DEF LEPPARD's JOE ELLIOTT Marks Bon Scott's 80th Birthday (Video)
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott appears in a new video giving an 80th birthday tribute to former AC/DC frontman Bon Scott.
Bon Scott would have celebrated his 80th birthday on 9th July.
Bon Scott 80th Birthday
The official online channels of the Bon Scott estate are currently marking former AC/DC singer Bon Scott's 80th birthday.
Bon was born on 9th July 1946 in Forfar/Angus in Scotland before his family emigrated to Australia in 1952.
He joined as AC/DC's new snger in 1974 and fronted the band until his death in February 1980.
Def Leppard supported AC/DC for their October/November 1979 UK 'Highway To Hell' tour for 13 shows.
The album had been produced by Robert John 'Mutt' Lange and their connection to Def Leppard via ex-manager Peter Mensch led to the support slot.
It also led to Mutt seeng the band live in 1980 and going on to produce the 1981 'High 'n' Dry' album.
When Bon Scott died on 19th February 1980 Def Leppard paid tribute to him the following night at their show in Sheffield on 20th February.
they would also go on to support AC/DC once more on 1st August 1980 in New York in the early months of their 'Back In Black' tour with new singer Brian Johnson.
Joe Elliott Video Message
Joe has shared a video message marking Bon's birthday on YouTube which was filmed in June before Def Leppard's show at the Dalhalla venue in Rättvik, Sweden.
Messages have also been posted featuring Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, journelists Matt Pinfield and Eddie Trunk.
Read Joe's words and view the full video below.
Visit the Tour News section. For more news on future tour plans.
Visit the Album News section for more news on new music (based on band member quotes).
Joe Elliott - July 2026 Video Message
"Hi everyone, Joe from Def Leppard here."
"Just want to acknowledge the fact that it would have been
"I still owe him ten quid because we were in a bar. We stayed in the same hotel during part of the tour we did with him, and there we were, four straws in one pint. He said, "You boys look like you need a drink." He gave us a tenner to buy some drinks."
"Bless him, he never got it back."
"We toured with
"This guy knew how to command a crowd. Phenomenal frontman, great singer, underrated singer. Really, really good."
"I rated him right up there, when he was alive, as one of the best rock singers in the world, and I still believe that he is. You know, the legacy that he's left behind is phenomenal."
"So, happy 80th birthday. What a shame he's not here to enjoy it, but let's never forget the memory of the late, great Bon Scott."
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