On this day, February 19, 1980, rock and roll lost one of its most legendary voices as AC/DC’s lead singer Bon Scott passed away in London at the age of 33 due to alcohol poisoning. His death marked the end of an era for the band, as Scott’s raw energy, charismatic stage presence, and unmistakable vocals had helped define AC/DC’s signature sound.
Scott had been the frontman of AC/DC since 1974, leading the band through a string of hard hitting albums, including High Voltage, Let There Be Rock, and Highway to Hell. His powerful voice and rebellious attitude made him one of rock’s most iconic frontmen, and Highway to Hell had just propelled the band to international stardom months before his passing.
Following Scott’s tragic death, AC/DC considered disbanding but ultimately decided to continue, recruiting Brian Johnson as their new lead singer. Just months later, they released Back in Black, a tribute to Scott that became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
80s insight: Bon Scott’s final studio album with AC/DC, Highway to Hell, became the band’s breakthrough album in the U.S., but he never got to see the full impact of its success.
Scott had been the frontman of AC/DC since 1974, leading the band through a string of hard hitting albums, including High Voltage, Let There Be Rock, and Highway to Hell. His powerful voice and rebellious attitude made him one of rock’s most iconic frontmen, and Highway to Hell had just propelled the band to international stardom months before his passing.
Following Scott’s tragic death, AC/DC considered disbanding but ultimately decided to continue, recruiting Brian Johnson as their new lead singer. Just months later, they released Back in Black, a tribute to Scott that became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
80s insight: Bon Scott’s final studio album with AC/DC, Highway to Hell, became the band’s breakthrough album in the U.S., but he never got to see the full impact of its success.
