Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger
There are snippets of music from practically all genres that I feel almost become ingrained in our psyche. We don’t actually recall the first time we heard the particular notes or melody; it’s pretty much always there. Like the drum and guitar intro off AC/DC’s song “Back in Black,” off the same-titled album which, earlier this week, had its 40th anniversary.
The story behind Black In Black is rather dramatic. To summarize, after building a career with steady albums and incessant touring, AC/DC as a band nearly unraveled in January 1980 after the tragic death of lead singer Bon Scott. But they regrouped, bringing singer Brian Johnson on board and releasing Black In Black six months later. And AC/DC’s impressive resilience didn’t stop there; it’s been a constant with the band’s career. Here’s a look at some AC/DC resilience milestones that I believe can influence all of us.
Don’t lose sight of your objective
Throughout their many decades together, AC/DC never stopped being a hardworking, hard-rocking band. They wrote albums, recorded them, toured behind them and never stopped. It’s hard to knock someone off a path when your path is unending.
Know what you’re good at, what you’re not, and then stick to it
You won’t find a ballad on an AC/DC album, or jams, or prog-like interludes. You’ll find deceptively simple-sounding riffs, admittedly juvenile lyrics and songs that rock from the very first note. I don’t know about you but when my back is against the proverbial wall I’ve always sought comfort in any endeavor, personal or professional, that gives me the most satisfaction.
Be yourself, even if it seems as though everyone is doing something else
Unlike countless other bands, AC/DC never went through different “styles” or “periods.” They didn’t embrace Disco, didn’t start using synthesizers, didn’t concern themselves with prevailing trends of the day. AC/DC looks and sounds exactly the same today as it did decades ago. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and struggle, as they say, to keep up with the Jones’s. Admittedly, it’s much harder to be yourself.
Never forget who you answer to
I was fortunate enough to see AC/DC live several years ago at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center. Guitarist Angus Young, of course wearing his signature schoolboy outfit, walked toward center stage to genuinely thunderous applause. I remember him removing his cap and making a jaunty bow before strapping on his guitar. Then he never stopped moving, helping comprise to this day what is one of my favorite concert experiences. AC/DC never forgot the fans they answered to and I believe this audience dedication has served them well throughout the years. I believe the notion of resiliency is most effective when we remember who we answer to, even if, in many cases, it’s ourselves.
Remember that it’s not all about you
While Angus Young served as the visual centerpiece of AC/DC, his late older brother Malcom served as the visionary behind the band. Connecting it back to Back in Black, it was Malcom Young who called and informed Bon Scott’s parents of their son’s death, who helped his devastated band pick up the proverbial pieces and record the signature record which, incidentally, remains the second best-selling album of all time, behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Know that resiliency doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for AC/DC after Back in Black. They faced plenty of challenges and overcame them the same way the band always had – through hard work, grit and determination. And that to me, really sums up the band and their legacy – taking something difficult, that requires a ton of effort and sacrifice, and making it look easy enough to try it. To inspire others to follow in their example.
Photo credit: Robert Ellis
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