Latest news with #BonScott
The Courier
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Great pictures as Kirrie gets its rocks off at Bonfest
Kirriemuir had a ball as AC/DC fans invaded Angus for Bonfest. And what was probably the biggest ever crowd in the history of the long-running rock festival swamped the town centre on Saturday. Thousands packed the streets to watch the band's Long Way to the Top hit recreated on the back of a truck. In early 1976, the original was filmed on the back of a flatbed lorry travelling along Swanston Street in Melbourne, Australia. It was a couple of years after Kirriemuir baker's son Bon Scott joined the band founded by Glasgow brothers Malcolm and Angus Young as it began its rise to global fame. This year's Kirriemuir influx has included fans from Down Under, as well as a host of other nations from around the globe. Kirrie charity DD8 Music organises the event, which features a final night of headliners in the main area at the festival site on Sunday. And the glorious weather has ensured a bumper weekend for local pubs, filled with fans for music sessions
The Courier
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Bonfest countdown begins in Kirriemuir as thousands expected
Angus anticipation is growing for this weekend's annual invasion of AC/DC fans from around the globe. The population of Kirrie will rocket for the three-day celebration of Bon Scott, which gets underway on Friday. Bonfest will bring folk from a host of countries – many making their annual pilgrimage to the town. AC/DC-decorated shop windows have already set the scene for the weekend ahead. And the weekend appearance of the main arena tent on Kirrie Show field was the signal for the Bonfest countdown to begin. Organisers DD8 Music have promised this year's festival will be the biggest and best yet. In February, they announced the main tent line-up had been boosted to four bands on each of the three nights. It is also sure to whet the appetite of fans who have bagged a ticket for AC/DC's first Scottish gig in a decade. The band will rock Edinburgh's Murrayfield stadium with their Power Up tour date in August. There are still tickets available for the main arena on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They can be bought at Full details of the main stage bands can be found HERE. Camping at the main Bonfest site has sold out. But thousands head to the centre of Kirrie for music sessions in town centre pubs. And on Saturday afternoon, the recreation of AC/DC's Long Way to the Top video is always a crowd-puller. A band blasted the track out from the back of a truck on a loop of Kirrie town centre. The Bon Scott statue at Bellies Brae is another main focal point for fans. DD8 Music hope Dundee revellers will venture into Angus in even greater numbers this year. It will run from: The bus will run on all three days, dropping off in Kirrie town centre beside the Peter Pan statue and returning around midnight. Happy Bus details are available on the Bonfest website here.
The Courier
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Who should I see at Bon Scott tribute festival Bonfest?
The world's original and still best festival dedicated to AC/DC's much-missed, Angus-born wild rocker is back next week. Bonfest started in Bon Scott's birthplace Kirriemuir in 2006. Since then it's become an annual must-see for devotees of the Scottish-Australian hard rock legends. The three-day headbanging extravaganza has its customary blend of tribute bands paying homage to the Highway To Hell hit-makers alongside up-and-coming noiseniks, as well as an international field of heavy metal heroes. Who: The Wildhearts From: Newcastle Sounds like: Stiff Little Fingers meets Bad Religion Song to start with: So Into You Bonfest slot: May 4, 7.15pm-8.30pm What can you say about these Geordie mavericks? Some 33 years on from their crazily titled first EP Mondo Akimbo A-Go-Go, The Wildhearts show no sign of letting up any time soon. Led since day one by the unique Ginger, who enjoyed a close alliance with kindred spirits Andy Cairns from Therapy? and Manic Street Preachers' missing Richey Edwards during a glorious revival of articulate British rock in the early '90s, the Sick Of Drugs legends blasted back last month with their 11th studio album The Satanic Rites Of The Wildhearts. It featured a whole new set of musicians backing the 60-year-old frontman, who parted company with long-time cohorts CJ and Danny McCormack after touring the band's previous offering in 2022 – a typically chaotic twist in the career of one of rock's most quirky and unpredictable outfits of recent decades. Bonfest have pulled off a real coup in snapping them up. Who: Girlschool From: London Sounds like: A female Saxon Song to start with: Hit And Run Bonfest slot: May 3, 7.15pm-8.30pm It was back in the '70s that Girlschool took on board lessons that would take them right to the top of the hard rock class. Inevitably compared to other female riff purveyors back in the day given women's massive under-representation in their genre, many people saw the four-piece either as an English answer to Californian enfants terribles The Runaways or a heavier version of Suzi Quatro. Besides playing like beasts, Girlschool also wrote all their songs themselves – unlike the former of those two artists – and quickly earned their place in the new wave of British heavy metal scene with their punk-tinged 1980 debut album Demolition. Teaming up with Motorhead as Headgirl for a top five EP did their chances no harm, but the hits soon dried up as a misogynistic music press dismissed them as a novelty act. Lead guitarist and singer Kelly Johnson died of cancer in 2007 aged 49, but Girlschool's current line-up still includes original members Kim McAuliffe and Denise Dufort. It's taken 19 years, but they're playing Bonfest at long last. Who: Sincity From: Unknown Sounds Like: Bon Scott-era AC/DC Song to start with: It's got to be Sin City Bonfest slot: May 3, 9pm-11pm One of a plethora of soundalike bands gigging on the lucrative AC/DC tribute circuit, Sincity stand out from the crowd by concentrating their efforts on the five-year period up to 1980 when their idols were recording with their original frontman. According to their own official bio, the five-piece focuses on Bon Scott-era AC/DC but also include other 'choice cuts' as a nod to the Brian Johnson years. As mission statements go, it's certainly serving Sincity well. They've secured the much-coveted headliner slot for Bonfest 2025's Saturday night, so the pressure's on to do the memory of one of Kirriemuir's most famous sons proud. The band's lead guitarist dresses up as schoolboy a la AC/DC main man Angus Young – and their singer wears a big black wig. Who: The Karma Effect From: Oxted, near London Sounds Like: Thunder Song to start with: Wild Honey Bonfest slot: May 2, 6pm-7pm Bearded warriors The Karma Effect are the latest signings on influential indie Earache Records – labelmates include Rival Sons, Blackberry Smoke and Those Damned Crows – grabbing a piece of the limelight. Hailing from London's commuterland, the vintage rockers scored a UK top 20 entry last May with their second album Promised Land, the follow-up to their self-titled 2022 debut. Fronted by Henry Gottelier, who shares guitar duties with Robbie Blake, The Karma Effect play a brand of good-time rock'n'roll that's sure to go down a storm with the main stage crowd next Friday at Kirriemuir. Their slick and infectious sound is classic rock at its best. Who: Hardbone From: Hamburg Sound like: Rose Tattoo Song to start with: Young Blood Bonfest slot: May 2, 7.15pm-8.30pm Following on straight after The Karma Effect on Bonfest's opening night is the German hard rock powerhouse Hardbone. Riffs are what it's all about for this lot, who are led by vocalist Tim Dammann and guitarist Sebastian Kranke. Starting out with their lewd debut Dirty'N'Young in 2010, they've cranked out a series of albums over the past 15 years, the most recent being 2020's No Frills. Their song Demon In The Glass hails the joys of nicotine, girls and booze, plus getting 'a swollen face from last night's fight'. Sheer escapism! Who: Back N Black From: Zurich Sound like: Arch Enemy Song to start with: Thunderstruck Bonfest slot: May 4, 9pm to 11pm All the way from Switzerland, Back N Black are one of three covers bands devoted to Bon Scott and the Young brothers' awesome legacy who are headlining this year – as Bonfest tradition demands. Although they describe themselves as 'the girls who play AC/DC', it's a case that these women with serious attitude are anything but a copycat outfit. Possibly one of the heaviest combos at this year's Bonfest, Back N Black list such contrasting influences as ZZ Top and melodic death metal – not to mention fellow Kirrie queens Girlschool – as being key to their pulsating sound. The black-clad four-piece smash material from every phase of AC/DC's epic career, right up to the icons' most recent album Power Up. Fact is, they pretty much own the festival by now – this'll be their fourth time headlining and no one can say they don't deserve it. Who: These Wicked Rivers From: Derby Sound like: Warner Hodges Song to start with: The Family Bonfest slot: May 3, 6pm-7pm One band sure to attract a host of new fans this year are blues rock exponents These Wicked Rivers. The all-male English outfit – like The Karma Effect they go big on beards – formed in 2014 and by their own admission relish delivering what their promo describes as 'soulful, bordering on spiritual, live performances'. Take that as you will, but anyone who's heard them know These Wicked Rivers have got the chops. Fronted by John Hartwell, the band's set to play Kirriemuir off the back of both last year's second album Force Of Nature and this month's jocularly titled Peace, Love And Lampshades series of European dates – a double-bill with like-minded Scottish favourites King King. Who: The Hot Damn! From: West Lothian Sound like: Avril Lavigne fronting Generation X Song to start with: Automatic Bonfest slot: May 3, 5pm-5.45pm Risen from the ashes of the blistering Scottish power trio The Amorettes, The Hot Damn! are another all-female combo well worth checking out at Bonfest. Fronted by Gill Montgomery, the colourful four-piece started putting songs out during lockdown and finally unveiled their debut album Dancing On The Milky Way last September. Firmly in the pop rock category, The Hot Damn's! infectious tunes promise to make for one of the most exhilarating highlights of the big weekend – delivered with feeling and intelligence.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
L.A. Weekend Guide: AC/DC at the Rose Bowl, Family Friendly Earth Day Events, Coachella Weekend 2
Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best events in and around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule with our Weekend Guide to L.A., and don't forget to sign up to have the guide delivered to your inbox every week by clicking here. If the livestream wowed you and you're down for the drive from L.A., tickets are still available for the three-day Indio music marathon second edition. And if performances by Lady Gaga, Green Day, The Go-Go's, Amyl and the Sniffers and so many more last weekend are any indication, it'll be worth it. The legendary rockers' Power Up Tour comes to Pasadena for a night of big riff packed classics. 'Black in Black,' 'Dirty Deeds,' 'You Shook Me All Night Long,' 'Highway to Hell— faves from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras still kill it live. And though guitarist Malcom Young is missed, his nephew Stevie Young has proven to be a fine replacement, while school boy-clad axe man Angus Young is still audacious as ever. 'The zoo's weekend Earth Day celebration highlights biodiversity with family activities and entertainment. Presentations about conservation, sustainability and community are also part of the event and photo ops with 'Big Bunny' for Easter are available for an additional fee. While you're there, check the brand new Pink's Hot Dogs stand that just opened last week. The long-running hip-hop jamboree from local radio station 93.5 KDAY features The Game, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Redman and Method Man, Baby Bash, MC Magic, Lil Rob, Paul Wall, and Inglewood's own Cali Swag District. 'Alison Bryan Crowell, Paula Ely, and Sarah Kissell exhibit their work and Jennifer DeCarlo moderates a panel celebrating 'Woman Collectors' at this Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles (PAC LA) and Eastman Museum LA event spotlighting different approaches to collecting from a female perspective. The annual event in the NHM's Nature Gardens offers live music performances, family activities and behind-the-scenes explorations, plus a "Science of SpongeBob" activation from Nickelodeon. Free with paid Museum admission and for members. The future of Tenacious D may be up in the air after he made a bad joke about Trump, but Jack Black's other half in the D, puts on a hilarious and musically engaging show all on his own. This appearance promises to be extra celebratory due to the timing around 4-20 and show promoter Burgerwolf's 11th anniversary. Pot. ganja, herb… whatever you call it, if you smoke it, you know 4-20 is the ultimate day to light up. Since it became legal, cannabis parties have grown, well, like weeds. This 5th annual 'holiday' event in Downtown L.A. from LA-on-Lock features live music, munchies, games, live art and cannabis vendors from 1-8 p.m. in Downtown L.A. (location provided with ticket purchase). Live music, onsite cannabis consumption, games/raffles, food and more are promised at this WeHo weed lounge and art gallery's annual bud-lovers bash. Check out their Bong Bar and newly remodeled event space with a vendor village, sweet treats, photo ops and more. Colorful carny looks and costumes are encouraged.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
AC/DC Outpaces Many Other Rock Legends With Top 10 Smashes
AC/DC lands four songs on the U.K.'s Official Rock & Metal Singles chart, including three top 10s, ... More beating names like Queen and Linkin Park. LONDON - 1st AUGUST: Australian rock band AC/DC posed in a studio in London in August 1979. Left to right: Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Angus Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) AC/DC doesn't need to prove anything at this point. The legendary Australian rock outfit has already established itself as one of the most successful bands in history — across any genre. With millions upon millions of albums sold, countless sold-out tours, and a discography packed with anthems that define rock and roll, the group's legacy is already defined. Every so often, the band serves up a new reminder of just how beloved its music still is. This week, that reminder comes in the form of a standout performance on the charts in the United Kingdom, where several of AC/DC's classic singles are once again big hits, and the rockers outpace even the most successful acts in the same genre. AC/DC lands an incredible four tracks on the Official Rock & Metal Singles chart this week. Three of those tunes find space inside the top 10, while the fourth isn't too far behind. That kind of showing is impressive for any act, but especially so for a group that's been around for half a century — and for songs that are far from new releases. Among the biggest wins for the band is 'Thunderstruck,' which refuses to budge from its position at No. 6. Right behind that fan favorite is 'Back in Black,' which improves slightly, stepping up one rung from No. 9 to No. 8. Meanwhile, 'Highway to Hell' re-enters the uppermost region of the chart, climbing from No. 15 to No. 10. The only one of the band's current charting tracks not sitting in the top 10 is still moving in the right direction. 'You Shook Me All Night Long' rises one space to No. 27. It's seen better days — it once peaked at No. 2 — but the fact that it's still climbing this late in its life is notable. No other act manages to secure more than one top 10 hit on the Official Rock & Metal Singles chart this frame. AC/DC's success would be laudable if the band had just two tunes in the region, but three shows just how popular the band, and its many smashes, are in 2025. Other genre giants like Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, and Guns N' Roses are present inside the highest tier, but none come close to matching AC/DC. What makes this week's showing even more remarkable is each tune's staying power. 'Thunderstruck,' 'Back in Black,' and 'Highway to Hell' have all reached No. 1 on this list in the past, and each one has charted for more than 600 weeks. 'You Shook Me All Night Long' is catching up, with 562 frames under its belt, and it should hit that milestone before the year is out.
