Get It Hot

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Get It Hot" by AC/DC from their iconic album Highway to Hell, and Zoo Freaks, this track’s got some wild vibes and stories behind it! This high-energy song, released in 1979, captures the raw, party-driven spirit of AC/DC’s sound during their Bon Scott era. According to Murray Engelheart’s 2006 band memoir, Bon Scott, the lead singer, felt the lyrics on the previous album, Powerage, were “simply too serious,” so for Highway to Hell, he leaned hard into themes of lust, partying, and good times, with “Get It Hot” being a prime example of that shift. The song’s lyrics are all about living fast and free, hitting the town with friends, and soaking up the night’s energy—perfect for the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited audience.

One juicy bit of trivia comes from the album’s production. Highway to Hell was initially set to be produced by Eddie Kramer, known for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, but the band clashed with him. In a quote from Malcolm Young in Guitar Legends magazine, he called Kramer “a bit of a prat” after Kramer questioned Bon Scott’s singing ability and pushed for a cover of a Spencer Davis song. The band ditched Kramer and brought in Robert John “Mutt” Lange, whose production sharpened AC/DC’s sound into the chart-friendly boogie that made “Get It Hot” and the whole album a classic. Lange’s touch helped craft the tight riffs and infectious energy that make this track a staple for any rock-loving Zoo Freak.

Another tidbit ties to the album’s broader impact. Highway to Hell, including songs like “Get It Hot,” was a turning point for AC/DC, as noted in a 2020 Wall Street Journal post by the band, explaining how the album’s title and vibe reflected their grueling tour life. The song’s carefree, rebellious spirit also resonates with fans, as seen in a 2013 Facebook campaign by AC/DC fans Steevi Diamond and Jon Morter, who tried to push “Highway to Hell” to the UK Christmas number one to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary and block The X Factor from the top spot. While “Get It Hot” wasn’t the single, it shares that same defiant, rock-and-roll attitude that fueled the campaign.

Now, let’s rewind to how AC/DC got started. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, the band came from a musical family with an older brother, George Young, who was part of the 1960s Aussie rock band The Easybeats. Malcolm and Angus, inspired by rock and blues, started jamming together, with Angus developing his signature schoolboy-uniform stage persona. They recruited Bon Scott as their singer in 1974 after he impressed them with his gritty voice and charismatic stage presence. Scott had been a singer in other local bands, including The Valentines, and his rough-around-the-edges style meshed perfectly with the Young brothers’ hard-hitting riffs. The band’s early years were spent grinding it out in Australian pubs and clubs, building a loyal following with their raw energy and no-nonsense rock sound, as noted in their bio on Lyrics.com. By the time they released their debut album, High Voltage, in 1975, AC/DC were on their way to global stardom.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with AC/DC through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and throwbacks to classics like “Get It Hot.” For deeper fan vibes, check out the fan-run AC/DC Wiki on Fandom, a treasure trove of band history and song details. There’s also the AC/DC Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories, rare photos, and love for Bon Scott’s era. Another great spot is Highway to Hell, the website for the ultimate AC/DC tribute band, which has been rocking stages for over 20 years and even got a shoutout on AC/DC’s official site for their 2011 Peru festival gig. So, Zoo Crew, keep those records spinning, and let’s keep the “Get It Hot” spirit alive!