About This Song
In 1979, AC/DC unleashed the title track from their sixth studio album, "Highway to Hell." Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, the song emerged from the band's grueling tour schedule, capturing the relentless, high-octane lifestyle of life on the road. Angus Young has said the iconic riff was born from the exhaustion and adrenaline of constant touring, while Scott's lyrics mix nihilism with a celebratory defiance.
The track was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who helped refine the band's sound and push them toward international stardom. Released via Albert Productions and Atlantic Records, the single initially peaked at number 49 on the US Billboard Hot 100, a modest showing compared to its later impact. After Bon Scott's death in February 1980, the song took on a new resonance, and in 2000 it was certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States alone.
Critics have consistently praised the song's raw energy and Scott's vocal performance, often listing it among the greatest rock songs ever recorded. The official music video, directed by Brian Grant, features the band performing in a gritty setting that matches the song's rebellious themes. On YouTube, the video has amassed hundreds of millions of views, cementing its place in rock culture. The song has appeared in films like "Iron Man 2" and countless TV shows, and it continues to dominate streaming platforms, with a presence on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Music Videos
Credits
Songwriters
Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott
Producers
Robert John "Mutt" Lange
Certifications
Keywords
Sources
Song Info
- Artist
- AC/DC
- Album
- Highway to Hell
- Released
- 1979-07-27
- Duration
- 3:28
- Label
- Atlantic Records
- Track #
- 1
- Peak Chart
- #49 on US Billboard Hot 100
- Writer(s)
- Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott
- Producer(s)
- Robert John "Mutt" Lange
- Peak chart position
- #49 on US Billboard Hot 100
- Certification
- Platinum (RIAA, 2000)
Join the community
fans discussing

