Bon Scott vs. Brian Johnson: Who Leads to More Efficiency?

Like Warren Meyer, I missed this one too.

The band AC/DC is considered one of the seminal hard rock bands, often compared
to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in influencing many subsequent hard rock and
heavy metal bands. The band was formed in 1973 by Angus and Malcolm Young
who took the band’s moniker from the back of their sister’s sewing machine. In its 35
year history, the band has sold more than 150 million albums, including 42 million
copies of the 1980 album Back in Black, making Back in Black the highest selling
album by any rock band. In 2003 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame. Given all this, it is no wonder that AC/DC has such a rabid fan base and,
as discussed below, faces an epic debate regarding its line-up.
Among musicologists, researchers of popular culture, and rock and roll lovers
of all ages there exists a common debate. That is, with respect to the rock band
AC/DC, who is the better vocalist: Bon Scott or Brian Johnson? The band’s original
vocalist, Scott, performed on seven of the band’s albums (excluding live albums and
compilations), passing away in 1980. Brian Johnson joined the band in 1980, serving
as vocalist on nine albums (excluding live albums and compilations). Since 1980,
there has been near constant contention regarding who was the better singer.
In this paper, we explore this issue. Since it is difficult to ascertain which vocalist
was better given the heterogeneity of musical tastes, our analysis does not focus on
the aural or sonic quality of the vocalists’ performances. Rather, using tools from the
field of experimental economics, and we consider which vocalist results in individuals arriving at more efficient outcomes in a simple bargaining game. Our results suggest
that having participants listen to songs by AC/DC in which Brian Johnson served
as vocalist results in participants realizing more efficient outcomes. Thus, in terms
of a singer’s ability to implement efficient behavioral outcomes among listeners, our
results suggest that Brian Johnson was a better vocalist than Bon Scott.

Next up, which Iron Maiden singer is more efficient:  Paul D'ianno or Bruce Dickinson?  Which leads to more cooperative bargaining in a one-shot prisoners' dilemma game:  NWOBHM or punk rock?  Do you think my students would appreciate it if I blasted AC/DC's For Those About to Rock while they were testing?