(antiMusic) Sometimes rumors do turn out to be true. A few weeks back, Classic Rock reported on a rumor that AC/DC were planning to release a massive box set housed in a playable guitar amplifier case. Then last week the band launched a tease website where they promised an exciting announcement. We now know what that is and it IS a massive box set housed in a playable guitar amplifier case. The $199 (plus shipping) AC/DC Backtracks box set includes 3 CDs, 2 DVDs, an LP and more. Here is the official description: The comprehensive collection of the band's studio and live rarities together in one place, remastered to sound better than ever (many on CD for the first time), on 3 CDs and 1 LP. 2 DVDs brings "Family Jewels" up to date plus the entire 2003 Circus Krone gig. A 164 page hard-cover book, collectible merchandise reproductions, and a working guitar amp make this a must-have for true AC/DC fans. Ships by 11/9/2009.
The 12"x12"x4" (30cm*30cm*10cm) exterior box is designed to resemble a vintage AC/DC guitar amp – complete with the original logo that was spray-painted onto the rear of Angus and Malcolm’s speaker cabinets in 1975. The “head” of the amp has a handle that lifts the top off to reveal the contents housed within. Oh yeah, the head is also a WORKING GUITAR AMPLIFIER! That’s right, one watt of pure AC/DC makes this box a truly unique collector’s item. You can PLAY the box set while LISTENING TO the box set!
CD 1 – Studio Rarities: This CD, for the first time, collects AC/DC’s studio rarities, many on CD for the first time. These are all of the songs that the band recorded throughout their career that appeared on Australian-only LP releases, movie soundtracks, 7" and 12" single releases, and CD "tour editions", etc. 12 of the 18 tracks are completely unique songs that have all been remastered to match the unparalleled sound quality of the rest of the Columbia AC/DC catalog reissues. The other 6 tracks are the original versions of classic AC/DC songs previously only available on the original Australian albums. Some restore seconds to the original fades, others restore guitar solos and choruses. All are highly sought-after collectibles and have never sounded this good!
CDs 2 & 3 – Live Rarities: Like CD 1, this is a collection of the band’s live rarities from singles, CD pros, compilations and other oddities. All have been remastered from original sources for optimum sound quality.
DVD 1: "Family Jewels" Disc 3: Picking up where the original 2DVD "Family Jewels" set leaves off (1991), Family Jewels Disc Three begins with "Big Gun" the theme song to the motion picture "Last Action Hero" – itself a rarity on CD 1 – the first time on any AC/DC album! You also get all three music videos from the Ballbreaker album, three from Stiff Upper Lip and the most recent clips for "Rock N Roll Train" and "Anything Goes" from the #1 album Black Ice. But there's more! Several clips from the original Family Jewels set actually had more than one promotional clip. Here are the alternate versions of those classic videos – all on DVD for the first time.
DVD 2: "Live At The Circus Krone" 2003: 2003 was a banner year for AC/DC. From their induction into the Rock AND Roll Hall Of Fame to massive European dates with the Rolling Stones, the band made several high-profile public appearances (including the SARS concert in Toronto for 200,000!). One run of shows found the band returning to their roots – playing clubs and theaters where they thrilled fans with sweaty, stripped-down shows and even throwing in some rarities they hadn't played in years. This show from Munich, Germany is the epitome of an “inside” look at how powerful the AC/DC show is – without all the bells and whistles of the big arena and stadium shows (well, they did bring the cannons…).
164 Page Coffee Table Book: 164 pages of rare and unseen photos spanning 1974-2009 plus full-size re-prints of original press releases, tour itineraries, tour books, test pressing labels, advertisements and much more. A real history of the band from the inside out. Rare photography includes never-before-seen shots of the band recording at the Albert Music studio on King Street in Sydney with legendary producers Harry Vanda and George Young in 1977. Also tons of unpublished live shots from all over the world
Rarities 180 Gram LP: The 12 unique studio rarities from CD 1 presented on 180 gram audiophile vinyl, mastered specifically for LP. A classic album in its own right!
Details on more goodies, some samples and videos etc are here