Meet The Man Who Almost Replaced Bon Scott Instead Of Brian Johnson

He Almost Got The Gig

After the tragic and untimely death of Bon Scott, brothers Angus and Malcolm Young briefly considered quitting AC/DC but with the encouragement of their family and friends particularly Scott’s parents, they went in search of a new frontman and lead singer. Before Brian Johnson landed the gig, a roadie from Birmingham, England named Steve “Burtie” Burton was recommended by his fellow roadies Terry Lee and Keith Evans who worked for AC/DC at the time.

Burton told Rock Candy in a new interview, “I went down to London to audition for the band. I got along fine with everyone and thought I did well, but for whatever reason, I didn’t get the gig and it went to Brian Johnson, of course.”

Even so, he revealed that he “must have made an impression on the band, because soon afterwards, I got a call asking if I’d be interested in working with Angus and Malcolm Young’s nephew, Stevie.” Stevie was then putting a new band together and it was Malcolm who recommended Burton to him. This group would later become Starfighters who supported AC/DC’s 1980 ‘Back in Black’ tour.

Starfighters ended up recording only two full studio albums. Burton admitted, “Brian got the gig because he’s got a cracking voice. He fits really well, and he’s done a great job over the years.”