7 AC/DC Songs Only Bon Scott Can Sing
Bon Scott‘s story with AC/DC was short compared to the band’s massive success. Scott was only in the band for six years, from 1974 until he died in 1980, but he…
FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 26: An Australian Army band perform next to the statue of Bon Scott at Fishing Boat Harbour on January 26, 2017 in Fremantle, Australia. Fremantle Council will hold an alternative celebration on Saturday 28 January, following growing pressure around the country to change the date of Australia Day to one more sensitive to Indigenous Australians. Local Fremantle businesses raised the money to hold the traditional Australia Day fireworks on the 26th despite the Council’s decision. Australia Day, formerly known as Foundation Day, is the official national day of Australia and is celebrated annually on January 26 to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet to Sydney in 1788. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Bon Scott's story with AC/DC was short compared to the band's massive success. Scott was only in the band for six years, from 1974 until he died in 1980, but he left behind a legacy that was hard for anyone to replace.
History of Former AC/DC Frontman Bon Scott
Paul Kane/Getty ImagesThe Statue of Bon Scott is seen on the 30th anniversary of AC/DC's former frontman's death at Fremantle.
Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott was born in Scotland on July 9, 1946. At six, his family moved to Melbourne, Australia, before settling in Fremantle, Western Australia. Scott was in a few bands until he joined AC/DC in 1974. It wasn't an instant connection; Scott was almost ten years older than Angus and Malcolm. They thought he was "too old to rock," but Scott won them over after a night of partying and jamming.
Scott was an exceptional rock singer who showcased his talent on AC/DC's first five albums. His unmistakable voice, with occasional squeaks, was a true gift to the rock world. His unique vocal ability consistently placed him among the best rock singers ever.
AC/DC After Bon Scott
When Scott died, he left some massive vocal shoes to fill. Luckily, Brian Johnson, a singer in a local glam band called "Geordie," was up for the challenge. The band's first song on their next album, "Back in Black," was "Hells Bells," a tribute to Scott. The band still opens every show with it in honor of the former singer. I am not knocking Johnson; that man is a treasure that should be protected at all costs.
Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesBrian Johnson of AC/DC performs on stage during a media call ahead of their 'Rock or Bust' world tour at ANZ Stadium on November 3, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.
Johnson is Dave Grohl before Dave Grohl. He is a genuinely great guy, and nobody has anything bad to say, but some songs can only be sung by one and only Bon Scott.
So here is a list of seven AC/DC songs I believe only Bon Scott can sing.
If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
Off 1979's Highway To Hell. Clearly some fine vocal delivery from Bon Scott.
Night Prowler
From 1979's Highway to Hell
Sin City
Off 1978's Powerage
Big Balls
Off 1976's Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Whole Lotta Rosie
Based on a true story! Off 1977's Let There Be Rock
It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want To Rock and Roll)
From 1976's High Voltage. This track features Bon Scott on bagpipes
Highway To Hell
From 1979's Highway to Hell
Some AC/DC songs can only be sung properly by Bon Scott. We all know AC/DC has persevered through many situations that would end any other ordinary band. Bon Scott passed away in 1980, leaving behind a legacy. I had difficulty composing only seven songs that only Bon Scott could sing.
Coincidentally, it looks like Bon Scott will be getting the biopic treatment. The movie 'The Kid From Harvest Road' will focus on Bon's life after he moved to Fremantle, Western Australia, at age 10 in 1956. Fremantle-born actor Lee Tiger Halley will fill Bon's notorious shoes. I wonder if he will be singing Bon's iconic songs. Or will he use a track?
The story of Bon Scott and AC/DC was short and explosive. Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott was born in Scotland on July 9th, 1946. At six, he moved to Australia with his family in 1952, living in Melbourne for four years before settling in Fremantle, Western Australia. Bon worked odd jobs, married, and lived a normal yet boring life.
In 1974, his life changed forever when he was introduced to a small band called AC/DC, who happened to be looking for a new lead singer. It wasn't an instant connection. Bon was nine years older than the Young brothers Angus and Malcolm. They even told the hopeful lead singer he was "too old to rock." Bon won them over after a night of partying and jamming. AC/DC had their new lead singer.
Bon was with the band from 1974 until 1979. He sang on AC/DC's first five albums. His voice is unmistakable—I explain it as if it has a squeak here and there. Bon's voice has consistently been voted one of the best in rock, and it's easy to hear why.
The world was introduced to the unique vocal stylings of Bon Scott in 1974 when "TNT" was released. The first track was "It's a Long Way to the Top(If You Want to Rock and Roll)'. That song pretty much became Bon's anthem in his short life. When Bon Scott died in 1980, he left some incredibly massive vocal shoes to fill. Luckily, Brian Johnson, a singer in a local glam band called "Geordie," was up for the challenge. The first song on the subsequent AC/DC album "Back in Black" with Brian on vocals was "Hells Bells." This is a tribute to his late predecessor, and the band still opens every show with it in honor of the irrepressible Bon Scott.
While Bon may be gone, his rock and roll voice will never be silenced. Brian Johnson does a great job honoring the man who sang before him, but some songs can only be sung by Bon Scott. I am not knocking Brian Johnson. That man is a treasure who should be protected at all costs. He has never once said he was taking anyone's place. So please do not take this as a post where I'm bashing Brian. I would never. He's like Dave Grohl before Dave Grohl. A genuinely great guy that nobody has anything bad to say about. To recap, I humbly believe these 7 AC/DC songs can only be sung by Bon Scott.
