Background Information
AC/DC, the legendary hard rock and heavy metal band from Australia, was founded in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. In December 1974 they recruited their lead singer, Bon Scott, and it was under his vocal guidance that the band gained international success and recognition, starting with their breakout album Highway to Hell in 1979. 9 albums were released by the band during Bon Scott’s lifetime — from High Voltage in 1975 up until his death in 1980 at the age of 33 — making him the frontman and lead vocalist of the band for a total of 5 years.
Relevant Data
Out of the 9 albums released with Bon Scott as frontman and lead vocalist, 6 were released in Australia, and 3 were released worldwide — High Voltage (1975), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976) and Highway to Hell (1979). High Voltage and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap reached the top 5 on the charts in Australia, while Highway to Hell reached the top 5 on the charts in both Australia and the US, and secured AC/DC an audience internationally.
The albums released with Bon Scott as frontman were High Voltage (1975), TNT (1975), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976), Let There Be Rock (1977), Powerage (1978), If You Want Blood You’ve Got It (1978), Highway to Hell (1979), Highway to Hell (Live) (1979) and Back in Black (1980).
Expert Perspectives
Michael Saunders, a well-known music journalist and expert on AC/DC, believes that Bon Scott was responsible for the band’s global success. “Bon Scott was an iconic frontman and vocalist for AC/DC,” says Saunders. “His presence, charisma and attitude were immensely influential in shaping the sound and style of the band”.
Brian Johnson, AC/DC’s new frontman and vocalist in 1980 after Bon Scott’s death, also has a high opinion of his predecessor. “Bon Scott was the man that made AC/DC the band we know today. His voice was unlike any other, and it had an unmistakable energy that set AC/DC apart. When I joined the band, the first thing I had to do was learn how to perform and sing like him. I don’t think anyone has ever done it better.”
My Insights and Analysis
From my experience as a music fan, I can see how Bon Scott’s innovation and creativity were significant in making AC/DC a lasting force in the music industry. His powerful and unmistakable voice helped AC/DC achieve worldwide fame and is a major part of the band’s legacy. All of the albums released with Bon Scott as frontman and lead vocalist were extremely successful, proving that he was highly influential and an integral part of the band’s success.
Critical Acclaim
The AC/DC albums released with Bon Scott as frontman have been widely praised by fans and critics alike. Albums such as Highway to Hell, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Let there Be Rock have been hailed as some of the best hard rock albums of all time.
In particular, Highway to Hell has received immense critical acclaim as one of the greatest albums in rock history. The singles from this album such as ‘Highway to Hell’, ‘Touch Too Much’ and ‘If You Want Blood (You Got It)’ have become some of AC/DC’s most iconic tracks, and they are a testament to the band’s originality and Bon Scott’s inimitable vocal style.
Influence and Legacy
The influence of Bon Scott and the albums he released with AC/DC have been incredibly influential in shaping the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Bon Scott’s lyrics often focused on subjects such as love, sex, rock-and-roll and the dangers of substance abuse, and they served to bring a unique perspective to hard rock music.
The albums Bon Scott released with AC/DC are seen as some of the best hard rock albums of all time, and they remain timeless classics to this day. Bon Scott’s powerful and passionate vocal style continues to be influential in rock music, and his legacy as a frontman and lead vocalist will never be forgotten.
Music Videos and Tours
The success of Bon Scott’s albums with AC/DC was accompanied by a series of effective music videos and high-energy live shows. The iconic music video for Highway to Hell’s title track, directed by David Mallet, is often cited as one of the most iconic videos in rock music history.
AC/DC also embarked on multiple world tours throughout the 1970s, fuelling the success of their albums and introducing Bon Scott’s powerful vocals to audiences all over the world. The band had an immense following in Australia, and their international tours were met with sold-out shows, straddling Europe, America, and Asia.
Performances and Collaborations
Bon Scott and AC/DC gave powerful live performances, making a name for themselves as one of the best live acts in rock music history. Bon Scott was an energetic and charismatic frontman, and his spirited performances captivated audiences all over the world.
Bon Scott also collaborated with a variety of different artists, producing some stunning recordings. He collaborated with a host of international rock stars, including Jimmy Barnes, INXS, and Peter Tosh. His most well-known collaboration was with Jimmy Barnes on the track ‘The Weight’, which became a fan favourite and is still widely acclaimed as one of the best songs ever recorded.
Myths and Legends
The albums Bon Scott released with AC/DC have become iconic, and have spawned numerous myths and legends. One of the most famous stories is about the legendary recording of Highway to Hell, which has been said to have been recorded in a single night – a feat that has been disputed by a number of sources.
Nevertheless, the albums released with Bon Scott continue to have a tremendous influence on rock music, and the legendary frontman’s legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come, and his influence will be felt in the music of generations to come.
