These things in life are certain: death, taxes and that a new AC/DC album will sound just like all of the band's previous releases.
Not that there's anything wrong with the last bit. Like The Ramones, AC/DC established a sound (as well as a look) early on that is instantly identifiable and reliable -- mostly for better and sometimes for worse. "Black Ice," AC/DC's latest, has connected with the masses big-time, making its debut on the Billboard 200 chart at No. 1 with first-week sales totalling more than 780,000 copies.
Some things about AC/DC have changed in the last 30-plus years, and a few of those differences are part of the questions listed below. Should you dare to test your AC/DC IQ prior to the band's Nov. 19 concert at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, then read on:
1. What was singer Bon Scott's full first name?
Bonafide
Ronald
Donald
Bond
2. What is Angus Young's guitar of choice?
Gibson Les Paul
Fender Stratocaster
Gibson SG
Fender Telecaster
3. True or false: Bon Scott's death, the selection of Brian Johnson as Scott's replacement and the release of "Back in Black" all took place in the same calendar year.
4. Cliff Williams first played bass for AC/DC on which of these albums?
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
"Let There Be Rock"
"Powerage"
"Highway to Hell"
5. Which of these drummers has not been a member of AC/DC?
Phil Rudd
Chris Slade
Simon Wright
Dave Grohl
6. Who produced the AC/DC albums "Highway to Hell" and "Back in Black"?
Robert John "Mutt" Lange
Bob Rock
Tony Bongiovi
Rick Rubin
7. Which of these songs is AC/DC's highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100?
"You Shook Me All Night Long"
"Back in Black"
"Let's Get It Up"
"Moneytalks"
8. AC/DC's "Who Made Who" album also is the soundtrack for which of these Stephen King movies?
"Stand by Me"
"Maximum Overdrive"
"Cujo"
"The Shawshank Redemption"
9. What year was AC/DC inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
2002
2003
2004
2006
10. How many songs on AC/DC's new album, "Black Ice," have the word "rock" in the title?
None
Two
Four
Six
ANSWERS:
1. Ronald
2. Gibson SG
3. True (the year was 1980)
4. "Powerage"
5. Dave Grohl
6. Robert John "Mutt" Lange
7. "Moneytalks" peaked at No. 23 in 1991
8. "Maximum Overdrive"
9. 2003
10. Four: "Rock ‘n' Roll Train," "She Likes Rock ‘n' Roll," "Rock ‘n' Roll Dream," "Rocking All the Way"
Eight to 10 correct: Great job. AC/DC salutes you -- fire!
Five to seven correct: Not bad. You know that "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution."
Two to four correct: You're a "Problem Child."
One or none correct: You really need a copy of the "Bonfire" boxed set, pronto.
Shown: Angus Young with the guitar that's the answer to question No. 2.
