Bon Scott Death: How Did AC/DC Original Frontman Bon Scott Die?

ACDC performs Back In Black in River Plate

Bon Scott had the voice many people know and recognise from AC/DC’s iconic tunes. He was the voice behind Highway to Hell and Night Prowler. Sadly, his time with the band was cut short, and the band were forced to find another frontman to take over.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

• Avengers film order: Iron Man to Endgame - movie series chronology
• Brian May's tribute leaves Wellerman star 'Shocked and speechless

How did AC/DC original frontman Bon Scott die?

Ahead of Bon’s death, AC/DC had already been through a number of major line-up changes, with new bass players and drummers coming and going.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The main members remained the Young brothers - Malcolm and Angus - who remained with the band until Malcolm’s illness forced him to leave.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

But the biggest blow in their early days was when Bon died, which surprised many fans.

READ MORE:  Frank Sinatra nickname: How did Frank gain his famous nickname?

AC/DC - what happened to Bon Scott? (Image: Getty)

AC/DC with Bon Scott in the line-up (Image: Getty)

• AC/DC name: How did AC/DC get its band name? 'ELECTRIC'

On February 15, 1980, Bon had been recording with Malcolm and Angus, as the group had been working on some songs which would later appear on the Back in Black album.

Bon was playing the drums, but together, the threesome had worked on many songs and were the main writers of their previous album, Highway to Hell.

On the evening of February 18, he had visited a London club, now known as KOKO, and was believed to have been left to sleep in a car by a friend of his.

Then, on February 19, 1980, Bon was found dead in the car but was taken to hospital in London where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Bon Scott on stage (Image: Getty)

Over the years, many have shared their thoughts on the events which took place before Bon’s death, however, no one version has been conclusively proven.

While a number of different hypotheses have been shared, the official cause of death was but the official cause was listed on the death certificate as acute alcohol poisoning and death by misadventure.

His funeral took place in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he had moved with his family.

The band was left with a difficult decision to make as to whether they carry on, or end their time together.

DON'T MISSMichael Jackson children: How old is MJ's oldest son Prince now? [EXPLAINER]Freddie Mercury Bohemian Rhapsody: How was Bohemian Rhapsody written? [INSIGHT]Genesis members: Who has been in Genesis? From Collins to Hackett [ANALYSIS]

Brian Johnson as the frontman of AC/DC (Image: Getty)

• AC/DC albums: How many albums has the band done? When is Power Up out?

They chose to carry on, and in April 1980 the band hired Brian Johnson to be Bon’s replacement.

Speaking on VH1’s Behind the Music, Angus said of the album that followed, Back in Black: “We wanted just a simple black cover. We wouldn't have even done him justice in words.

“Even the bell in the beginning of Hell's Bells was our little tribute."

While some fans believed Bon to have performed vocals on Back in Black, he only recorded two drum tracks in the days before his death.

Love Glastonbury? From tickets to headliners, sign up for latest updates from Worthy Farm Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

These were for Let Me Put My Love Into You and Have a Drink on Me, however, they were dubbed over by Phil Rudd on the album itself.

After his death, some people suggested Bon had actually written the first single off the album, You Shook Me All Night Long, however, there has not been any proof of these claims.

On the album itself, all tracks are said to have been written by Brian along with the Young brothers.

Brian remained the frontman of the band until 2016 when he retired due to issues with his hearing which meant he could not perform.

However, after a stint with Axl Rose as the frontman, Brian returned to the group and was believed to be recording with them in 2020.

How to AC/DC Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments Most Read Most Commented Latest videos 'Chaotically violent' prison drama stars unrecognisable People We Meet on Vacation actor HMRC hits households with new £3,000 tax alert Keir Starmer issues furious response to Donald Trump criticism as Iran row erupts WW3 fears explode as Putin crony issues chilling '249 years old' warning to Trump Marshals full cast from Yellowstone favourites to horror icon Paul McCartney named his favourite song – and it isn’t one of The Beatles best known hits Elvis 1977 final shows ‘horrifying to watch’ confessed ex Linda Thompson Metallica fans warned over final 1% of tour tickets for special shows Elvis Presley’s wild Las Vegas years: From hair dye on walls to moment it all went wrong Paul McCartney’s Beatles bombshell in secretly recorded private chat with John Lennon Young people's enthusiasm for live music contrasts with declining school music education The Beatles: Paul McCartney and John Lennon estate celebrate George Harrison birthday Spiritbox tickets for first arena tour out now with presale access Morrissey’s love of Elvis: Watch his You’ll Be Gone live Graceland performance AC/DC’s 10 best songs ever — Back in Black is not number 1 My dad was Johnny Cash – this is the relatable reason he was jealous of Elvis Brian May and Roger Taylor make huge Queen announcement over 50 years in making Katherine Jenkins anniversary tour tickets are out now OK Collector's Edition - Celebrating Taylor Swift's Twenty Years in Music Harry Styles fans can buy cheapest tickets from just £59 - but there is a catch Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's is built to last Papa Roach tickets for arena tour and where to look if you missed out Alexisonfire teams up with Billy Talent for double-headline tour Zayn UK arena tour 2026 dates and where to buy tickets with presale Inside Elvis Presley’s laundry room that’s not on the Graceland tour Andrea Bocelli sings Nessun dorma in incredible Winter Olympics opening ceremony footage Wolf Alice tickets for homecoming show and where to buy them now

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks