Organisers of Kirriemuir’s BonFest are hoping for a ticket stampede with the release of the latest briefs for the three-night 2017 event.
The annual celebration of AC/DC front man Bon Scott is now entering its second decade after a 10th anniversary event which last year saw the unveiling of a bronze statue of the rock legend after a successful £50,000 fan-funded campaign.
Bonfest and organisers DD8 Music are now regular contenders in tourism and event awards competitions and say they have already had an incredible response to the April 28 to 30 festival, which will bring the appearance of AC/DC royalty in the shape of the band’s ex-drummer, Phil Rudd.
Events take place throughout Kirrie over BonFest weekend but last year also saw the main gigs move from the town hall to a big top marquee at a new dedicated festival site on the south edge of the town, in a move declared a huge hit by visitors from across the globe.
A BonFest spokesman said: “Individual day tickets will be available to purchase from Wednesday.
“The town secured its position as one of the country’s top rock heritage destinations last year with the unveiling of the life-sized bronze statue of Bon, and this year’s line-up features possibly the biggest headliner the festival has ever seen.
“Phil Rudd has been described by Malcolm Young, co-founder of AC/DC, as ‘the real deal’. Phil played in several Melbourne bands such as Buster Brown and The Coloured Balls before joining up with the rock giants in 1975.
“His drumming is as much a part of the band’s irresistible sound as the Young brothers’ guitars and Rudd has appeared on all but three of AC/DC’s 18 studio albums, which have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide,” added the festival spokesman.
Car-mad Rudd famously went straight to the dealership to buy his first Ferrari when the band’s Highway to Hell album went platinum worldwide
He will join Stinger and the Snappin’ Turtles on the main stage on Friday April 30, Live/Wire, Screaming Eagles and Solar Sons on the Saturday, and AC/DC UK, Hayseed Dixie and Dave Arcari on Sunday.
The spokesperson added “We have an incredible line-up this year that has perhaps the widest range of performers we’ve ever seen – from the one-man blues of Dave Arcari to the crazy rockgrass of Hayseed Dixie.
“The one thing that connects them all though is that they rock. And we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Phil Rudd to Bonfest.
“Phil is AC/DC royalty, and the fans will show him a suitable reception.”
Tickets can be purchased locally from the Kirriemuir Art Gallery on Reform Street, Groucho’s, Dundee and online from www.bonfest.com .
