Hells Bells

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic "Hells Bells" by AC/DC from their legendary album Back in Black, and the Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out! This track, the opener and second single from the 1980 album, kicks off with the haunting toll of a 2,000-pound bronze bell, cast by John Taylor Bellfounders in Loughborough, England. The bell’s eerie chime, recorded by producer Tony Platt using Ronnie Lane’s mobile studio, sets a somber tone as a tribute to the band’s former lead singer, Bon Scott, who tragically died of alcohol poisoning in February 1980. In a 2020 interview with Classic Rock, Brian Johnson recalled how a tropical storm in the Bahamas, where the album was recorded, inspired the song’s opening lines: “I’m rolling thunder, pouring rain / I’m comin’ on like a hurricane.” He scribbled the lyrics in a frenzy, fueled by whiskey and the storm’s chaos, feeling a supernatural push—possibly from Scott himself.

Another layer of intrigue comes from Angus Young’s recollection in a separate interview, where he noted that the storm’s fierce winds made church bells on the island ring, sparking the idea for the song’s title. Fans on Reddit have speculated about deeper meanings, with some tying the lyrics to Australian rules football, where a score is called a “bell” and the Melbourne FC, nicknamed the “Demons,” has a devil logo. However, Brian Johnson has firmly stated in a 2021 Paste interview that the lyrics were his own, written from scratch with only the song title provided, debunking rumors that they came from Scott’s notebook. The song’s cultural impact is massive—it’s been the entrance music for MLB player Trevor Hoffman and is blasted at New Jersey Devils hockey games and European football matches, often with pyrotechnics, as noted on Wikipedia.

AC/DC was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1973, founded by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. The siblings, inspired by their older brother George Young’s success with the Easybeats, started jamming with a raw, bluesy sound that evolved into their signature hard rock. Angus, known for his schoolboy uniform stage persona, and Malcolm, the rhythmic backbone, were joined by drummer Colin Burgess, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and vocalist Dave Evans for their debut gigs. By 1975, with Bon Scott as frontman and a stabilized lineup including Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams, they released their first album, High Voltage. Their relentless touring and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll attitude built a cult following, cemented by 1979’s Highway to Hell. After Scott’s death, Brian Johnson joined, and Back in Black became a global juggernaut, selling over 50 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums ever.

You can keep up with AC/DC on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and archival gems. Fans also gather on the AC/DC Fan Club Facebook group, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to swap stories and memorabilia. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like AC-DC.net, which offers detailed discographies and news. Whether you’re headbanging to “Hells Bells” or exploring the band’s gritty origins, AC/DC’s thunderous legacy keeps the rock ‘n’ roll flame alive.