The title and lyrics reflect the arduous nature of touring constantly and life on the road. The highway that inspired the title, Canning Highway, connects the Perth Kwinana freeway to its port Fremantle and was home to many of Bon Scott's favourite pubs and hotels, including the Raffles Hotel.

Highway to Hell is the sixth studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released on 27 July 1979. It is the first of three albums produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, and is the last album featuring lead singer Bon Scott, who died on 19 February 1980.

Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released on 25 July 1980 by Albert Productions and Atlantic Records. It was the band's first album to feature Brian Johnson as lead singer, following the death of Bon Scott, their previous vocalist.

His genius was to add even more AC/DC to the already unique sound that invoked the true spirit of rock. By adding in backing vocals, sitting down with vocalist Bon Scott to fully develop breathing patterns, and honing in on drum sounds and guitar punches, it was the band's sound fully realized at last.