruments to the studio. Alongside the usual gear, they also packed some unexpected items: machetes and six-foot spears.
These weren’t for show. Unlike some bands who might opt for theatrics, AC/DC’s choice of weapons was purely practical. They had a real purpose, not just an image to uphold.
But let’s be honest—the idea of the band crafting one of rock’s greatest albums with machetes at arm’s reach does add an extra layer of cool to the story.
Back in Black’s Challenging Recording Sessions in the Bahamas
AC/DC found themselves in the Bahamas for the recording of Back in Black due to studio unavailability in the U.K. and the island’s favorable tax laws. While it might sound like a dream destination, the reality was far from glamorous.
Vocalist Brian Johnson recalled the conditions in an interview with AXS TV, describing their lodging as “horrible little rooms with a hand basin, a bed, and a little desk, and that was it.” The band’s stay was anything but luxurious.
Security was also a concern. Johnson mentioned that they armed themselves with a machete and a six-foot fishing spear to fend off “Tahitian drug dealers in the jungle who were coming down trying to steal everything.”
Uneasy Encounters and Stormy Skies in Nassau
The machete and spear that AC/DC armed themselves with came from a woman described as “large” and “intimidating” in Murray Engleheart’s AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll. Her imposing presence only added to the unease the band felt during their stay in Nassau.
The tension on the island was already high, given that this was the first album they were recording since Bon Scott’s passing. The looming threat of physical danger didn’t help matters.
As if that wasn’t enough, the weather turned against them as well. Tropical storms rolled in soon after their arrival, further intensifying the challenges they faced while working on Back in Black.
Storms and Silver Linings in the Studio
The relentless tropical storms in Nassau made it tough to keep the studio powered up. For a band named after electric charges, the constant power outages were a serious issue. But there was a silver lining—while waiting for Customs to release their gear, the band had extra time to write.
The storms didn’t just delay their work; they also fueled their creativity. The lyrics to “Hell’s Bells” were directly inspired by the stormy weather, with lines like “I’m a rolling thunder, pouring rain. I’m coming on like a hurricane.”
In the end, AC/DC left the Bahamas with both their weapons and themselves unharmed. The result? Back in Black became a monumental success, going platinum 27 times in the U.S., 12 times in Australia, and twice in the U.K.