Bon Scott

Cliff Williams Phil Rudd Brian Johnson Stevie Young
Bon Scott Malcolm Young George Young Paul Matters Colin Burgess Neil Smith
Angus Young Cliff Williams
Bon Scott

Who was Bon

Bon Scott, born Ronald Belford Scott on July 9, 1946, in Forfar, Scotland, was the original and highly charismatic lead singer of AC/DC. He played a crucial role in shaping the band's sound and image during its formative years, contributing to some of their most iconic albums before his untimely death in 1980. Here’s a detailed history of Bon Scott’s involvement with AC/DC:

Early Life and Career:

Bon Scott’s family emigrated from Scotland to Australia when he was six years old, settling in Fremantle, Western Australia. From a young age, Scott showed a rebellious streak and a love for music. He dropped out of school early and found himself in trouble with the law several times, eventually spending time in a juvenile detention center.

Before joining AC/DC, Scott was involved in various bands, including The Spektors, The Valentines, and Fraternity. These early bands gave him experience as a vocalist and frontman, but none achieved significant commercial success. Fraternity even toured the UK in the early 1970s, but they disbanded shortly after returning to Australia.

Tragic Death:

On February 19, 1980, Bon Scott was found dead in a car in East Dulwich, London, after a night of heavy drinking. The official cause of death was listed as "acute alcohol poisoning," but it’s often referred to as "death by misadventure." Scott's death shocked the rock world and left AC/DC’s future in doubt.

Joining AC/DC:

In 1974, Bon Scott joined AC/DC, replacing the band’s original singer, Dave Evans. AC/DC was still in its early stages, having been formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young just a year earlier. Scott's raw, powerful voice, combined with his wild stage presence and larger-than-life personality, quickly made him an integral part of the band's identity.

Playstyle

Scott’s rough-edged vocals, streetwise lyrics, and irreverent attitude were a perfect match for the Young brothers' hard-hitting guitar riffs and relentless energy. Together, they forged a sound that would become one of the most influential in rock history.

Key Albums and Contributions:

Bon Scott's tenure with AC/DC was marked by a string of successful albums that helped establish the band as a major force in the rock world. Some of the most notable albums include:

High Voltage (1975): AC/DC's first internationally released album, featuring the hit "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)." The song became an anthem for aspiring rock musicians and featured Scott playing the bagpipes, a nod to his Scottish heritage.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976): This album showcased Scott’s dark sense of humor and storytelling ability, with tracks like "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" and "Big Balls."

Let There Be Rock (1977): Marked by heavier and more aggressive music, this album included the fan-favorite title track and the anthem "Whole Lotta Rosie."

Powerage (1978): Considered by some to be one of AC/DC's most underrated albums, Powerage highlighted Scott’s lyrical prowess with songs like "Riff Raff" and "Sin City."

Highway to Hell (1979): This was AC/DC’s first album to break into the US Top 100, and it remains one of their most iconic records. The title track, "Highway to Hell," became synonymous with the band’s image, and the album as a whole marked a high point in Scott’s career.

Legacy:

Despite his relatively short career with AC/DC, Bon Scott left an indelible mark on the band and the rock genre as a whole. His distinctive voice, cheeky personality, and lyrical talent helped define AC/DC’s early sound and set the stage for the band's future success.

After Scott's death, AC/DC considered disbanding but ultimately decided to continue with a new singer, Brian Johnson. The first album released after Scott's death, Back in Black (1980), was both a tribute to him and the band’s biggest commercial success. The black album cover and the songs "Hells Bells" and "Back in Black" served as a tribute to their fallen frontman.

Bon Scott is remembered as one of rock’s greatest frontmen, with a legacy that continues to influence countless musicians and fans. His time with AC/DC remains a defining era in the band’s history, and his contributions continue to resonate in the world of rock music.