Aussie Bloggers

When hard rock legends AC/DC bring their 43-semi-trailer extravaganza across Australia in March 2010, it’s been estimated that 2.3% or one in 40 Australians will see them play. In some cities, tickets sold out in minutes and extra shows were added – only to have them sell out also.

Two shows sold out in record time in Perth, perhaps because of my city’s special tie to former AC/DC lead singer, Bon Scott. Bon moved to Perth from England as a young child and lived much of his life here. After his untimely death in 1980, he was buried in Fremantle Cemetery. His grave site is now a must-visit location for thousands of AC/DC fans each year.

In 2007, a group calling themselves Aussie Rock Concerts put on a benefit concert to raise money to commission a statue of the singer. The Angels Band, Rose Tattoo, The Party Boys (comprised of many highly regarded Australian musicians including former members of AC/DC and Status Quo), The Screaming Jets, Dave Warner and others entertained a crowd numbering in the thousands at Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds on February 25, 2007. The Bon Scott Celebration Concert raised more than enough money for the statue, with the excess going to Support Act Ltd, a charity supporting musicians in need.

The statue was unveiled at another concert at Claremont Showgrounds a year later, in February 2008. The statue was later moved to its permanent home in Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour.

In 2008, an exhibition of Bon Scott’s letters, photographs and paintings inspired by the man were presented at Fremantle Arts Centre for the Bon Scott Project.

Sadly I’m too young to have ever seen Bon Scott perform, but here’s my favourite video:

Did you ever get to see him live? What’s your favourite Bon Scott story?