Daily News: Joe Elliott Honors the Late Bon Scott
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott recently paid tribute to the late AC/DC singer Bon Scott, recalling how meeting him was a rare and wonderful experience in the music industry. Speaking about their early days, Elliott reflected on how Scott welcomed them with open arms during their first real tour.
“Meeting your heroes can sometimes be disappointing, but not with Bon,” Elliott shared. “He was fantastic to us. It was our first major tour, and he treated us like equals rather than newcomers. That meant the world to us.”
Bon Scott, known for his charismatic stage presence and powerhouse vocals, fronted AC/DC from 1974 until his untimely death in 1980. His influence on rock music remains undeniable, with many artists citing him as an inspiration. Elliott, whose band Def Leppard was on the rise at the time, recalled how Scott’s kindness and encouragement left a lasting impression.
“We were young, eager, and trying to find our place in the industry. Bon made sure we felt like we belonged. He was larger than life, but he never made us feel small,” Elliott continued.
Scott’s legacy continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike, and Elliott’s heartfelt words serve as a testament to the kind of person the late rocker was. Even decades after his passing, Bon Scott remains an icon whose spirit lives on through AC/DC’s music and the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Def Leppard, now regarded as rock legends themselves, continue to tour and record music, but Elliott never forgets those who helped them along the way. “Bon was one of the good ones. He had no ego, just a love for rock and roll and the people who made it happen. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
As fans celebrate Scott’s enduring influence, Elliott’s tribute is a reminder of the genuine camaraderie that exists in the world of rock and roll.