Rock or Bust | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 28 November 2014 | |||
Recorded | 3 May – 12 July 2014 | |||
Studio | The Warehouse (Vancouver) | |||
Genre | Hard rock | |||
Length | 34:55 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Producer | Brendan O'Brien | |||
AC/DC chronology | ||||
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Singles from Rock or Bust | ||||
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Rock or Bust is the sixteenth studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released on 28 November 2014. Rock or Bust is the group's first album to feature rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, replacing founding member Malcolm Young, who had retired from the band earlier in the year due to health concerns. It is the shortest studio album ever released by the band. At approximately 35 minutes, it is two minutes shorter than their previous shortest album, Flick of the Switch, which was released in 1983. It sold 2.8 million copies worldwide.
The group released the debut single from the album, titled "Play Ball", on 7 October 2014. The song has been a commercial success, reaching the top 40 charts in various countries such as Spain (at number 28), France (at number 39) or Switzerland (at number 19). Rock or Bust peaked at number 1 in 12 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany and Sweden. It reached the top 5 in a further 12 countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy. The album earned AC/DC a 2015 ECHO Award for Rock/Alternative (International).
Drummer Phil Rudd was unable to participate in the supporting tour after being sentenced to house arrest, being replaced by Chris Slade. Lead vocalist Brian Johnson was forced to leave the band after the fifth leg of the tour as a result of hearing loss, with Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose taking his place as lead singer in March 2016, completing the remaining dates. Bassist Cliff Williams left the band after the tour, retiring from music. On 30 September 2020, after two years of rumours, AC/DC officially confirmed that Johnson, Rudd, and Williams had rejoined the band and that they have been working on a new studio album, Power Up, which was released on 13 November 2020, confirming that Rock or Bust would not be the final album to include Johnson, Rudd, and Williams.