Few bands have better linked generations than them. And few, if any, were able to follow the Rolling Stones in concert, and come out the other side as the favourite (Sarstock, Toronto)
For many of us, the affinity that's grown for ACDC, extends beyond Angus Young, to the legendary and lovable singer Bon Scott.
When I sat down some years ago with Angus, upon the release of the Boxed Set 'Bonfire', talking about his comrade literally moved Angus to tears, something his wife said had never before happened. The boys had been through a lot together on their rise to rock and roll world domination.
Like his eventual brothers, the Young boys Angus and Malcolm, as a kid originally from Scotland, Ronald Beford Scott also emigrated with his family to Australia in the 50's.
As he'd come from Bonnie Scotland he was dubbed "Bon".
Like some of us, Bon had a lot of false starts including an attempt to join the army but was rejected for being regarded "socially maladjusted." What better credentials for a rock and roll band?! But wait, not yet.
After working as a postman, bartender and truck packer, Bon Scott started his first band, The Spektors, as their drummer and sometimes singer.
Eventually the Spektors would merge with The Winstons, and formed The Valentines, in which Bon became the co-lead singer.
Is this pedigree starting to sound like the history of Spinal Tap or what?
Then Bon joined the band Fraternity who toured the U.K. in 1971, where they changed their name to "Fang". During this time they would open for bands including one called Geordie, that featured as front man, Brian Johnson. (talk about foreshadowing!)
In 1973, Bon began singing in a band named "Mount Lofty Rangers". Then he got into a motorcycle accident and left them.
In 1974 Bon Scott was working as a driver and go-fer when he met the boys in AC/DC, who were then fronted by a singer named Dave Evans. He was more 'glam' than the band really wanted. Meanwhile Bon, who had become ACDC's driver, said he wanted to become their drummer, but the band kept telling him they didn't need a drummer, they needed a singer.
And so it was. Bon Scott sang with ACDC until 1980, helping make them a household name worldwide. In fact it will be 30 years this February 19th, since Bon's been gone and replaced by his old friend Brian Johnson. He was just 33 when he passed, a victim of death by misadventure. (yes, he was a booze hound).
Fittingly, I'm going to call Legends weekly Episode #301, Bonfire - A Tribute to Bon Scott of ACDC, featuring several live and previously unavailable songs. Do you have a favourite Bon Scott era ACDC tune? And what is it about the Bon-scott era of ACDC that you like best? The show will air the weekend of February 20th.
Meanwhile, these, the 2nd is a visual tribute to Bon Scott, and the first is Bon talking about touring (North) America with Kiss and a new band called 'Rush'. Enjoy,
Jeff.