It’s hard to imagine rock history without Back in Black. Released just months after Bon Scott’s untimely death, the album marked a turning point for AC/DC, proving they could push forward with a fresh energy while honoring their late frontman.
Among its iconic tracks, “Hells Bells” stands out as a haunting and powerful opener. The song’s chilling intro and electrifying riffs instantly set the tone for the rest of the record, cementing it as one of the most memorable songs in rock.
But what’s the real story behind “Hells Bells”? From its eerie bell tolls to its lyrics, the song carries a deeper meaning that reflects the band’s resilience and tribute to their fallen brother. Let’s dive into what makes this classic more than just a rock anthem.
The Bell That Tolled for Scott
To honor Bon Scott, the band decided to open their new album with the tolling of a bell. They found the perfect match in a 2,000-pound bronze bell crafted in Loughborough, England, by John Taylor Bellfounders. Its somber tones set a haunting mood that seamlessly transitions into Angus Young’s powerful guitar riff.
“Hells Bells” became a defining track for AC/DC’s post-Scott era. Written by Angus, Malcolm Young, and new vocalist Brian Johnson, the song carried a bold and rebellious message. The powerful combination of ringing bells and electrifying riffs signaled a fresh start for the band.
The lyrics hinted at a spirit of “raising hell,” a nod to Scott’s wild and untamed energy. Even the title, “Hells Bells,” reflects a mix of shock, defiance, and tribute, encapsulating the essence of both the band’s loss and their determination to move forward.
From History to Rock History
The phrase “Hells Bells” has been part of everyday slang since the mid-19th century in the UK and the US. However, it gained broader recognition in 1932 when Australian soldier Joseph Maxwell used it as the title of his World War I memoir, Hell’s Bells and Mademoiselles.
Decades later, the phrase found a new life as the title of AC/DC’s thunderous opening track on Back in Black. Recorded at Chris Blackwell’s Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, the album was a creative breakthrough for the band.
With producer John “Mutt” Lange at the helm—fresh off his work on Highway to Hell—AC/DC pushed their sound to new heights. The result was a timeless rock anthem that fused a historic phrase with electrifying music.
A Thunderous Moment of Inspiration
During the recording of Back in Black, producer Mutt Lange suggested they tackle “Hells Bells.” Brian Johnson, who had just finished recording “Back in Black,” wasn’t sure how to follow up such an intense track.
But then, nature seemed to lend a hand. A tropical thunderstorm hit, its ferocity unlike anything Johnson had seen before. Mutt pointed it out, and Johnson remarked, “That’s rolling thunder. That’s what they call it in England.”
Lange immediately seized the moment, telling Johnson, “Rolling thunder, write that down.” The storm’s raw energy inspired one of the most memorable lyrics in AC/DC history, perfectly complementing the track’s electrifying sound.
A Song Born from Chaos
Brian Johnson recalled the intensity of that night, when rain poured down in torrents, drowning out everything else. He felt completely immersed in the moment, saying, “I was gone,” as the storm and the music collided.
The track came together quickly, with Johnson admitting that he hadn’t even heard the final version yet. The song was written in a rush, born out of the chaotic energy of the storm and the urgency in the studio.
“Hells Bells” went on to become more than just a track—it became a tribute to Bon Scott. In 2008, Scott was honored with a monument in Fremantle, Western Australia, cementing his legacy and connection to the song.