10 Facts You Need to Know About AC/DC's New Album 'Rock or Bust'

The upcoming release of AC/DC's new album 'Rock or Bust' finds the group at a critical juncture. Here's all the facts you need to know about the legendary Australian band's 17th studio effort -- which arrives amid the stunning health-related departure of founding guitarist Malcolm Young.

Amid this sad development some continuity remains -- starting with the frontline tandem of Angus Young and Brian Johnson. AC/DC also returned to a familiar place to record, and kept their most recent producer. But that's just the beginning of what you need to know about this exciting forthcoming release ...

1
With the retirement of founding member Malcolm Young, AC/DC has now endured eight lineup changes -- this being the most significant since original frontman Bon Scott's 1980 death. Over more than four decades, AC/DC had never before issued an album without Malcolm.
Hulton Archive, Getty Images
Hulton Archive, Getty Images
2
Malcolm's illness, still undisclosed, was first revealed in April of 2014. Initial reports even indicated that the band would retire all together. Thankfully, AC/DC regrouped -- with help from a familiar face.
3
Stevie Young, Malcolm and Angus Young' nephew, has taken over on rhythm guitar for both 'Rock or Bust' and the tour that will follow. Stevie earlier served a stint in AC/DC during 1988 tour for 'Blow Up Your Video,' while Malcolm was in rehab.
4
The album is set to arrive in America on December 2, well past Black Friday, the traditional cut-off date for major releases. 'Rock or Bust' will reportedly be available in Australia on November 28.
5
This is AC/DC's first album since 2008's 'Black Ice,' marking their second-longest period between studio efforts. AC/DC waited eight years between 2000's 'Stiff Upper Lip' and 'Black Ice.'
6
AC/DC is taking an inventive approach to getting the word out, as the lead track 'Play Ball' will be featured during coverage of the Major League Baseball playoffs on TV. It won't be the first time that fans have seen the band paired with their favorite sport. A number of pro players have used AC/DC as their walk up music, including Trevor Hoffmann, Brendan Donnelly, Chad Billingsley, Adam Dunn and Jason Castro.
Incidentally, you could make a list of just AC/DC's "ball" songs -- Besides the new 'Play Ball,' there's already 'Big Balls,' 'She's Got Balls,' 'Ballbreaker,' and 'Got You By the Balls.'
7
Everybody knows that AC/DC loves to rock -- but, as 'Rock or Bust' confirms, they also love to put "rock" in the title of things. AC/DC has previously released two albums and 14 songs including that word, from 1975's 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)' through to 2008's 'Rock 'n Roll Train.'
Here's the full list... Albums: 'Let There Be Rock,' 'For Those About to Rock We Salute You,' 'Rock or Bust.' Songs: 'Rock 'n' Roll Singer,' 'Rocker,' 'RIP (Rock in Peace),' 'Let There Be Rock,' 'Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution,' 'For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),' 'That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll,' 'Rock Your Heart Out,' 'Hard as a Rock,' 'Whiskey on the Rocks,' 'Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll,' 'Rock 'n' Roll Train,' 'She Likes Rock 'n' Roll' and 'Rock 'n' Roll Dream.'
8
We haven’t seen the cover art yet, but it's a good bet Angus Young will feature prominently in its design. After all, the guitarist has appeared on 10 of their 16 previous studio album covers. Exceptions include the original release of 'High Voltage' and 'T.N.T.' in 1975, then 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' (1976), 'Back In Black' (1980), 'For Those About to Rock We Salute You' (1981) and 'Razor's Edge' in 1990. (And, yes, we're assuming that's Angus' eye on 1985's 'Fly on the Wall.')
9
'Rock or Bust'? Try Platinum or bust. AC/DC hasn't yet issued an album that failed to sell at least a million copies in America -- a streak that continued into the new century, when many of their contemporaries have been struggling mightily to move even half that.
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
10
'Rock or Bust' marks AC/DC's second album in a row with producer Brendan O'Brien, following 'Black Ice.' He has also produced Bruce Springsteen since 2001's 'The Rising.' AC/DC hasn't used the same producer on consecutive albums since Mutt Lange on 1980's 'Back in Black' and then 'For Those About to Rock.' They also recorded in Vancouver again, continuing a trend that goes back to 'Stiff Upper Lip.'
Mike Windle, Getty Images
Mike Windle, Getty Images
Bonus
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Next: Top 10 Malcolm Young AC/DC Songs

Source: 10 Facts You Need to Know About AC/DC’s New Album ‘Rock or Bust’

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