The popular musical band AC/DC formed in 1973, in Sydney, Australia. The iconic hard rock band is best known for its fierce guitar playing, punk-esque attitude, and dark and daring songs such as “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black”. As with almost all bands, there is always one member who dominates the vocal duties and lead singer in AC/DC during its most successful period was none other than Bon Scott.
A Scots-born Australian, Ronald Belford Scott was born in July 1946 in Kirriemuir, Scotland. He emigrated to Australia with his family at the age of six and lived in Melbourne and then Fremantle of Western Australia. His music career began in the mid-60s and spanned twelve years from 1964 to 1976. Bon Scott is considered one of the greatest and most influential lead singers in rock n’ roll history, which earned him the posthumous nickname, “The Last Rock Star”.
From an musical standpoint, he was never a professionally trained singer, but he made up for it with his raw energy, charisma and punk attitude. He sang in a range of mid to lower vocal registers without ever trying to hit high notes, and he consistently held a signature groove on every song. There wasn’t any dramatic vocal theatrics, he simply set the vocal tone for the harcore band with his unique style and delivered them with so much power and finesse.
Aside from being the lead vocalist for the greatest rock bands, Bon Scott also wrote some of AC/DC’s most revered songs, such as “Highway to Hell”, “Rocker” and “If You Want Blood (You Got It)”. His legacy is now ingrained in the popular culture of modern music and his spirit is etched into the DNA of AC/DC.
Bon Scott sadly passed away in 1980 at the age of 33 in London due to acute alcohol poisoning. In his memory, AC/DC went on to record albums and pay regular tribute to him throughout their career. His vocals are alive and well on the live album— “ If You Want Blood You Got It” —and posthumously on album “Back in Black”.
Life as a Rockstar
Bon Scott was an ultimate rockstar, but most important of all he was a presenter. He was the face and personality of AC/DC which is why his legacy lives on. He was a man with a big heart and a larger-than-life presence both on stage and off.
When Bon Scott joined the band in 1974, he was still the relatively unknown lead singer of a local outfit. A year later when AC/DC became an international sensation, Bon Scott became an iconic figure for a generation of teenage rock fans.
Bon Scott was one of the few singers around that time that had the confidence to be so outrageous and still get away with it without compensation. His ‘in your face’ nature was admired by both fans and colleagues; he had the ability to command a stage with his vocals and presence, and leave a lasting impression.
In an industry that can be unforgiving, Bon Scott had the charisma and the moxie to stand out with his own singular voice and energy. He connected with the audience in a way that was distinct from other rock vocalists.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Bon Scott’s life was cut short when he was found dead in February 1980. His cause of death was determined to be acute alcohol poisoning, but the actual circumstances leading up to his death remain a mystery to this day.
Following his death, AC/DC released their seminal album “Back in Black” in July of the same year as a tribute to Bon and the final work he did with them.
AC/DC memorialize Bon Scott to this day. Since his death, a celebrated Scots-Australian musician and songwriter, Brian Johnson, has taken the mantle of vocalist for the band. The members regularly pay tribute to Bon in interviews and on stage.
Bon Scott’s music has given generations of fans plenty of memories and his influence continues to be felt in the current AC/DC projects. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest lead singers of all time and will always remain a legend in the music industry.
The Immortalization of Bon Scott
Since his death, Bon Scott has been immortalized in numerous ways. One of the most prominent ways is the bronze monument of Bon that was placed in his hometown of Fremantle in Australia in 2008. While there have been numerous statues and memorials erected in the honor of the fallen star, this was one of the most important moments to commemorate his life and legacy. The statue has since become a tourist destination for thousands of AC/DC fans around the world to come visit and pay their respects.
The influence of Bon Scott, as a musician, remains long after his death, and his presence is continued in the current AC/DC tours. The legacy of his songs lives on and was the inspiration for many young artists that have come after him. Bon Scott is an inspiration for people all around the world, and stands as a testament to the late singer’s immense impact on the music world.
Bon Scott’s Contributions to Music
Bon Scott joined AC/DC in 1974 and made an instant impact with his dynamic vocals and attitude. His fiery vocals captivated the masses and elevated AC/DC to a worldwide level. Bon was the face of the band and his contribution to the group’s success cannot be understated. His presence was essential in making AC/DC’s music so memorable and popular.
Though Bon Scott tragically passed away in 1980, he left behind a great legacy. The band continued to produce chart-topping albums and singles long after the death of their beloved frontman. AC/DC’s most successful album, “Back in Black,” included vocals by Scott.
Bon Scott’s musical contributions have spanned generations, and his influence on the rock music genre has been indelible. The band is still considered one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time, thanks in part to the influence of Bon Scott. He has been remembered for his powerful and unique voice, and as one of the greatest rock singers of all time.
Music Inspired by Bon Scott
In honor of the late frontman, many popular musical genre have taken inspiration from Bon Scott and his approach to music. Bon Scott was known for his unique and raspy vocals, and a lot of today’s garage bands are influenced by his sound.
His influence can also be heard in popular punk rock bands, such as The Stooges and The Clash. His one-of-a-kind style and swagger has been cited by many popular metal groups like Iron Maiden and Metallica. Bon Scott’s influence can also be found in bands such as Guns N’ Roses and Foo Fighters, which pay homage to his musical contribution.
Bon Scott has had a long-lasting impact on the music world. His influence can still be found in the sounds of some of the biggest metal and punk rock bands of today. He was an incredibly talented musician and a beloved frontman that carved out an incredible legacy.
Bon Scott in Popular Culture
Aside from his many contributions to the music world, Bon Scott has also been a part of popular culture. He has been featured in documentaries, television shows, and films.
The critically acclaimed 2016 documentary “AC/DC: Let There Be Rock” detailed the band’s rise to fame with Bon at the helm. The film gave an intimate look at the band’s past, while also celebrating the influence of Bon Scott. It was a heartfelt tribute to the late frontman and featured exclusive interviews with the other members of AC/DC.
Bon Scott has also been featured in various other media outlets, such as television series and commercials. In 2012, the band was featured in a series of mobile network ads in the UK. The band was parodied in a sketch on British comedy show “Mighty Boosh”. The comedic sketch revolved around a fictional band called “the
