Born: 9 July 1946 · Died: 19 February 1980 · Age at death: 33
How old was Bon Scott when he died?
Bon Scott died aged 33. He was born on 9 July 1946 and died on 19 February 1980.
Quick facts
Date of birth9 July 1946
Date of death19 February 1980
Age at death33
NationalityAustralian
BirthplaceForfar, United Kingdom
Editor's Take:
Scott joined AC/DC as an experienced performer, nine years older than Angus Young and already a veteran of several bands. That experience gave the group a lyricist with a clever, sardonic touch. Their popularity grew first in Australia and then abroad, and Highway to Hell, made with producer Mutt Lange, became their breakthrough. His death only months later might have ended the band. Instead, they hired Brian Johnson and released Back in Black as a tribute. Arguments about his uncredited lyrics continue, yet a 2004 Classic Rock poll still ranked him first among frontmen.
Key Milestones
1964: Formed his first band, the Spektors, as drummer and occasional lead singer.
1974: Took over from Dave Evans as AC/DC's lead singer.
1975: Featured on High Voltage, the band's first album, released in Australia.
1979: Highway to Hell, produced by Mutt Lange, reached the US top 20.
1980: Died in London at the age of 33.
Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott (9 July 1946 – 19 February 1980) was an Australian singer who was the second lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980. In the July 2004 issue of Classic Rock, Scott was ranked number one in a list of the "100 Greatest Frontmen of All Time".
Scott became the second lead vocalist of AC/DC in 1974, taking over from Dave Evans.
His family left Scotland for Australia in 1952, and he grew up in Melbourne, Fremantle and later Adelaide.
He began as a drummer with the Spektors, then sang with the Valentines and Fraternity before joining AC/DC.
Career highlights
1964Formed the Spektors: First band, as drummer and occasional singer
1970Joined Fraternity: Moved to Adelaide as lead vocalist
1974Became AC/DC singer: Replaced Dave Evans in October
1979Highway to Hell: Band's commercial breakthrough, reaching US top 20
1980Died in London: Coroner recorded death by misadventure
Did you know?He got the name Bon at primary school, where classmates turned "Bonnie Scotland" into a nickname because another boy was also called Ronald.
