Watch Bon Scott’s Final Performance In The UK With AC/DC
via Bon Scott / YouTube
In February 1980, the music world was unaware that it was witnessing the final chapter of Bon Scott’s journey with AC/DC as the band embarked on their Highway To Hell tour. Just 12 days before his tragic passing, Scott made his last UK appearance with the iconic rock group.
The Beginning of the End
As the Highway To Hell tour drew to a close at Southampton’s Gaumont Theatre, it was evident that Scott was facing personal struggles. Doug Thaler, the band’s US booking agent, later revealed,
“Bon was in rough shape. He was drunk most of the time, or sleeping it off so he could sober up and get drunk again. He was starting to have a real problem.”
However, amidst the challenges, Scott found companionship in Anna, a Japanese woman who became a stabilizing presence in his life. Together, they attended the filming of the BBC’s Top Of The Pops, where AC/DC was set to perform their latest single, Touch Too Much.
The Top Of The Pops appearance marked a significant moment in AC/DC’s history, capturing Scott’s final performance of Touch Too Much with the band. Despite the unconventional studio audience, comprised primarily of teenage girls, Scott’s charismatic stage presence shone through.
BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Wright introduced AC/DC alongside other prominent musical acts of the time. Scott’s energy and enthusiasm during the performance were unmistakable, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and fellow musicians.
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Brian Johnson Reminisces About Bon Scott’s Stage Presence
Notably, Brian Johnson, who would later replace Scott as AC/DC’s lead vocalist, watched the Top Of The Pops episode when it aired. In his biography, The Lives of Brian, Johnson fondly recalled Scott’s vitality and stage presence during the performance.
Following the Top Of The Pops appearance, Scott’s final show with AC/DC took place on the Aplauso TV show in Madrid, Spain. Although Touch Too Much was absent from the setlist, Scott delivered powerful performances of other AC/DC classics, captivating the audience one last time.
Tragically, just 10 days later, the music world mourned the loss of Bon Scott. However, his legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances and timeless music, including his surreal final UK appearance with AC/DC.
