AC/DC played their last show with vocalist Bon Scott on January 27, 1980, at the Gaumont Club in Southampton, England. Just weeks later, on February 18, 1980, Scott tragically passed away from acute alcohol poisoning in London. This concert was the final stop on the band’s tour for their album, Highway to Hell. That night, they performed 14 songs, including fan favorites like “Live Wire.” Bon Scott was the voice behind the band’s first six albums, including Let There Be Rock, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and Highway to Hell. He joined AC/DC before they recorded their first album, High Voltage, although he wasn’t the original singer.
The loss of Scott was devastating for the band. Angus Young shared, “For us, it was like losing a member of your family. It’s very, very difficult to go through something like that.” Scott was not just a friend; he was a key part of their music and success.
Despite their grief, Scott’s family encouraged the band to keep going. They found Brian Johnson to step in as the new lead singer. Johnson faced a lot of pressure to honor Scott’s legacy. The title track from their 1980 album, Back in Black, was written as a tribute to Bon Scott.
AC/DC moved forward, and with Johnson, they created some of their most iconic music. The band’s ability to adapt and continue after such a loss is a testament to their strength and passion for rock and roll. Fans remember Bon Scott not just for his incredible voice but also for the impact he had on the band and music as a whole.
