AC/DC’s Back in Black Jumps to Third Place Among Best-Selling Albums in US History

AC/DC’s iconic Back in Black album just earned two new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), moving it into third place on the all-time list of best-selling albums in US history.

The 1980 album was certified 26-times platinum by the RIAA on July 8th and shortly thereafter 27-times platinum just a couple days ago on August 21st. The latter certification for shifting 27 million units put it ahead of the Eagles’ Hotel California on the list of the best-selling albums in the United States.

Don’t feel too bad for the Eagles, though, as their best-of collection Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) still remains No. 1 on the list with 38 million units moved. Michael Jackson’s Thriller is No. 2 at 34 million copies.

Worldwide, Back in Black is No. 2 with a reported 50 million copies sold, only trailing Thriller (an estimated 70 million units moved).

Forty-four years after the release of Back in Black, and more than 50 years into their career, AC/DC are still going strong. The band just completed a comeback tour of the UK and Europe, marking their first outing in eight years. As of now, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame act has no further dates scheduled.

Four years ago, Consequence celebrated the 40th anniversary of Back in Black with a series of special features, including our list of 40 Reasons We Still Love AC/DC’s Back in Black, as well as the exclusive video below of a superfan who unlocked Angus Young’s guitar tone.