General Information Artist: AC/DC Title: Back in Black Label: Atlantic / Albert Productions Catalog number: SD 16018 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo Year: 1980 Country: US Edition: First US Pressing (Robert Ludwig "RL" Master) Genre: Hard Rock Description Released on July 25, 1980, Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock legends AC/DC. This landmark release marked a pivotal moment in rock history as the band's first album featuring vocalist Brian Johnson, who joined following the tragic death of original lead singer Bon Scott in February 1980. The iconic all-black cover serves as a sign of mourning and a tribute to Scott. Recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas and produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the album became a global phenomenon, eventually becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. Condition Vinyl: Very Good Plus (VG+) Cover: Very Good Plus (VG+) Inner Sleeve: Includes the original black-and-white printed inner sleeve with band photos. Notes for collectors This specific copy is the highly coveted "RL" (Robert Ludwig) cut. Audiophiles and collectors seek out this version because Ludwig’s mastering provides a significantly more dynamic, "punchy" sound compared to later reissues. This is further distinguished as a Monarch Pressing, identified by the "MO" suffix on the center labels and the Delta symbol (triangle) in the deadwax. Monarch pressings from this era are widely considered among the best-sounding versions of this album due to the quality of the vinyl and the pressing process used at the Los Angeles plant. Matrix/Labels Side One Matrix: ST-A-804517-A MASTERDISK RL (triangle) 24799 (1) MO Side Two Matrix: ST-A-804518-A MASTERDISK RL (triangle) 24799-X (1) MO Labels: White and silver Atlantic labels with "75 Rockefeller Plaza, N.Y., N.Y." address and the Warner Communications "W" logo. Manufacturer: Pressed at Monarch Record Mfg. Co. (indicated by the "MO" label suffix). Mastering: Stamped "MASTERDISK" with the hand-etched "RL" signature in the runout grooves on both sides.