"Bon was the kind of person that every guy in rock'n'roll loves." A "robust event and merchandising plan" has been unveiled to celebrate Bon Scott's 80th birthday

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By ( Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, Louder ) published

Bon Scott would have turned 80 in July

Bon Scott drinking a glass of wine
(Image credit: Fin Costello/Redferns)

The estate of late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott have announced a "robust event and merchandising plan" to celebrate what would have been his 80th birthday on July 9. The announcement comes on the anniversary of his death in 1980.

The products will include a collaboration with German studio specialist Neumann, limited edition silver and gold bars bearing Bon’s name and likeness from the Perth Mint, an artwork from enowned artist and Mental As Anything frontman Reg Mombassa, and a new Bon Scott figurine from Knucklebonz.

The Knucklebonz figurine will be based on images from AC/DC's Powerage tour in 1978, following previous editions that celebrated 1979's Highway To Hell edition and the 1976 It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll).

Elsewhere, the Dixxon Flannel Co will produce a limited-edition Bon Scott shirt in 'Heritage' tartan, Copa Football Jerseys will launch a 'Bon 80' football shirt, and a range of Bon 80 merch will be available from the Bon Scott online store.

In addition, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is providing Bon Scott video content to his official YouTube channel, which will also host a series of interviews with fans including Rick Springfield, Bruce Howe (from Bon's pre-AC/DC band Fraternity), Sammy Hagar and Anthrax's Scott Ian.

"I was a Bon Scott fan," says Hagar. "I mean, when I first heard his voice, I said, as a singer this guy's cool. I like the way he sings, he's giving it all. He was always on the edge of his voice cracking. Just one more step and he would lose it. You know? It's like a car driver on the edge in a race and just, almost lose it at every turn. And that's how you win a race.

"So, I really liked that about him. Finally, in 76 or 77, shortly after the Montrose thing, I was on a show with AC/DC, a little 2000-seat theatre or something, and I was opening and I was really excited about that. He was really animated. And, I watched the whole show. I just loved him. I loved his demeanor. Bon was the kind of person that every guy in rock and roll loves. He's just the coolest guy."

Bonfest, the International Bon Scott Rock Festival will take place in Kirriemuir, Scotland on May 1-3, 2026.

Fraser Lewry
Fraser Lewry
Online Editor, Classic Rock

Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 40 years in music industry, online for 27. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.

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