Rock festival celebrating life of former AC/DC frontman returns

The annual music festival honouring late rock legend Bon Scott is being held in his hometown this weekend.

Bonfest: Rock festival celebrating life of late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott returns to Angus LDRS

On a highway to Kirriemuir, AC/DC fans from across the globe are descending on the Angus town to celebrate one man.

Australian musician Bon Scott, who grew up in Kirriemuir, was the face of the band throughout the 1970s before he died aged 33 in 1980.

Now in its 16th year, BonFest will see the town’s population double this weekend, making it the biggest event in Kirriemuir’s calendar.

But it’s not just for devoted fans – there will be something for every rock and roll lover.

Bonfest returns to Kirriemuir

John Crawford, the festival’s organiser said: “There’s a conception that this is an AC/DC festival. It’s not.

“It’s a festival to commemorate Bon Scott. It’s rock and roll and a wide genre of music and we have over 50 bands.

“It’s very very friendly. TripAdvisor people have listed us as the friendliest festival they’ve been to.

“It’s one big family. That’s how we describe it. The AC/DC family are here to celebrate Bon Scott’s life.”

Fans make sure to pay their respects to the local star at the town’s statue when they arrive for the festival.

And while tribute bands flock to the main stage, other musicians reminisce about their own memories shared with Bon himself.

High Voltage drummer Tony Currenti said: “Before AC/DC I had the pleasure to play with Fraternity at a nightclub and that was the second time I’d met Bon.

“We spent several weeks drinking at the bar, Johnnie Walker, until he started to run and I couldn’t keep up anymore.

“It was great fun meeting Bon and being involved with him. It was a great surprise in ’74 when he joined AC/DC that I got asked to record ‘High Voltage’ with the band. I was so pleased to see him again.

“It’s great memories to play these songs again, it brings back a lot of memories. It’s a great feeling.”

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