AC/DC's 'Back In Black' Just Achieved A Jaw-Dropping Milestone

AC/DC 's Back in Black is still making waves nearly 45 years after its release. The band's 1980 album is now officially the third-highest selling album of all time in the United States. As Consequence points out , the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently shared new certifications that show Back in Black has sold the equivalent of 27 million copies, which surpasses The Eagles ' Hotel California .

Before AC/DC jumped them, the Eagles held two spots in the top three — their best-of compilation Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) is No. 1 on the list with 38 million units sold. Michael Jackson ’s Thriller is No. 2 with 34 million copies.

Back in Black is the second-highest selling album globally selling a reported 50 million copies and Thriller is No. 1 with an estimated 70 million units sold.

Last month, AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" became their first single to be certified diamond by the RIAA. During that round of certification, eight of their songs also went platinum, including “T.N.T.,” “Hell’s Bells,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long." The band just wrapped up a comeback tour in Europe , marking vocalist Brian Johnson's first tour with the band since departing in 2016 due to hearing issues. Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose took over vocal duties for the rest of that tour, which was also AC/DC's last.