THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

245-AC/DC-Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation.

1978-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 0.15. Malcolm Young (1953-2017) and Angus Young (see also best songs 797 and 170) developed the idea for the band’s name after their sister, Margaret Young, saw the initials “AC/DC” on a sewing machine. “AC/DC” is an abbreviation meaning “alternating current/direct current” electricity. The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band’s raw energy, power-driven performances of their music. AC/DC” is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band are colloquially known as “Acca Dacca” in Australia.

‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ was taken from AC/DC’s fifth studio Album ‘Powerage’ from 1978, it was co-written by Malcolm and Angus Young, and the bands lead singer Bon Scott, (1946-1980) and was produced by Harry Vanda, along with Malcolm and Angus’ older brother George Young. (1946-2017) (see also best songs 939 and 447) This would be the last AC/DC Album produced by the duo, who had also been responsible for the bands first four studio Albums.

AC/DC’s record label had released the Album, but then realised that if they were to break into the lucrative American market they would need a commercially sounding track that the radio would play. ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ features hand claps and maracas, and unusually for an AC/DC song does not have a guitar solo. Once the track had been recorded it was added to future pressings of ‘Powerage’ appearing as the opening song, replacing ‘Gimme a Bullet’. Some Albums replaced the track ‘Cold Hearted Man’ with ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation,’ but there are also pressings which include both tracks.

‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ was a breakthrough hit for AC/DC in Europe. Up until this song they had achieved six top 40 hits in Australia, but they only had a cult following elsewhere. This song would chart in the UK at Number 24, and also in The Netherlands, where it peaked at Number 18, it would be another year until they would break into the American Billboard singles chart with ‘Highway to Hell'(see also best songs 170.) ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ could be considered to be loosely based on AC/DC themselves, as the lyrics tell us that it is a tough road to the top if you want to be a Rock ‘N’ Roll’ star.

During the course of AC/DC’s lifespan, since their formation in 1973, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, there have been 16 different band members come and go. The line up who played on this song, and it’s parent Album ‘Powerage’ were, Bon Scott, (vocals) Angus Young, (lead guitar) Malcolm Young, (rhythm guitar) Cliff Williams, (bass) and Phil Rudd (drums.)

‘They say that you play too loud, well baby that’s tough. They say that you got too much, can’t get enough. They tell you that you look a fool, and baby I’m a fool for you.’