AC/DC fans will rock on during lockdown in a virtual celebration of the band’s legendary frontman Bon Scott.
For more than 15 years, the Kirriemuir baker’s son has been honoured with a gathering of fans from around the globe.
Scott was the band’s vocalist and lyricist from 1974 until his death in 1980 at the age of just 33.
A bronze statue of Scott was unveiled in the centre of Kirrie for the 10th anniversary Bonfest in 2016 but there will be no international influx this year after the pandemic forced organisers DD8 Music to pull the plug on the three-day May event.
Undaunted, the Bonfest team is lining up an online AC/DC extravaganza for a worldwide audience.
“Things have been very challenging following the cancellation of this year’s event,” said Bonfest chairman John Crawford.
“However, we are planning a six-hour virtual Bonfest on May 2.
“The format for this will be a best of Bonfest through the years and that will be around two hours of past pub and support bands, followed by four hours of special guest and AC/DC main tribute bands.
“In addition, I have asked fans for video clips of themselves sending a message that we will cut into the virtual Bonfest stream.”
John said the AC/DC fan base from across the globe has risen to the task, with dozens of video messages of support flooding in from around the world, including nations as distant as Chile and Australia.
Online visitors will also enjoy messages from AC/DC drummer Chris Slade and Bon’s former girlfriend, Mary Renshaw, the soulmate he met when she was just 18 and Scott was performing as lead singer with The Valentines in Australia at the start of his journey to rock fame.
Both have previously visited Kirrie for previous Bonfest events.
“I am also waiting for some from other special guests,” added John.
Patches produced for 2020 which will now be collectors’ items for the Bonfest which didn’t happen have also been mailed to fans as far afield as Australia and Chile.
We ordered 500 and there’s around 100 left which I am sure will sell out fairly soon,” said John.
