Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready are among the rockers marking what would have been AC/DC frontman Bon Scott’s 80th birthday. Scott, who died in 1980 at 33, would have turned 80 on Thursday. His official YouTube page has posted birthday messages from several artists. Elliott recalled touring with AC/DC on the 1979 Highway to Hell tour and said he learned a lot from Scott, calling him a phenomenal and underrated frontman. Halford called Scott a free spirit whose voice carried mischief, grit, humor and honesty, and said his authenticity still connects with fans. McCready played AC/DC riffs, including “Highway to Hell,” and shared that he spray‑painted the Let There Be Rock cover onto the back of his jacket as a kid. Other artists paying tribute include Justin Hawkins of The Darkness and Judas Priest’s Ian Hill. The Bon Scott estate began celebrations earlier this year and the third annual Bon’s Birthday Bash takes place Thursday in New York. More details are available at BonScottOfficial.com.
