First AC/DC Singer Dave Evans Says Bon Scott Copied Him
Four decades after his passing, Bon Scott continues to be one of the most admired and beloved icons in rock history. His legacy lives on, remembered, imitated, and cherished by fans worldwide. But his path to fame wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey that involved overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. One of the key moments that shaped his legendary status came when he joined AC/DC, becoming an irreplaceable member for Angus Young and the band.
Dave Evans Reflects on Bon Scott’s Entrance into AC/DC
In a 2021 interview with DJ Grant of Galaxy 107FM, Dave Evans, the original lead vocalist of AC/DC, shared his thoughts on Bon Scott stepping into his role. Evans spoke candidly about the transition, explaining his feelings when Scott took over:
“You’ve gotta remember that Bon Scott did a lot of the songs that I already did, like ‘Baby, Please Don’t Go,’ we already did that,” Evans recalled. “That’s the song that I got Angus upon my shoulders, and, of course, he used to watch us doing our show, so he copied that. I understand that he copied what I was doing.”
Evans acknowledged that Scott re-recorded some of the band’s earlier material and even rewrote the lyrics to certain songs, but he wasn’t upset by this:
“I know that he was under instructions to do this, so I don’t really hold it against Bon Scott for that, because when he joined the band, he was washed up at the time, and he got a great chance to do something, and he did too. He did a great job, but his lifestyle just let him down.”
Bon Scott’s Influence on AC/DC and His Lasting Legacy
Although Bon Scott’s tenure with AC/DC was brief, his influence was indisputable. His distinct voice, charm, and rock ‘n’ roll way of life helped define AC/DC’s sound and took the band to new heights. Scott’s legacy will endure for centuries to come because of his contributions to the band and rock music in general, despite his turbulent personal life.
Watch Dave Evans’ interview below: