Hubbry Logo
Bon ScottBon ScottMain
Open search
Bon Scott
Community hub
Bon Scott
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Bon Scott
Bon Scott
Bon Scott
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott (9 July 1946 – 19 February 1980) was an Australian singer who was the second lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980.[1] In the July 2004 issue of Classic Rock, Scott was ranked number one in a list of the "100 Greatest Frontmen of All Time".[2] Hit Parader ranked Scott as fifth on their 2006 list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Vocalists of all time.[3]

Born in Forfar in Angus, Scotland, Scott spent his early years in Kirriemuir. He moved to Australia with his family in 1952 at the age of six, living in Melbourne for four years before settling in Fremantle, Western Australia,[1] then Adelaide, South Australia in his later years. Scott formed his first band, the Spektors, in 1964 and became the band's drummer and occasional lead vocalist. He performed in several other bands, including the Valentines and Fraternity, before replacing original AC/DC lead singer Dave Evans in 1974.[1]

With AC/DC Scott performed on the band's first seven albums: High Voltage (1975, Oceania only release), T.N.T. (1975, Oceania only release), High Voltage (1976, first international release), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976, not released until 1981 in the United States), Let There Be Rock (1977), Powerage (1978) and Highway to Hell (1979). AC/DC's popularity grew throughout the 1970s, initially in Australia, and then internationally. Their 1979 album Highway to Hell reached the top 20 in the United States, and was their commercial breakthrough. However, on 19 February 1980, Scott died after a night out in London with former musician and alleged drug dealer Alistair Kinnear. AC/DC briefly considered disbanding, but the group recruited vocalist Brian Johnson of the British glam rock band Geordie. AC/DC's subsequent album, Back in Black, was released only five months later, and was a tribute to Scott. It is currently the second-best-selling album of all time.[1]

Biography

[edit]

1946–1964: Early years

[edit]

Ronald Belford Scott was born on 9 July 1946 at Fyfe Jamieson Maternity Hospital in Forfar, Scotland, to Charles Belford "Chick" Scott (1917–1999) and Isabelle Cunningham "Isa" Mitchell (1917–2011). He grew up in Kirriemuir and was the Scotts' second child; their first was a boy born in 1943, Sandy, who died shortly after birth.[1] A third child, Derek, was born in 1949.[1] Chick and Isa ran the family bakery in Kirriemuir's Bank Street.[4] The family emigrated from Scotland to Australia in 1952.[5]

The Scotts lived in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine, Victoria, and Scott attended the nearby Sunshine Primary School.[1] He received the nickname "Bon" shortly after starting school; because there was another Ronald in the class, his classmates played on the phrase "Bonnie Scotland".[6] A fourth child, Graeme, was born in 1953.[1]

In 1956, the family moved to Fremantle, Western Australia. Scott joined the associated Fremantle Scots Pipe Band, learning the drums.[1] He attended North Fremantle Primary School and later John Curtin Senior High School until he dropped out at the age of 15. He subsequently worked as a farmhand and a crayfisherman, and was later a trainee weighing-machine mechanic.[7] In 1963 he spent a short time in Fremantle Prison's assessment centre and nine months at the Riverbank Juvenile Institution, relating to charges of giving a false name and address to the police, having escaped legal custody, having unlawful carnal knowledge, and stealing 12 imperial gallons (55 L) of petrol.[1] He attempted to join the Australian Army, but was rejected and deemed "socially maladjusted".[8]

1964–1970: The Spektors and the Valentines

[edit]

Scott's vocals were inspired by his idol, Little Richard.[9] After working as a postman,[10] bartender[10] and truck packer,[10] Scott started his first band, the Spektors, in 1964 as drummer and occasional lead singer.[11] In 1966, they merged with another local band, the Winstons, and formed the Valentines, in which Scott was co-lead singer with Vince Lovegrove.[10] The Valentines recorded several songs written by George Young of the Easybeats. "Every Day I Have to Cry" (a song originally written and sung by Arthur Alexander) made the local record chart.[1] In 1970, after gaining a place on the National Top 30 with their single "Juliette", The Valentines disbanded due to artistic differences after a much-publicised drug scandal.[12]

1970–1973: Fraternity and the Mount Lofty Rangers

[edit]

Scott relocated to Adelaide in November 1970 after he joined the Sydney-formed progressive rock group Fraternity on lead vocals.[13][10] They had local chart success with their version of Blackfeather's "Seasons of Change" (March 1971). Scott had previously played recorder on Blackfeather's version. Fraternity released the LPs Livestock and Flaming Galah before touring the UK in 1973, where they changed their name to Fang. During this time they played support slots for Status Quo and Geordie, whose front man Brian Johnson would eventually succeed Scott as the lead singer of AC/DC after his death.[1] During this time, on 24 January 1972, Scott married Irene Thornton.[14]

In 1973, just after returning to Australia from the tour of the UK, Fraternity went on hiatus. Scott took a day job at the Wallaroo fertiliser plant and began singing with the Mount Lofty Rangers, a loose collective of musicians helmed by Peter Head (né Beagley) from Headband, who explained, "Headband and Fraternity were in the same management stable and we both split about the same time so the logical thing was to take members from both bands and create a new one ... the purpose of the band was for songwriters to relate to each other and experiment with songs, so it was a hotbed of creativity".[15] Other ex-Fraternity members also played with the band as did Glenn Shorrock pre Little River Band. During this time, Head also helped Scott with his original compositions.

Vince Lovegrove said, "Bon would go to Peter's home after a day of (literally) shovelling shit, and show him musical ideas he had had during his day's work. Bon's knowledge of the guitar was limited, so Peter began teaching him how to bridge chords and construct a song. One of the songs from these sessions was a ballad called 'Clarissa', about a local Adelaide girl. Another was the country-tinged 'Bin Up in the Hills Too Long', which for me was a sign of things to come with Bon's lyrics; simple, clever, sardonic, tongue-in-cheek ..."[16]

In return, Scott recorded vocals for Mount Lofty Rangers songs "Round & Round" and "Carey Gully".[17] Head released these original recordings in 1996, also teaming up with producer Ted Yanni, another old friend of Scott's, to create an entirely new backing for Round & Round & Round that more accurately reflected the original intentions Head had. Long out of print, and massively bootlegged, this EP finally got an official digital release in June 2010. Unrecorded original compositions of Scott's, "Been Up in the Hills Too Long" and "Clarissa" have been recorded by Head on his Peter Head & the Mount Lofty Rangers Lofty album, also released in digital format only in 2011.

About 11 pm on 3 May 1974, at the Old Lion Hotel in North Adelaide, during a rehearsal with the Mount Lofty Rangers, a very drunk, distressed and belligerent Scott had a raging argument with a member of the band. Scott stormed out of the venue, threw a bottle of Jack Daniel's to the ground, then sped off on his Suzuki GT550 motorbike.[16] Scott suffered serious injuries from the ensuing motorcycle accident, spending three days in a coma and a further 18 days in hospital. During his recovery Vince Lovegrove and his wife gave Scott odd jobs, such as putting up posters and painting the office for their nascent booking/management agency. Shortly afterward, Lovegrove introduced him to AC/DC, who had been on the lookout for a new lead singer.[12]

"There was a young, dinky little glam band from Sydney that we both loved called AC/DC ... Before another AC/DC visit, George Young phoned me and said the band was looking for a new singer. I immediately told him that the best guy for the job was Bon. George responded by saying Bon's accident would not allow him to perform, and that maybe he was too old (9 years older than Angus at the time). Nevertheless, I had a meeting with Malcolm and Angus, and suggested Bon as their new singer. They asked me to bring him out to the Pooraka Hotel that night, and to come backstage after the show. When he watched the band, Bon was impressed, and he immediately wanted to join them, but thought they may be a bit too inexperienced and too young. After the show, backstage, Bon expressed his doubts about them being "able to rock". The two Young brothers told Bon he was "too old to rock". The upshot was that they had a jam session that night in the home of Bon's former mentor, Bruce Howe, and at the end of the session, at dawn, it was obvious that AC/DC had found a new singer. And Bon had found a new band."[16]

Fraternity later reformed and replaced Scott with Jimmy Barnes.

1974–1980: AC/DC

[edit]
Main article: AC/DC § Bon Scott era (1974–1980)
Bon Scott (centre), performing with AC/DC at the Ulster Hall in 1979

Scott's wife, Irene Thornton, later wrote, "The first time Bon saw AC/DC was in August 1974. They came through Adelaide with the Lou Reed and Stevie Wright tour, and played their own show at the Pooraka Hotel ... The first time I saw AC/DC was at the Pooraka Hotel in September. 'Get up there, Bon,' Vince kept saying. The band didn't have a singer that night; they were playing instrumental versions of old rock 'n' roll standards. The boys ripped through all these classic numbers and then finally, with enough pressure from Vince, Bon climbed onto the stage. I didn't realise that AC/DC had just sacked Dave Evans and they wanted Bon to replace him. Like Bon, the Youngs were Scottish, so there was an instant bond."[18]

Scott replaced Dave Evans as the lead singer of AC/DC on 24 October 1974,[10] when it became obvious the band and Evans were heading in different directions, with Evans having personal clashes with band members and management.[19] Scott's appointment coincided with him working as a chauffeur for the band at the time until an audition promoted him to lead singer.[20]

With the Young brothers as lead and rhythm guitarists, session drummer Tony Currenti (see AC/DC line-ups) and George Young as a temporary bassist, AC/DC released High Voltage, their first LP in Australia, in February 1975.[21] Within a few months Currenti was replaced by Phil Rudd and Mark Evans was hired as a permanent bassist, and AC/DC began recording their second album T.N.T., which was released in Australia in December 1975. The first AC/DC album to gain international distribution however was a compilation of tracks from the first two albums, also titled High Voltage, which was released in May 1976. Another studio album, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, was released in September of the same year, but only in Australia; the international version of the album was released in December with a different track listing. The album was not released in the US until March 1981.

In the following years, AC/DC gained further success with their albums Let There Be Rock and Powerage. The 1978 release of Powerage marked the debut of bassist Cliff Williams (who had replaced Mark Evans), and with its harder riffs, followed the blueprint set by Let There Be Rock. Only one single was released from Powerage—"Rock 'n' Roll Damnation"—which gave AC/DC their highest chart position at the time, reaching #24. An appearance at The Apollo, Glasgow, during the Powerage tour was recorded and released as If You Want Blood You've Got It.[22]

The band's sixth album, Highway to Hell, was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and was released in 1979. It became AC/DC's first LP to break the US top 100, eventually reaching #17, and it propelled AC/DC into the top ranks of hard-rock acts.[23][24]

On 9 February 1980, AC/DC appeared on Aplauso TV (Spain) where they played "Beating Around the Bush", "Girls Got Rhythm", and "Highway to Hell"; this would be Bon Scott's last appearance with AC/DC before his death.[25]

Personal life

[edit]

Scott met Irene Thornton, from Adelaide, in 1971 while he was the lead singer for Fraternity. They married in 1972.[26] The couple separated after two years of marriage and divorced in 1977, but remained friends until Scott's death.[27] After Thornton, Scott had a significant ongoing relationship with Margaret "Silver" Smith, whom he had met in Adelaide in the early 1970s. Scott and Smith broke up in 1977 but were in touch until his death.[28]

Michael Browning, who managed AC/DC in their early years, stated in his book on managing AC/DC, Dog Eat Dog, that he visited Scott in hospital in Melbourne in 1975 after Scott had overdosed on drugs. Browning claimed "Bon was bragging to me the last time he was in that hospital he was visiting two separate girls, both unknown to each other, who were both giving birth to his kids at the same time. So there's at least two of Bon Scott's children out there, or at least two I can vouch for."[29]

Death

[edit]
Bon Scott's grave
67 Overhill Road, East Dulwich, London, the site of Bon Scott's death

On 15 February 1980, Scott attended a session where Malcolm and Angus Young were working on the beginnings of two songs that would later be recorded on the Back in Black album: "Have a Drink on Me" and "Let Me Put My Love into You", with Scott accompanying on drums rather than singing or writing lyrics.[1] Young has also claimed Scott played drums on "Hells Bells"[30] while AC/DC drummer Simon Wright has claimed Angus Young played him a demo of Scott playing drums on "Back in Black".[31]

Days earlier, Scott had gone with Mick Cocks to visit their friends the French group Trust in the Scorpio Sound studio in London, where they recorded the album Répression; Scott was working on the English adaptation of texts by Bernie Bonvoisin for the English version of the album. During this visit, the musicians did a jam session of "Ride On". This improvised session was Scott's last recording.[32][33]

Sometime during the late evening of 18 February and early morning of Tuesday, 19 February 1980, Scott passed out and died at the age of 33. He had just visited a London club called the Music Machine (currently known as KOKO). He was allegedly left to sleep in a Renault 5 owned by his friend Alistair Kinnear, at 67 Overhill Road in East Dulwich.[34] Later that day, Kinnear found Scott unconscious and alerted the authorities. Scott was taken to King's College Hospital in Camberwell, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The official report of the coroner concluded that Scott had died of "acute alcohol poisoning" and classified it as "death by misadventure".[35][36]

As part of the funeral arrangements, Scott's body was embalmed by Desmond Henley;[37] it was later cremated, and Scott's ashes were interred by his family at Fremantle Cemetery in Fremantle.[38]

Shortly after Scott's death, the remaining members of AC/DC briefly considered disbanding. However, it was eventually decided that Scott would have wanted them to continue, and with the Scott family's encouragement, the band hired Brian Johnson as their new vocalist.[39] Before his death, Scott had praised Johnson and the performer's group Geordie to his friends, comparing the other vocalist to Little Richard and remarking (according to Angus Young) along the lines that Scott had found "a guy that knows what rock and roll is all about".[40]

In Jesse Fink's 2017 book, Bon: The Last Highway, Fink explores the death of Scott and the surrounding circumstances, presenting alternate theories to the official account. Based on his research, he claims other factors might have played a role in Scott's death; alleging that heroin use could have been involved. He also contends that "the police investigation and the coroner’s inquest were substandard."[41][42][43][44]

Lyrics controversy

[edit]
Main article: Back in Black § Lyrics controversy

Five months after Scott's death, AC/DC finished the work they had begun with Scott; they released Back in Black as a tribute to him, but his name did not appear in the writing credits. The issue of whether Scott's lyrics were used, uncredited, on the album is an enduring topic of debate.

Legacy

[edit]

Landmarks

[edit]

Australia

[edit]
Statue of Bon Scott, Fremantle, Western Australia

Scott's grave site in Palmyra has become a cultural landmark. More than 28 years after his death, the National Trust of Australia declared his grave important enough to be included on the list of classified heritage places.[38][45] It is reportedly the most visited grave in Australia.[46] On 7 July 2006, to mark his 60th birthday, the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board completed refurbishments on the Bon Scott Grave Area. This consisted of a Bon Scott Arch and Memorial Entrance gate off Carrington Street in the north-west corner of Fremantle Cemetery.[47] On 9 July 2006, sixty years to the day from Scott's birth, the bronze plaque was stolen from the site.[48]

A bronze statue of Scott was unveiled at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour in Western Australia on 24 February 2008.[49] The statue portrays Scott atop a Marshall amplifier.

ACDC Lane is a street in the Melbourne central business district. It was renamed on 1 October 2004 as a tribute to AC/DC. The trademark lightning bolt or slash ("/") used to separate the AC and the DC in the band's name contravened the naming policy of the Office of the Registrar of Geographic Names, so the punctuation was omitted on the street sign. Melbourne's Lord Mayor John So launched ACDC Lane with the words, "As the song says, there is a highway to hell, but this is a laneway to heaven. Let us rock". Bagpipers then played It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll). Those were all songs from Bon Scott era. The lane contains a rock 'n' roll nightclub called the Cherry Bar.

Scotland

[edit]

On 6 May 2006, the town of Kirriemuir in Scotland held a service and unveiled a Caithness stone slab commemorating the singer.[50] A message was read from a long-time friend and fellow member of the Valentines, Vince Lovegrove, in which he said:

The thing I loved most about Bon Scott, was his almost unique self honesty. What you saw was what you got, he was a real person and as honest as the day is long. To my mind he was the street poet of my generations and of the generations that followed.[51]

A life-sized bronze statue of Scott was unveiled by former AC/DC bass player Mark Evans in Bellies Brae Car Park in Kirriemuir on 30 April 2016, during the 10th anniversary of the Bonfest music festival. Kirriemuir hosts an annual festival known as "Bonfest" as a tribute to Bon Scott and AC/DC. It was originally held in July on the weekend closest to his birthday but moved to May because of other events in the local area during July. The statue was commissioned by local community group DD8 Music and created by John McKenna.[52]

Posthumous releases

[edit]

AC/DC released a box set entitled Bonfire as a tribute to Scott on 18 November 1997. It contains four albums; a remastered version of Back in Black; a "rarities" album with alternate takes, outtakes, and stray live cuts, Volts; and two live albums, Live from the Atlantic Studios and Let There Be Rock: The Movie. Live from the Atlantic Studios was recorded on 7 December 1977 at the Atlantic Studios in New York City. Let There Be Rock: The Movie is a double album which was recorded on 9 December 1979 at the Pavillon de Paris in Paris, and was the soundtrack of the motion picture, AC/DC: Let There Be Rock.[53]

Accolades, awards and tributes

[edit]

AC/DC's seventh studio album Back in Black was released as a dedication and tribute to Scott. In 2003, Scott was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of AC/DC[54] with his nephews present to accept the honour in his place.[55]

In 2003, Scott's final studio album with AC/DC, 1979's Highway to Hell ranked 199 on Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time".[56] In 2004, the song "Highway to Hell" that Scott co-wrote with Malcolm and Angus Young ranked 254 on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.[57]

In the July 2004 issue of UK magazine Classic Rock, Scott was rated as number one in a list of the "100 Greatest Frontmen", ahead of Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant.[2][page needed]

The French rock band Trust wrote their hit song "Ton dernier acte" ("Your Last Act") in memory of Scott in 1980. German hard rock band Kingdom Come wrote and recorded a song titled "Bon Scott" for their album, Ain't Crying for the Moon, as a tribute to the former AC/DC frontman. Romanian hard rock group Iris recorded the song "Ultimul mic dejun al lui Bon" ("Bon's Last Breakfast") as a tribute to Scott, released on their 1997 album Lună plină.

Many artists perform live covers of songs that Scott wrote with AC/DC as a tribute to him. On 19 February 2005, the 25th anniversary of Scott's death, thrash metal band Megadeth performed a cover of "Problem Child" as a tribute. Singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine talked about how much Scott had influenced him. Hard rock band Guns N' Roses frequently perform "Whole Lotta Rosie" in concert and covered it in 1987. AC/DC performed their song "Ride On" only one time in 2001 as a tribute to Scott.[58]

Literature

[edit]

Scott is the subject of several books including two biographies by Jesse Fink - Bon: The Last Highway (2017, updated in 2018 and 2022) and Bon: Notes from the Highway (2024) - and Clinton Walker's Highway to Hell (1994 and updated in 2015 and 2023). Fink's books claim that Scott died from a lethal combination of alcohol and heroin, while Walker backs the coroner's finding of alcohol poisoning. The controversial point that he and Walker both agree on is that many of Scott's lyrics were co-opted, uncredited, into Back in Black. Other books about Scott include Irene Thornton's memoir My Bon Scott (2014, retitled outside Australia as Have a Drink on Me), Mary Renshaw's Live Wire (2015) and Victor Marshall's Fraternity: Pub Rock Pioneers (2021).[59]

Film

[edit]

In 2024 it was reported a feature film called The Kid from Harvest Road was being made of Scott's time in Western Australia before he became a musician.[60]

Discography

[edit]
Main articles: AC/DC discography and List of songs recorded by AC/DC

With AC/DC

[edit]

Studio albums

Live albums

With Fraternity

[edit]

Studio albums

Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2005 Bon Scott Hall of Fame inductee

Further reading

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bon Scott

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott (9 July 1946 – 19 February 1980) was a Scottish-born Australian singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death. Born in Forfar, Scotland, Scott migrated to Australia with his family as a child and became a pivotal figure in the Australian rock scene, contributing to AC/DC's raw energy, blues-influenced sound, and breakthrough international success through albums like High Voltage (1975), Let There Be Rock (1977), and Highway to Hell (1979). His charismatic stage presence, gravelly voice, and irreverent lyrics on themes of rock 'n' roll excess defined the band's early persona, helping propel AC/DC from local pub rockers to global stardom. Scott's early life was marked by a working-class upbringing and a rebellious streak. The eldest surviving son of Charles and Isabelle Scott, he grew up in , , before the family emigrated to in 1952 and settled in , , in 1956. He left school at 15, worked odd jobs as a farmhand, , and , and became involved in street gangs, leading to a brief detention in a juvenile in 1963. His musical journey began in the as a and singer in local bands; he joined the Scots Pipe Band to learn instruments like the and recorder, then formed , a covers band where he honed his skills on drums and vocals. In the late and early , Scott fronted the pop-oriented Valentines, achieving moderate success in with hits like a cover of "," before the band disbanded in 1970 amid his growing interest in harder rock. He then joined the progressive rock group (later The ), serving as lead singer and occasional multi-instrumentalist; the band won the 1971 Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds and released albums like (1971), but internal tensions led to its breakup in 1973. A near-fatal accident in 1974 left Scott with broken collarbones and ribs, prompting him to abandon drumming and focus on singing. Scott joined AC/DC in September 1974 after impressing brothers Angus and Malcolm Young during an impromptu jam session in Adelaide, replacing original singer Dave Evans. As AC/DC's frontman, he co-wrote iconic songs such as "T.N.T.," "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," "Whole Lotta Rosie," and the title track of Highway to Hell, infusing the band's music with his witty, hedonistic storytelling and high-octane performances. Under his tenure, AC/DC signed with Atlantic Records in 1976, toured extensively, and achieved their first major commercial milestone with Highway to Hell, which topped charts in Australia and reached the top 20 in the US and UK. On a personal level, Scott married Irene Thornton in 1972, but the union ended in separation by 1977 amid his nomadic lifestyle and struggles with . Known for his hard-drinking, womanizing image that mirrored his lyrics, Scott's excesses caught up with him on 19 February 1980, when he was found dead in a car at age 33; the coroner's report listed the cause as acute alcohol , classified as after he passed out and aspirated vomit following a night of heavy drinking. His cremated remains were interred in Cemetery, and honored him with the 1980 album , featuring new singer , which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Scott's legacy endures as AC/DC's defining early voice, influencing generations of rock performers with his unapologetic authenticity and stage charisma; tributes include statues in and , and his induction into Australia's Music Hall of Fame with the band in 2003, along with annual birthday tributes by his estate as of 2025. Posthumous archival releases have preserved his contributions, cementing his status as a rock 'n' roll icon whose brief but intense career shaped hard rock's rebellious spirit.

Biography

1946–1964: Early years

Ronald Belford Scott was born on 9 July 1946 in , , to Charles Belford "Chick" Scott, a baker and , and Isabelle "Isa" Cunningham Scott (née Mitchell). The family resided in nearby , where Scott was the second child; his older brother Sandy had died in infancy, and his younger siblings included brother (born 1949), sister Valerie, brother Graeme (born 1953 in ), and another sister Sandy. Growing up in a musical household, Scott was exposed to traditional sounds through his father's involvement in the , which fostered his early interest in percussion. In 1952, at the age of six, the Scott family immigrated to aboard the MV Talamba, seeking better opportunities in the post-war era, and initially settled in the suburb of Sunshine. They later moved to the nearby suburb of Broadmeadows before relocating to , , in 1956. Scott attended Sunshine Primary School in , followed by North Fremantle Primary School and Senior High School (1959–1961) after the move west, where he earned the nickname "Bon" from a school inspector impressed by his resilience during a mishap. He left school at age 15 in 1961 without graduating, amid a growing rebellious streak that led to minor legal troubles. To support himself, Scott took on various manual labor jobs, including farmhand, postman, clerk, storeman, crayfisherman, and an apprenticeship as a , for which he won a best first-year apprentice award. His interests increasingly turned to music and motorbikes; he joined the Scots as a , fife, and recorder player, competing successfully and becoming the state under-17 side champion from 1958 to 1963, often performing alongside his father. Scott experimented with music informally with friends using basic instruments, drawing initial inspiration from and records, while his passion for motorbikes led to early adventures and a 1963 incident where he was sentenced to nine months in Riverbank Juvenile Institution for stealing petrol to ride one. The Scott family dynamics revolved around close-knit support tempered by concern over Scott's wild tendencies; his father actively encouraged his musical pursuits through joint pipe band activities, while his mother worried about his "socially maladjusted" behavior and run-ins with authorities. This foundational period in shaped Scott's energetic personality and laid the groundwork for his future in .

1964–1970: The Spektors and the Valentines

In 1964, Bon Scott formed his first band, , in Perth, , as a rhythm and blues cover band influenced by the and early rock acts. Scott served as the band's drummer and occasional , sharing drumming duties with co-vocalist John Collins, while the lineup included Wyn Milson and Brian Gannon. The group performed at local Perth venues, delivering energetic covers of songs like ' "," where Scott's raw vocals and drumming began to draw attention. As they gained experience, The Spektors shifted toward some original material amid growing internal conflicts over direction, leading to their disbandment in 1966 and a partial merger with members of rival band . Following ' breakup, Scott joined The Valentines in 1966 as co-lead singer alongside , with the band forming in Perth from members of local beat groups and adopting a pop-soul style heavily influenced by the sounds of acts like and . The lineup featured guitarist Wyn Milson, guitarist Ted Ward, bassist John Cooksey, and drummer Paddy Beach, and they quickly built a following with covers like "," which became a local hit and showcased Scott's emerging charismatic stage presence through high-energy live shows and television appearances on programs such as Hit Scene. The band adopted matching jumpsuits for performances, enhancing their polished yet dynamic image, while Scott—using his childhood nickname "Bon," derived from "Bonnie Scotland"—developed a reputation for animated, audience-engaging delivery that blended humor and intensity. The Valentines achieved national success in Australia with hits including "Every Day I Have to Cry" (1967), "My Old Man's a Groovy Old Man" (1969, peaking at No. 23 nationally), and "Getting Better" (1969, reaching No. 53). They undertook extensive national tours, including the high-profile Operation Starlift in September 1969 alongside artists like and Johnny Farnham, and made frequent television appearances that amplified their bubblegum pop appeal. During this period, the band experimented with psychedelic elements, recording tracks like "Peculiar Hole in the Sky" and shifting from uniform pop to more experimental sounds, while Scott began contributing to songwriting, co-authoring tunes such as "" (1970, No. 28 nationally) and "Nick Nack Paddy Whack" (1969). Tensions arose in late 1969 when the entire band was arrested for marijuana possession at the Jan Juc Surf Club near , in what became Australia's first major rock drug bust; they were fined $150 each in February 1970 and placed on good behavior bonds. The incident, combined with creative disagreements over their evolving psychedelic direction, led to The Valentines' amicable disbandment in August 1970, marking the end of Scott's early pop phase and highlighting his growth as a versatile frontman.

1970–1973: Fraternity and the Mount Lofty Rangers

Following the breakup of The Valentines in 1970, Bon Scott joined the progressive rock band in as lead vocalist and recorder player, recruited by bassist Bruce Howe to handle singing duties and allow Howe to focus on bass. The band, formed earlier that year by Howe and guitarist Mick Jurd from the remnants of Levi Smith's Clefs, also featured keyboardist John Bisset, drummer Tony Buettel (later replaced by John Freeman in 1971), and eventually slide guitarist and pianist Sam See and harmonica player "Uncle" John Eyers. Influenced by progressive acts like as well as folk-rock groups such as and Crosby, Stills & Nash, 's early sound blended psychedelic elements with country and folk textures. In 1971, the band relocated from to at the invitation of manager Hamish Henry, where they embraced a communal lifestyle on a farm in the , fostering creative experimentation amid the local music scene. Fraternity's debut album, Livestock, was released in late 1971 on the Sweet Peach label, showcasing a mix of progressive rock and pastoral folk influences with Scott's distinctive, raspy vocals at the forefront. Key tracks included the epic "Raglan's Folly" and the cover "Seasons of Change," the latter becoming a minor national hit in Australia and reaching No. 1 in Adelaide, contributing to the album's moderate commercial success. Scott contributed to songwriting on several songs, including co-credits on pieces like "Grand Canyon Suites," marking his increasing role in crafting lyrics that bridged pop sensibilities from his Valentines days toward more introspective, narrative-driven themes. The band won the 1971 Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds, a national competition, highlighting their rising profile in the Australian rock scene. By 1972, shifted toward a looser, country-infused , releasing their second album Flaming Galah on RCA, which featured re-recorded tracks from Livestock alongside new boogie and blues-oriented material like "Welfare Boogie" and "Annabelle," exploring edgier themes of rural life, excess, and subtle references to drugs and sexuality. Scott's harmonica and recorder work added texture, while his songwriting involvement grew, co-authoring tracks that demonstrated a maturation in his lyrical style from pop hooks to more raw, experiential storytelling. Seeking international breakthrough, the band toured the in 1973 under the temporary Fang to appeal to glam-rock audiences, but the venture failed amid lineup tensions and poor reception, leading Scott to depart in October 1973. Shortly after, Scott briefly fronted the Mount Lofty Rangers, a loose country-rock collective formed by ex- associates and members, performing edgier acoustic sets that further honed his versatile vocal delivery before a near-fatal motorbike accident sidelined him.

1974–1980: AC/DC

In September 1974, Bon Scott joined as lead vocalist after initially working as a chauffeur for through a South Australian agency, a role that allowed the Young brothers—guitarists Angus and Malcolm—to recognize his singing talent during a period when they were dissatisfied with their current frontman, Dave Evans. Scott's recruitment was solidified when he jammed onstage with at the Pooraka Hotel in , leading to an audition where his raw, energetic style impressed the group, prompting them to replace Evans just weeks later. This transition marked the beginning of 's classic lineup, with Scott's gritty vocals complementing the brothers' high-voltage riffs and driving 's shift toward a harder, more blues-infused sound. Scott quickly became integral to AC/DC's songwriting and recording process, providing lead vocals and co-writing lyrics for their breakthrough albums, including the Australian (1975), T.N.T. (1975, Australia-only), the international (1976), (1977, recorded at Albert Studios in ), (1978), and (1979, recorded at Roundhouse Studios in ). His contributions extended beyond the studio; Scott influenced song selection for live sets, often pushing for high-energy tracks that showcased the band's raw power, while his charismatic stage presence—marked by antics like carrying on his shoulders through the crowd—infused performances with infectious chaos and audience engagement. The Young brothers credited Scott's experience from prior bands for helping refine their setlists, blending originals with covers to build momentum during early tours. Under Scott's tenure, achieved their international breakthrough, starting with a 1977 European tour that included high-profile shows in and , where the band's relentless live energy began captivating overseas audiences. That same year, they launched their first U.S. tour, opening for acts like on the Draw the Line trek, which exposed them to fans and solidified their reputation for blistering performances despite initial sound challenges in larger venues. Scott's unfiltered persona and vocal prowess were pivotal in these outings, fostering band dynamics where he acted as a mentor figure to the younger Youngs, encouraging their playful stage routines while ensuring the group's hard-partying ethos translated to global stages. By 1979, this momentum peaked with , which reached No. 17 on the , representing 's first major U.S. chart success and cementing their rise as icons just before Scott's untimely death.

Songwriting and Lyrics

Style and Contributions

Bon Scott's vocal style was characterized by a raspy, blues-influenced that retained traces of his Scottish accent, delivering lines with a raw, energetic grit that amplified AC/DC's high-voltage rock sound. His performances emphasized live and impish , soaring over heavy riffs in tracks like "," where his whiskey-soaked delivery captured the song's wild, humorous spirit. This approach drew from his earlier experiences, evolving into a roguish intensity that became a hallmark of the band's frontman presence. In songwriting, Scott co-credited over 40 songs with brothers Angus and across AC/DC's first seven albums, contributing lyrics that favored simple, repetitive structures to craft anthemic . His process often involved autobiographical tales of the band's struggles, as seen in co-writes like "T.N.T." and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," where straightforward choruses and boogie rhythms prioritized catchiness and live appeal. This collaborative dynamic, blending Scott's words with the Youngs' riffs, produced enduring hits such as "," emphasizing rhythmic repetition for crowd-chanting energy. Scott's lyrics frequently explored themes of humor, rebellion, and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, laced with double entendres that added cheeky to AC/DC's catalog. In "," he portrayed the touring grind as a defiant "," blending bravado with ironic self-awareness about excess. Similarly, "" humorously celebrated a larger-than-life encounter through exaggerated measurements and playful innuendo, reflecting tawdry adventures with a bawdy, relatable edge. These elements underscored a against convention, as in "Rock ‘n’ Roll Singer," where Scott rejected societal rules in favor of unpolished freedom. Scott significantly influenced AC/DC's sound by advocating for raw energy over studio polish, pushing arrangements that captured the band's livewire intensity. He contributed ideas for album titles and track sequencing, such as suggesting "" as a bold statement of their gritty ethos, helping shape the blueprint that defined their era. Elements from his pre-AC/DC career, including occasional drumming on demos and harmonica-like recorder playing from , informed his versatile role, though in AC/DC he focused primarily on vocals to drive the unrefined power. Scott's adaptability shone in his evolution from Fraternity's folk-prog leanings—marked by country influences and soaring vocals on hits like "Seasons of Change"—to AC/DC's aggression, where he traded intellectual arrangements for high-octane . This shift, post his 1973 stint with the Mount Lofty Rangers, highlighted his chameleon-like talent, integrating bluesy roots into a more streamlined, riff-driven format that propelled the band's global breakthrough.

Controversies

During the mid-1970s, AC/DC's lyrics under Bon Scott's influence drew significant accusations, particularly for their overt sexual innuendos. Songs like "Big Balls" from the 1976 album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap featured double entendres referencing testicles alongside innocuous references to formal dances and billiards, which conservative critics in labeled as vulgar and unfit for broadcast. Similarly, "The Jack," originally released as a single in 1975, used Australian for to describe a venereal disease in a humorous yet explicit , prompting complaints from moral watchdogs who viewed it as promoting . These tracks contributed to media scrutiny, with tabloids branding AC/DC as the "dirtiest band in town" amid a broader cultural over rock's provocative content. The controversies extended to radio play, resulting in bans and delayed airplay in . In , the Catholic Church-owned station severed ties with the band in 1977, citing their "obscene" performances and lyrics as incompatible with ; program director Garvin Rutherford publicly questioned whether were "strippers or musicians." Conservative groups, including religious organizations, lodged formal complaints, drawing parallels to the shock value of emerging punk acts like the , though 's style amplified the backlash in traditional media. The phone number "36-24-36" in the title track also sparked prank calls and a lawsuit from affected residents, further complicating promotions. Scott's onstage antics and the band's rowdy reputation fueled their "bad boy" image, often leading to public disputes. Incidents included physical altercations, such as a 1975 brawl with Deep Purple's crew at the Sunbury Festival over equipment sabotage, where Scott and defended their setup amid jeers from the headliners. These antics, combined with reports of band fights in pubs and venues, reinforced media portrayals of as disruptive hellraisers. Earlier drug-related arrests from Scott's time with The Valentines in 1969—where the band was fined for marijuana possession at a surf club gig—resurfaced in coverage, though they were not central to the band's operations but highlighted Scott's rebellious past. Scott responded unapologetically in interviews, defending the band's provocative nature as essential to rock 'n' roll. When questioned about explicit lyrics, such as in "Ain't No Fun (Waiting Round to Be a )," he quipped that it simply meant "it takes a long time to make enough money to be able to fuck ," dismissing critics as out of touch. He rejected comparisons to punk, in a stating that were about fun and energy, not rebellion for its own sake, and threatened to leave if harassment continued. Angus Young echoed this, stating in 1976 that "a couple more hassles for the authorities, and we will leave ." These stances solidified their defiant image but also prolonged promotional challenges for albums like Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, whose Australian release faced boycotts from some outlets.

Personal Life and Death

Personal Life

Scott maintained a close bond with his parents, and Isabelle, and his siblings after establishing his music career, regularly corresponding with them through letters and staying in touch despite his nomadic lifestyle. On 24 January 1972, in , Scott married Irene Thornton, a typist he had met during his time with ; the couple shared passions for music and motorcycles, often riding together and attending concerts. The marriage faced strains from Scott's increasing touring commitments, leading to an amicable divorce in March 1977, after which they remained on good terms and continued occasional contact. Following the separation from Thornton in 1974, Scott entered a long-term relationship with Margaret "Silver" Smith, a significant influence in his life; the pair lived together in both and , where Smith resided in a small in the late 1970s. Their relationship, marked by mutual affection amid the rock scene's turbulence, ended permanently in early 1978 after a mutually agreed break proved insurmountable. Scott's personal habits reflected the excesses of rock culture, including heavy drinking that began during his Valentines days in the late 1960s and persisted as a social ritual. An enthusiastic motorcyclist and car lover, he endured multiple accidents, notably a severe crash on May 3, 1974, in Adelaide that left him in a three-day coma with a broken collarbone and ribs, requiring 18 days of hospitalization. His interests extended to writing poetry and amassing personal memorabilia, such as photos and letters, while his residences evolved from Melbourne and Adelaide in the early 1970s to Sydney in 1974 and London by 1979. These lifestyle choices contributed to ongoing health challenges, including weight gain and breathing difficulties linked to his smoking and alcohol consumption.

Death

On the evening of 18 February 1980, following an rehearsal session in where Scott had been working on new material, he went out drinking with his friend Kinnear, a sound engineer and former . Scott consumed a large quantity of alcohol, passing out in Kinnear's car during the early hours of 19 ; unable to rouse him or move him inside, Kinnear covered him with a blanket and left him to sleep outside his home at 67 Overhill Road in , . Later that day, Kinnear discovered Scott unresponsive in the vehicle, with vomit blocking his airway due to his ; an was called, and Scott was rushed to in , where he was pronounced dead on arrival around 2:00 p.m. The coroner's report listed the cause of death as acute alcohol poisoning, specifically resulting from the aspiration of vomit into his lungs, with Scott's blood alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit in the UK at the time—and no traces of drugs found in his system. The at Coroner's Court returned a of , noting the accidental nature of the incident but leaving some uncertainty about the precise timeline of events; early speculation that contributed, given the cold weather, was dismissed, as meteorological records showed overnight temperatures above freezing and no such factor mentioned in the official findings. AC/DC members were devastated by Scott's sudden death, with guitarist Angus Young later describing it as "like losing a brother," leading the band to take a short hiatus amid their rising fame. On 20 February, the band issued a public statement confirming the news and expressing their grief, vowing to continue while honoring Scott's legacy. Within weeks, they began auditions and recruited Brian Johnson as the new lead singer, channeling their sorrow into the recording of the album Back in Black, released later that year as a tribute to Scott. Scott's body was repatriated to , and a private funeral service was held on 3 March 1980 at Fremantle Cemetery in , attended by family, bandmates, and thousands of mourning fans who gathered to pay respects to the local rock icon. His ashes were interred there, and the site has since become a pilgrimage point for admirers.

Legacy

Landmarks in Australia

One of the most prominent physical tributes to Bon Scott in is the life-sized bronze statue located at Fishing Boat Harbour in , unveiled on 28 October 2008. Created by local sculptor , the sculpture depicts Scott strutting on a Marshall amplifier, capturing his energetic stage presence, and was commissioned by former drummer Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup and musician Marcus Ahern to honor Scott's roots in Fremantle, where he grew up after immigrating from in 1952. The statue, originally placed near the harbor's entrance, was relocated in 2020 to a wooden stage platform as part of the Bon Scott Memorial Precinct revitalization, enhancing its visibility and serving as a focal point for fans visiting the site annually. Scott's final resting place at Fremantle Cemetery in , , features a memorial bench and plaque installed by his family, making it one of Australia's most visited gravesites and a key pilgrimage spot for enthusiasts. His ashes were interred there following his death on 19 February 1980, with the bench providing a reflective space amid the cemetery's grounds, underscoring his enduring connection to the area where he spent much of his youth. In , Lane—renamed from Commercial Lane in 2004 to honor the band's Australian origins—indirectly celebrates Scott through and installations, including a 2018 permanent sculpture by artist Mike Maka (Makatron) showing him bursting through a brick wall above the Cherry Bar. This laneway, a hub for rock memorabilia and murals, reflects Scott's role in 's early success during their Melbourne-based years in the 1970s. Fremantle hosts ongoing annual tribute events honoring Scott, such as the "High Voltage" festival in 2023, which closed streets for live performances inspired by his career, building on earlier gatherings like the 2011 "A Salute to Bon Scott" at the Fly by Night Club. These events, often tied to anniversaries of his death or birthday, feature local bands covering AC/DC classics and draw thousands to venues like the Esplanade Hotel, where Scott performed in his early days with the Valentines. Scott's legacy is preserved in the (NFSA) in , which holds artifacts including 1970s footage of him performing with on programs like , as well as audio from Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds featuring his band the Valentines. The archive's collection, which includes the 1975 single "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" inducted in 2012, highlights his contributions to Australian rock history through preserved broadcasts and recordings. In the City of Melville, which encompasses areas like and where Scott lived as a , council plans announced in July 2025 aim to establish a permanent , potentially naming a park or commissioning artwork to further recognize his local ties and the influence of sites like the on AC/DC's history. As of September 2025, the council is investigating costs and requirements for the tribute.

Landmarks in Scotland

In , Angus, where Bon Scott spent his early childhood after being born in nearby , several landmarks honor his Scottish roots and contributions to . A life-sized bronze statue of Scott, sculpted by , stands in the Bellies Brae car park and depicts the singer in a dynamic pose holding a , symbolizing his energetic stage presence as 's frontman. Unveiled on April 30, 2016, during the 10th annual Bonfest by former bassist Mark Evans, the statue was funded through a campaign led by the local community group DD8 Music, raising £45,000 from fans worldwide. The town also features Bon Scott Way, a street named in tribute to the musician near areas associated with his family's residence during his youth. Complementing this, a commemorative plaque was installed in Cumberland Close on May 6, 2006—exactly 60 years after Scott's birth—recognizing his birth in and formative years in before his family emigrated to in 1952. Commissioned by local enthusiasts including community councillor Dave Milne and Gordon Burke, the plaque highlights Scott's enduring connection to Angus as a source of inspiration for his music. Kirriemuir hosts the annual Bonfest music festival, established in 2006 by DD8 Music to celebrate Scott's legacy and Scottish rock heritage, drawing thousands of international visitors each year with tribute acts, rock performances, and memorabilia displays. The event, now in its 20th year in 2026, transforms the town into a rock hub over three days in early May, featuring parades, live music, and family-friendly activities that underscore Scott's influence on global music culture. The Gateway to the Glens Museum in Kirriemuir's historic Town House showcased a dedicated exhibition on Scott until its closure in October 2023, including photographs from his early life and artifacts. In 2023, further recognition came through the creation of two official tartans—the Bon Scott Heritage and Touring designs—commissioned by the Scottish Tartans Authority in collaboration with Scott's family and DD8 Music, symbolizing his cultural ties to Angus.

Posthumous Releases

Following Bon Scott's death in 1980, several compilation and live releases highlighted his contributions to , drawing from archival recordings made during his tenure with the band from 1974 to 1980. The EP '74 Jailbreak, issued by in October 1984, collected four non-album tracks recorded between 1975 and 1976, including the title song and "Fling Thing," showcasing Scott's raw vocal delivery on early material. This release served as an introduction to lesser-known Scott-era songs for international audiences, emphasizing the band's pre-Highway to Hell energy. A major posthumous tribute came with the five-disc box set Bonfire in November 1997, curated by AC/DC to honor Scott on the 17th anniversary of his passing. The collection included the rarities album Volts, compiling outtakes and B-sides like "Stick Around" and "Soul Stripper" from Scott's time; a remixed version of the 1977 studio audience recording Live from the Atlantic Studios in New York, featuring high-fidelity captures of performances such as "Live Wire" and "Problem Child"; and live shows from 1977 and 1979, including the full Let There Be Rock: The Movie soundtrack. Accompanied by a 48-page booklet with photos, lyrics, and memorabilia, Bonfire provided over three hours of material, underscoring Scott's charismatic stage presence and songwriting role. AC/DC's first live album, If You Want Blood You've Got It—recorded in 1977 and 1978 during Scott's final tours—has seen multiple reissues since 1980, preserving his era's explosive concerts. Notable editions include a 2003 remastered CD with enhanced audio clarity and a 2024 gold vinyl pressing as part of the band's 50th anniversary series, which highlighted tracks like "" and "The Jack" for renewed appreciation. The 1997 Live from the Atlantic Studios, a standalone from the set, offered a intimate, pre-tour promotional session with Scott's unpolished vocals shining on songs like "Riff Raff." Beyond , Scott's pre-1974 work with received expanded attention in the 2020s through archival reissues. The 2021 box set Seasons of Change: The Complete Recordings 1970-1974 by compiled 's two studio albums, singles, demos, and sessions featuring Scott's folk-rock vocals on tracks like "" and "Seasons of Change," alongside bonus material from his brief stint with the Mount Lofty Rangers, including country-inflected songs such as "Round and Round." This five-disc edition, remastered from original tapes, revealed Scott's versatility before joining . In 2024, marked the 50th anniversary of their first performance with Scott on , 1974, through posts and fan tributes highlighting archival footage and photos from his era. No major new full releases featuring Scott's vocals emerged in the up to November 2025, though deluxe editions of AC/DC's (2020) incorporated some archival elements from the band's history without direct Scott-era demos. Unreleased solo demos and tapes from Scott's solo efforts, including acoustic recordings and early compositions, have periodically surfaced at auctions—such as handwritten lyrics and rough mixes sold for significant sums—but remain unofficial and unissued by labels.

Accolades and Tributes

AC/DC was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, with Bon Scott's foundational contributions to the band's raw, blues-infused sound explicitly recognized in the ceremony. Inducted by of , the event highlighted Scott's "devious howl" as a key element of their early energy, alongside performances of classics from his era like "." During the acceptance speech, current vocalist paid tribute to Scott, emphasizing his irreplaceable role in the band's rise to global prominence. The band, including Scott's tenure, received further Australian recognition through induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988, honoring their pioneering impact on the nation's rock scene and commercial success with albums such as Highway to Hell, Scott's final studio release before his death. This accolade underscored the enduring influence of Scott's charismatic lyricism and stage presence on AC/DC's breakthrough. Scott's vocal prowess has been celebrated in critical rankings, with outlets like Mojo magazine placing him at No. 83 in their "100 Greatest Singers" list from 1998. Live tributes and covers continue to honor Scott's legacy, with bands like The Darkness incorporating his snarling, high-energy vocal style into tracks such as their 2003 hit "Love Is Only a Feeling," which echoes AC/DC's bluesy swagger. Annual fan-led events, including the Bon Scott Birthday Bash organized by his estate in New York City—now in its second year as of July 2025—feature performances of his era's songs by guest artists, drawing hundreds to celebrate his birthday on July 9. Posthumous honors extend to public commemorations, such as in , , dedicated in 2004 to the band with specific nods to Scott's foundational years. 's Grammy wins, including the 2010 award for Best Performance for "," build on the band's trajectory established during Scott's time, though live collections featuring his performances, like archival releases, have garnered critical acclaim for preserving his dynamic stage presence.

Literature

Several biographies have chronicled the life of Bon Scott, AC/DC's original lead singer, emphasizing his formative years, personal relationships, and enduring influence on . These works draw on interviews, archival material, and firsthand accounts to portray Scott as a charismatic yet troubled figure whose career trajectory from rock to international stardom was marked by relentless energy and excess. Clinton Walker's : The Life and Death of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott (2007) provides a detailed examination of Scott's early career, tracing his progression through bands such as , The Valentines, and before joining AC/DC in 1974. The book highlights Scott's development as a performer, including his shift from bubblegum pop to harder-edged , and incorporates rare photographs and exclusive interviews to contextualize his pre-AC/DC struggles and triumphs in the Australian music scene. From a familial viewpoint, Irene Thornton's My Bon Scott (2013) offers intimate insights into Scott's brief marriage to the author from 1972 to 1974, depicting him as a loving yet restless partner amid his rising fame with . Thornton recounts personal anecdotes of their life in , including Scott's personality and the strains of his touring lifestyle, providing a rare domestic perspective on the man behind the stage persona. Jesse Fink's Bon: Notes from the Highway (2024), a companion to his earlier biography, delves into investigative analysis of myths surrounding Scott's in 1980, incorporating unpublished interviews, letters, and details of his key relationships to challenge longstanding narratives. Released to mark the 50th anniversary of Scott joining , the book expands on his creative contributions and personal demons, solidifying its place as a critical resource for understanding the icon's legacy.

Film

The documentary On the Brink, aired on ABC's in May 2022, provides an in-depth look at Bon Scott's life and death through archival footage, family interviews, and insights from bandmates and friends, revealing his state of mind in the months leading up to his passing. Directed by Ben Cheshire and presented by , the episode features exclusive accounts from Scott's brother and others close to him, emphasizing his high-energy persona and the pressures of fame with . An encore screening occurred in March 2024, underscoring ongoing interest in his story. AC/DC's concert film Let There Be Rock, released in 1980 and directed by Eric Dionysius and Eric Mistler, captures one of Scott's final performances during the band's 1979 * in , showcasing his dynamic stage presence alongside tracks like "Live Wire" and "The Jack." The footage, filmed just months before his death, includes backstage interviews that highlight Scott's charismatic and irreverent personality. Complementing this, the 2007 DVD compilation Plug Me In, a three-disc set produced by , features over five hours of rare live clips from the Bon Scott era, including performances from 1975 onward such as "High Voltage" at the King of Pop Awards and "T.N.T." on Australian TV. These visuals preserve Scott's raw energy and the band's early raw sound. In March 2024, production companies Halo Films and Protocol Pictures announced The Kid from Harvest Road, a fictionalized focusing on Scott's formative years in 1950s and 1960s , , with Australian actor Lee Tiger Halley cast in the lead role. Producers clarified that the project, set to begin filming in early 2025, is not a traditional biopic but a dramatized exploration of his youth, drawing from his rebellious spirit without strictly adhering to biographical facts. As of November 2025, production remains in development with no confirmed release date. No full narrative feature on Scott's life has been released to date. Scott's vocals feature prominently in AC/DC tracks used in films, notably the 2010 Marvel superhero movie , directed by , where songs like "," "," and "" from the Scott era underscore action sequences and credits. The accompanying , released by , includes eight Bon Scott-sung tracks, amplifying his legacy in popular cinema.

Discography

With AC/DC

Bon Scott served as the lead vocalist on 's first five studio albums released during his tenure with the band from 1974 to 1980. These recordings, characterized by Scott's raw, energetic delivery and the Young brothers' driving guitar riffs, established the band's sound. The Australian market received unique releases, while international versions often compiled tracks from multiple local albums to introduce the band abroad. The debut Australian album, , was released on 17 February 1975 and featured eight tracks, including covers like "" and originals such as "." It peaked at No. 14 on the in . In contrast, the international edition of , released on 30 April 1976 via , served as a compilation drawing from the Australian and the upcoming T.N.T., with a revised tracklist including "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" and "T.N.T.," omitting some Australian-specific songs like "Soul Stripper." This version reached No. 146 on the US 200. AC/DC's second Australian studio album, T.N.T., arrived on 1 December 1975, exclusively for the local market initially, with tracks like the title song and "Ride On" showcasing Scott's blues-inflected vocals. It climbed to No. 2 on the . The band's third international effort, Let There Be Rock, released on 21 March 1977, marked a shift toward longer, more aggressive compositions, including the epic title track; it peaked at No. 154 on the . Powerage, issued on 5 May 1978, featured a punchier production with songs like reaching No. 133 in the . The final studio album with Scott, Highway to Hell, dropped on 27 July 1979 and became the band's breakthrough, hitting No. 17 on the with anthems like the title track.
AlbumRelease DateKey NotesPeak Chart Position
(Australian)17 February 1975Debut album; 8 tracksAustralia No. 14 ()
T.N.T. (Australian)1 December 1975Second album; regional exclusiveAustralia No. 2 ()
(International)30 April 1976Compilation of prior Australian tracksUS No. 146 ()
21 March 1977Fourth overall; extended rockersUS No. 154 ()
5 May 1978Fifth overall; refined soundUS No. 133 ()
27 July 1979Sixth overall; commercial peakUS No. 17 ()
The only live album released during Scott's lifetime, If You Want Blood You've Got It, captured performances from the band's 1977-1978 tours and was issued on 13 October 1978. Recorded across venues in and the , it highlighted Scott's commanding stage presence on tracks like "The Jack" and "Whole Lotta Rosie," peaking at No. 113 on the 200. No major compilations appeared during this period. Key singles from Scott's era included "High Voltage" (1975), which introduced the band's high-energy style but did not chart significantly internationally; "T.N.T." (1976), reaching No. 19 on the Australian ; "" (1977), a live staple that later hit No. 36 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980; and "" (1979), the era's biggest hit at No. 47 on the Hot 100. These releases, totaling five studio albums and one live album, underscore Scott's pivotal role in AC/DC's output through 1979, before his death in 1980.

With Fraternity

Bon Scott joined the Australian rock band in 1970 as lead vocalist, marking a transitional phase in his career toward a more experimental folk-rock sound before his time with . The band's debut album, Livestock, released in 1971 on Sweet Peach Records, featured Scott providing lead vocals on all tracks and co-writing several, including the title track and "Somerville." The album's six tracks, such as "Seasons of Change," "Raglan's Folly," and "Jupiter's Landscape," showcased a blend of and influences, reflecting Fraternity's evolving style during their relocation to . Supporting the album's promotion, released three singles in 1971: "," "Seasons of Change," and "Welfare Boogie," with Scott delivering the lead vocals on each; "Seasons of Change" achieved local success, reaching number one on Adelaide's charts. In 1972, the band issued the limited-release Sundown EP, which included Scott's vocals on covers like "The Shape I'm In" and original tracks such as "Anniversary Song," further exploring their folk-rock experimentation. By 1973, following a lineup change and Scott's temporary involvement with the related Mount Lofty Rangers collective, the band released their second album, Flaming Galah, on ; recorded in 1972 but issued under the Mount Lofty Rangers name, it featured Scott's lead vocals and co-writing credits on over ten tracks across the two albums combined, including re-recorded versions of "Welfare Boogie" and "Seasons of Change." The album emphasized a heavier folk-rock direction with progressive elements, as heard in tracks like "Annabelle" and "If You Got It." During Scott's lifetime, reissues of Fraternity's material were limited to minor Australian compilations in , which bundled select tracks from Livestock and early singles for local distribution. Overall, Scott's output with Fraternity encompassed two main studio albums and associated singles, highlighting his vocal range and songwriting in an experimental, less commercial context compared to his later work.

References

  1. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/scott-ronald-belford-bon-27533
  2. https://bonscottofficial.com/history/
  3. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bon-scott-death/
  4. https://screamermagazine.com/press-releases/the-bon-scott-estate-celebrates-iconic-singer-lyricists-78th-birthday-on-july-9th-2024-with-tribute-concert-new-merch-collabs-and-more/
  5. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-09/fresh-insight-into-death-of-acdcfront-man-bon-scott/100900888
  6. https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/s/bonscott.html
  7. https://www.jc.wa.edu.au/alumni/bon-scott/
  8. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pre-fame-jobs/
  9. https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-bon-scott-wrote-before-ac-dc-for-the-valentines/
  10. https://www.loudersound.com/features/bon-scott
  11. https://poparchives.com.au/the-valentines/my-old-mans-a-groovy-old-man/
  12. https://thevalentinesband.com.au/about
  13. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bon-scott-drug-bust/
  14. https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-of-bon-scott-before-acdc-prog-rock-crashed-motorbikes-and-a-violent-goat-named-archie
  15. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=24607
  16. https://www.samusichalloffame.org/groups/fraternity
  17. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=24608
  18. https://www.loudersound.com/features/country-rock-a-crash-and-a-coma-the-story-of-bon-scotts-life-as-a-mount-lofty-ranger
  19. https://loudwire.com/bon-scott-1976-interview-surfaces-2021/
  20. https://www.acdc.com/september-1974-bon-scott-jams-with-ac-dc/
  21. https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-evans-says-bon-scott-was-washed-up-when-he-joined-ac-dc-but-did-a-great-job-fronting-band
  22. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-essential-music-of-ac-dc-the-bon-scott-years-mw0001142463
  23. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/highway-hell-story-behind-acdcs-breakthrough-final-album-bon-scott/
  24. https://rockcellarmagazine.com/behind-the-curtain-acdc-bon-scott-angus-young-day-on-the-green-1978/
  25. https://www.loudersound.com/news/original-acdc-singer-dave-evans-has-no-regrets
  26. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-us-tours/
  27. https://www.billboard.com/pro/acdcs-top-10-albums-back-in-black-highway-to-hell-more/
  28. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/ac-dc-25-essential-songs-121305/
  29. https://www.loudersound.com/features/bon-scott-acdc-songs-ranked
  30. https://americansongwriter.com/4-ac-dc-classics-written-by-bon-scott/
  31. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bon-scott-ac-dc-lyrics/
  32. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/ac-dc/big-balls
  33. https://metalinjection.net/editorials/back-in-the-day/when-ac-dc-threatened-to-leave-australia-after-being-branded-as-obscene-and-disgusting
  34. https://www.loudersound.com/features/ac-dc-australia-s-electric-warriors
  35. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/02/songs-that-hate-women-and-the-women-who-love-them-why-im-still-a-fan-of-acdc
  36. https://www.loudersound.com/features/acdc-deep-purple-fight
  37. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/when-bon-scott-shot-down-sex-pistols/
  38. https://www.loudersound.com/features/teamrock-exclusive-irene-thornton-on-her-one-time-husband-bon-scott
  39. https://adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sa-weekend/my-marriage-to-acdc-frontman-bon-scott-and-why-we-split-by-irene-thornton/news-story/c0bab9ac2132231ebfb4cd07495fe161
  40. https://www.loudersound.com/features/silver-smith-the-great-muse-of-bon-scott
  41. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2761862/EXCLUSIVE-Former-wife-AC-DC-man-Bon-Scott-says-drunken-motorbike-crash-changed-voice-superstar.html
  42. https://slwa.wa.gov.au/stories/bon-scotts-letters-postcards-and-photos
  43. https://www.loudersound.com/features/bon-scott-death
  44. https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-last-highway-the-untold-story-of-bon-scotts-death
  45. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/western-australia/perth/fremantle/attractions/bon-scott-statue/a/poi-sig/1161774/1342734
  46. https://www.gregjamessculpture.com/public-art/bon-scott
  47. https://www.udla.com.au/projects/bon-scott-memorial-fremantle
  48. https://www.fremantlefishingboatharbour.com/attraction/bon-scott-statue/
  49. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bon-scott-grave-australia
  50. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-06/acdc-legend-bon-scott-honoured-in-melbourne-artwork/9519300
  51. https://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/bon-scott-tribute-wall
  52. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-07/high-voltage-bon-scott-tribute-event-fremantle/102314368
  53. https://www.acdcfans.net/forum/threads/a-salute-to-bon-scott-ac-dc-tribute-gig-fremantle-19-february-2011.2941/
  54. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/asset/94446-jeff-st-john-and-bon-scott
  55. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/tags/bon-scott
  56. https://www.melvillecity.com.au/our-city/news/latest-news/2025/july/city-of-melville-goes-rock-and-roll-with-ac-dc-ico
  57. https://themusic.com.au/features/wunderstruck-three-cities-get-ready-for-acdc-return/GoygDA8OMTA/09-09-25
  58. https://visitangus.com/things-to-see-do/attractions/bon-scott-statue/
  59. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/11/acdc-fans-raise-45000-bon-scott-statue-hometown
  60. https://www.moshville.co.uk/news/2016/05/bon-scott-statue-finally-unveiled-in-kirriemuir/
  61. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g551908-d10002784-Reviews-Bon_Scott_Statue-Kirriemuir_Angus_Scotland.html
  62. https://blabbermouth.net/news/ac-dc-photo-of-bon-scott-memorial-plaque-posted-online
  63. https://www.bonfest.com/
  64. https://www.efestivals.co.uk/news/25/bonfest-2025-review.shtml
  65. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23493222.bonfest-ac-dc-tribute-turns-kirriemuir-rock-heaven/
  66. https://www.artfund.org/explore/museums-and-galleries/kirriemuir-gateway-to-the-glens-museum
  67. https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2023/12/rockers-new-tartans-revealed/
  68. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/acdc-release-bonfire-box-set/
  69. https://www.discogs.com/master/50048-ACDC-Bonfire
  70. https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=6
  71. https://www.discogs.com/master/8562-ACDC-If-You-Want-Blood-Youve-Got-It
  72. https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=7
  73. https://consequence.net/2021/01/bon-scott-fraternity-box-set/
  74. https://www.loudersound.com/news/late-acdc-singers-prog-rock-past-unveiled-in-new-box-set
  75. https://www.antimusic.com/news/25/0101acdc_marked_50th_anniversary_of_first_performance_with_bon_scott_2024_in_review.shtml
  76. https://www.ac-dc.net/discography1/acdc_discography.php?discography_id=28
  77. https://blabbermouth.net/news/previously-unheard-music-from-late-ac-dc-singer-bon-scott-officially-released-after-50-years
  78. https://rockhall.com/inductees/acdc/
  79. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu9r3CFxfHs
  80. https://www.aria.com.au/hall-of-fame
  81. https://www.scribd.com/document/616205584/Mojo-100-Greatest-Singers-of-All-Time-1998-10
  82. https://www.acdcfans.net/forum/threads/official-bon-scott-birthday-bash-2025.19198/
  83. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/acdc_lane_name_tribute.html
  84. https://www.versechorus.com/highway-to-hell
  85. https://www.amazon.com/Bon-Notes-Highway-Jesse-Fink-ebook/dp/B0CX6PCNLN
  86. https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2024/03/25/on-the-brink-bon-scott-encore-screening-tonight-on-australian-story/
  87. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080321/
  88. https://www.amazon.com/AC-DC-Let-There-Rock/dp/B004NJC0B6
  89. https://www.discogs.com/release/2224589-ACDC-Plug-Me-In
  90. https://www.loudersound.com/news/bon-scott-biopic-in-the-works
  91. https://blabbermouth.net/news/bon-scott-film-wont-be-a-biopic-producers-clarify
  92. https://www.reddit.com/r/ACDC/comments/1mjmdxi/what_happened_to_the_bon_scott_biopic_the_kid/
  93. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228705/soundtrack/
  94. https://music.apple.com/us/album/iron-man-2/575998519
  95. https://www.acdc.com/music/
  96. https://www.acdc.com/music/high-voltage-1975/
  97. https://www.acdc.com/music/t-n-t/
  98. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/acdc-whole-lotta-rosie/
  99. https://theseconddisc.com/2021/03/10/second-chance-cherry-red-lemon-collect-bon-scotts-fraternity-on-seasons-of-change-the-complete-recordings-1970-1974/
  100. https://www.discogs.com/artist/612440-Fraternity
  101. https://www.discogs.com/release/2481249-Bon-Scott-With-Fraternity-Livestock
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.