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BON SCOTT GETS A WEBSITE FOR HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY 0
Iconic AC/DC singer Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott would have turned 75 years old on Friday, July 9, 2021. To mark this occasion, Bon’s family is launching the first ever official Bon Scott website which will serve as a destination for fans keen to discover more about the legendary singer, including tributes from renowned rockers.
They will also be able to leave testimonials about seeing or meeting Bon and purchase newly-available official merchandise.
The Bon Scott Estate said: “On the occasion of what would have been his 75th birthday, the Bon Scott Estate (Ron’s two brothers and his nephew) are proud to launch the new website and take this important step toward elevating Bon’s legend and tending to his legacy. Bon was a unique singer, songwriter and character that the world should never forget.”
Few rock singers were as unforgettable – and have proved as enduring – as Bon Scott. As the frontman of AC/DC from 1974 until his tragic passing in 1980 (at the age of 33), his “rock n’ roll pirate persona,” street poet lyrics, and striking image (one of the first rockers to proudly sport multiple tattoos) have made him an absolute legend. Additionally, Bon’s vocals were featured in several pre-AC/DC bands, including Fraternity, the Valentines, and the Spektors.
But really, it is the quality of the songs of the “Bon-era” of AC/DC that serve as his greatest legacy – “Highway to Hell,” “Sin City,” “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Let There Be Rock,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “TNT,” and “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”…the list is seemingly endless.
How does Bon measure up to rock’s all-time great frontmen? Classic Rock Magazine declared him “The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Front Man of All Time” in 2004, beating out the lofty likes of Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant, and Axl Rose in the process.
And now, The Bon Scott Estate will oversee the new official Bon Scott site, which will both pay tribute to the singer and help keep his memory alive for new and old fans alike.
The Estate added: “This is an invitation for Bon’s fans and friends to gather and share their memories and observations of him and his music. His legacy lives in the hearts and minds of those who love him.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
Click Here For The Official Playlist Of All Bon Scott Tracks Available To Stream
BON SCOTT 75th BIRTHDAY TESTIMONIALS
Ronald Belford Scott came into my life in 1974. After meeting Bon backstage at that first Sydney gig in Rockdale, I described him as a very cocky and charismatic Scotsman and I felt that my working relationship with this man was not going to be dull, and the next six years proved just how right I was!
– FIFA RICCOBONO (former CEO of Alberts)
Bon was a funny guy. Everybody liked him, but what made him stand out was his talent for rock lyrics. I don’t think he will ever be bettered. Respect.
– HARRY VANDA
I saw Bon Scott performing up close only once when we supported AC/DC in Sydney decades long gone and I never forgot it. The cheeky gap-toothed grin and cocky promenading were added layers that fleshed out a consummate professional. He owned the stage and the song with precision and spunk. Whilst never appearing to take anything too seriously, he was leading one of the most formidable guitar bands we’ve ever seen or heard to the very top. Writing, singing and performing at a level most only dream about. And then he was gone too soon – what an incredible legacy.
-PETER GARRETT (Midnight Oil)
I met Bon back when he joined ACDC…Bon WAS a rockstar…cheeky fun loving and oh so talented…a voice that could cut steel and a master of lyrics…we owe a lot to Bon he gave the world so much!
-JOHN PAUL YOUNG
Some thoughts about Bon Scott,
We, The Angels, became friends with AC/DC in 1975 when we supported them through three regional SA shows, Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta. Bon, Angus and Malcolm approached us in Whyalla and said they’d like to tell Harry Vanda and George Young about us. True to their word that’s exactly what they did and not long after we were signed to Alberts. Those days were incredible, to work with Vanda/Young, to hang out with the AC/DC guys in the studio, on occasion swapping instruments and jamming and to be part of such an amazing stable of artists, JPY, TMG, Rose Tattoo, Stevie Wright and George and Harry. Also we formed a close relationship with Mark Opitz, Fifa Riccobono and Sam Horsburgh.
Back to those first three gigs, I remember sitting with Bon in AC/DC’s tour bus, an old Pioneer, in Port Augusta after the show sharing a drink and chatting. Bon told me their plans to go overseas as soon as possible and take on the World. He said “…we’ll be one of the biggest bands in the World because we’ve got Angus”. I said “…don’t sell yourself short Bon, they’ve got you!” To me that’s a good example of Bon being typically humble.
We did quite a lot of gigs with AC/DC in those days and, on one occasion, in Adelaide, all of us staying in the Australia Hotel, Bon said he wanted to go for a walk. I went with him down the hill to the Parklands that surround the city. Within minutes there were quite a number of people who just fell in line silently following. He was a kind of rock n’ roll Pied Piper, so charismatic, a genuine star.
Bon was the only singer that got up and sang with The Angels. It was at Selinas, I’ve no idea what song, but it was just fantastic! My memories of Bon and all from those days remain as some of my most precious.
-JOHN BREWSTER (The Angels)
The first time I saw ACDC was on television and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. It wasn’t just the sound, or the song, or Angus’ schoolboy outfit, it was Bon Scott, the lead singer. He had a classic rock n’ roll voice that sat perfectly atop the Young brothers’ twin guitar assault. But he had something else – an amazing charisma born of a cheeky smile and a twinkle in his eyes that told you he was clever, a lot of fun and a little bit dangerous. Then he played the bagpipes! I nearly fell off the lounge.
I was devastated when he passed away. But his music lives on as a testament to just how good that combination of drums, bass, guitars and vocals can be. Here’s to Bon Scott, a true original.
-MARK CALLAGHAN (GANGgajang)
I remember the first time I saw AC/DC. Journey was continuing our quest to become headliners and Van Halen, who were our opener, were with us for about a month and had just left the tour to pursue their headlining dreams.
The next thing I know, I’m in Corpus Christi, Texas showing up for our set and a new opening act from Australia was just added to our tour. I had heard about AC/DC but never seen them live.
When I walked in I heard this Massive pumping Drum, Bass and Rhythm Guitar groove with an amazing Lead Guitar and a voice soaring above it all like no other. I walked over to stage left to see what the heck was happening and there he was, Bon Scott with a bottle of Jack, no shirt, Levis and cowboy boots, singing like a cross between Steve Marriott and a Cat. His voice was so fucking powerful that he changed me for ever. He lived what he was.
-STEVE PERRY
Bon’s attitude demeanour and front man swagger gave him the Everyman persona that the world loved him for. His voice look and on stage character drew us all in – there’s an unmatched uniqueness that solidifies Bon’s legendary status in rock and roll…..
I would watch him work from the side of the stage and out front and the magnetism he projected was non-stop. You felt the pure love energy and honesty he belted out with his band. He and I had down to earth wholesome encounters in the dressing room and on the bus that I cherish in that he talked from the heart uncluttered and with no ego. As a singer he can’t be matched by virtue of style and sound….we love and miss you Bon…..!
– ROB HALFORD/JUDAS PRIEST
Hands down, Bon Scott is one of the greatest frontmen to ever set foot on a stage. Sly, cheeky and a little bit dangerous, he had charisma to burn and it was impossible to take your eyes off him. He always looked like he was having the time of his life and he made you want to be a part of it. Then there was his amazing voice – bratty and gruff with a bright edge that cut through even the dirtiest mix, Bon’s howling and yowling gave every note a pure rock and roll intensity. The only other singer I can compare him to is Little Richard, not so much in the tone of his voice but more in the raw honesty and his fierce individuality. Just like Little Richard, Bon Scott was one of a kind.
– DAVE FAULKNER (Hoodoo Gurus)
- Dom DiSisto
LISTEN UP! $10,000 SINGER SONGWRITER PRIZE FOR LOW INCOME ARTISTS 0
Award-winning mental health music charity Listen Up Music and philanthropic group Wyatt Trust have joined forces to create a songwriting competition to campaign the need for increased support for JobSeeker.
A new song competition with a $10,000 cash prize will be launched on 6 July 2021 to give voice to those who are unemployed or underemployed. Australian musicians are asked to write and record their best anthem, one that represents those unable to make ends meet on current income support and submit this by 5 September 2021 to be in the running for the prize.
The one-off song competition is responding to the community outrage that people on JobSeeker Payment, and similar income support payments, are being forced to live below the poverty line. A payment of $44 a day results in people having to choose between things like providing food for their family or paying an electricity bill.
Raising awareness of the plight of people forced to live below the poverty line, when they are unable to secure work or underemployed, is the aim of the competition. Competition co-convenor Stacey Thomas, CEO of The Wyatt Trust states, ‘There was widespread support for a raise in income support rates but the resulting $4 per day earlier this year did little to change things for people living in poverty. We need to continue to give voice to those on JobSeeker and having an anthem that speaks to the dilemmas they face is a new way of doing this.’
In providing the platform for the competition, Ali Taylor, Listen Up Music Co-Founder and CEO says, ‘Music is a universal language. We know that people experiencing different forms of adversity find not only solace, but voice and community through song. This competition expands our reach from those passionate about positive mental health to a larger group whose financial hardship has far-reaching health and wellbeing impacts.’
The support for the message of raising the rate of income support has not only been evidenced in public sentiment from politicians and business leaders, but also the 100+ people who are contributing to the crowdfunding campaign to raise the cash prize.
Song contest co-convenor, Paul Madden, says, ‘Providing, along with others, a donation towards the $10,000 anthem prize was easy. The hard part is understanding why our government persists in refusing to provide a basic safety net for those who are unemployed or underemployed.’
The JobSeeker Anthem Song Contest will be open from 6 July 2021 and submissions close at 11:59 pm Sunday 5 September 2021.
Entries can be lodged online at www.listenupmusic.com.au/events/jobseeker-anthem
- Dom DiSisto
UB40’S ROBIN CAMPBELL: ‘BIGGA BAGGARIDDIM’ INTERVIEW 2021 0
To celebrate the release of Bigga Baggariddim the new album from British reggae legends UB40 (out today), we chat to the band’s co-founder and guitarist Robin Campbell about their career, gear and new record.
UB40 started out as a group of young friends from Birmingham and transcended their working-class origins to become the world’s most successful reggae bands, selling over 100 million records and spending over a combined 11 years in the UK album charts. From their politically charged debut album Signing Off in 1980 to the successful Labour of Love covers albums and the scores of hit singles, UB40 have left a significant mark in the annals of music history.
Following 2019’s critically acclaimed original album For The Many, UB40 have today (June 29) released Bigga Baggariddim, which is an album of seminal reggae collaborations with artists spanning four continents and seven decades of recording experience. It is an incredible celebration of the genre they love featuring House of Shem, Tippa Irie, BLVK H3RO, Inner Circle, Pablo Rider, KIOKO, Gilly G, Slinger, Winston Francis, Leno Banton and General Zooz (Reggae Rajahs).
A companion to their critically acclaimed 2019 album For The Many, Bigga Baggariddim features the same rhythms and guest artists from different parts of the world including Jamaica, New Zealand, India and UB40’s home town of Birmingham. New Zealand’s roots reggae band House Of Shem guest on three tracks, led by the irresistible Good Vibes Tonight. From India, the Reggae Rajahs’ General Zooz adds more diversity to UB40’s most eclectic album yet and as the founders of Goa’s annual reggae festival, are a testament to India’s rapidly growing reggae scene. They perform on the ear worm, Roots Rocks Reggae.
Joining this selection of international talent are artists from Reggae’s homeland of Jamaica, where a new generation of stars has emerged in the past decade, led by Protoje, Koffee and Chronixx. After UB40’s management heard a BBC 1Xtra session showcasing new Jamaican artists, BLVK H3RO and Leno Banton (son of legendary dancehall pioneer Burro Banton) were invited to appear on Bigga Baggariddim.
Veteran Jamaican reggae artists are represented by Winston Francis (whose long list of hits includes Mr Fix It, which UB40 covered on Labour Of Love III) and Inner Circle, whose overdubs on the track Rebel Love gives it their distinctive, platinum-selling Inner Circle Sound.
Reggae bands like UB40, who write and produce their own music, had all but disappeared in the UK until fellow Brummie band KIOKO came along. The two bands met when Kioko performed a tribute to UB40, playing One In Ten live at Birmingham’s annual Music Awards. They join the together on Bigga Baggariddim’s You Don’t Call Anymore.
Alongside UB40’s emergence in the 1980s, there was a UK deejay explosion. Of this talent, Tippa Irie made his reputation on London Sound Systems – and guests here on On The Road – alongside three Birmingham MC’s: Gilly G (Me Nah Leave Yet), Pablo Rider (Did You See That) and Slinger (My Life Action).
Pablo Rider and Slinger both featured on the original Baggariddim album in 1985 and also made cameo appearances on For The Many. They and Gilly G are all expected to join UB40 on the Bigga Baggariddim UK tour which begins in November.
UB40’s passion for reggae and belief in its cultural importance has led them to create an exceptional reggae collaborations album, which will remind the listener of reggae’s timeless and evolving power, whilst also introducing them to new, vital and emerging reggae talent.
TRACKLIST:
1. Good Vibes Tonight – UB40 / House of Shem
2. On The Road – UB40 / Tippa Irie
3. Gravy Train Is Coming – UB40 / BLVK H3RO
4. Rebel Love – UB40 / Inner Circle
5. Did You See That? – UB40 / Pablo Rider
6. You Don’t Call Anymore – UB40 / KIOKO
7. Me Nah Leave Yet – UB40 / Gilly G
8. Love You Now – UB40 / House Of Shem
9. Mi Life Action – UB40 / Slinger
10. My Best Friend’s Girl – UB40 / Winston Francis
11. Message Of Love – UB40 / House Of Shem
12. I’m Alright – UB40 / BLVK H3RO
13. Show And Prove – UB40 / Leno Banton
14. What Happened To The Have Not’s? – UB40 / BLVK H3RO
15. Roots Rock Reggae – UB40 / General Zooz (Reggae Rajahs)
UB40’S 40th ANNIVERSARY ‘FOR THE MANY’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES (2022):
Thursday 17 March – Nightquarter – Sunshine Coast, QLD
Friday 18 March – Eatons Hill – Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 19 March – HOTA – Gold Coast, QLD
Tuesday 22 March – Forum – Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 24 March – Waves – Wollongong, NSW
Friday 25 March – Bigtop – Sydney, NSW
Sunday 27 March – Riverside Theatre – Perth, WA
- Dom DiSisto
MUSICIANS SHARED THE JOY OF MUSIC AUSTRALIA-WIDE ON MAKE MUSIC DAY 0
With pandemic restrictions easing in many parts of the world, musicians around the world were able to get together for Make Music Day 2021 on June 21st. Those who couldn’t, still got into the Make Music Day spirit online. Here in Australia over 100 events had been registered on the Make Music Day Australia website and many were included in the main global livestream.
Australian Make Music Day ambassadors, contributed on their social media platforms and promoted the day in media interviews around the country. Thanks to Kate Ceberano, Lee Kernaghan, Jack Howard, Sarah Carroll, and Andy Baylor for endorsing the spirit of Make Music Day this year. Hunters and Collectors’ Jack Howard kicked things off with his Fanfare for the Unknown, a piece he made up on the spot.
Australian singer, songwriter legend Kate Ceberano was joined by guitarist Kathleen Halloran for a beautiful rendition of a song called Far from Home, while at the same time showing her artist skills by painting a guitar.
Australian music stores Mannys Music and Store DJ were certainly immersed in the Make Music Day vibe, posting staff performances to their social media pages throughout the day. Binary Music held a big Uke Jam instore and Bernies Musicland had a big open day to celebrate.
Australian Musician magazine favourites King Canyon, featuring James Ryan and Jimmy Cupples did their acoustic thing for Make Music Day too.
The folks at Jands, asked some of their artist friends what music meant to them and their answers were superb. Jands were able to entice comments from an incredible array of artists, including Liam from The Teskey Brothers, Gabriel Vargas, Gordi, Dan from The Amity Affliction, Havana Brown, Bliss from Bliss n Eso and more.
Our friends at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra have always been behind Make Music day and 2021 was no different with a magnificent performance of Vine’s Smith’s Alchemy
Another Sydney icon, the Sydney Opera House offered us a wonderful session on African and Indian Instruments, performed by the cast of Infusion, No Movement, No Sound.
In fact, NSW participation in general was excellent thanks to the support of Create NSW. You should also check out some wonderful performances from TAFE NSW. Here’s a live recording inside the Clock Tower of Sydney’s Central Station with Lily Savelli from TAFE NSW Wollongong, performing her own original composition entitled ‘Missing Myself’. You can see more on their channel HERE There were numerous events in various local government areas to celebrate the Festival of Place in NSW too.
While Monday June 21 was officially Make Music Day globally, many events took in the spirit of the event on the weekend prior, such as the debut Byron Music Festival. Organised by Byron Music’s Nick Sergi, the festival has been deemed by many to be a huge success. A bit further north in Brisbane, Opera Queensland reached out to the community to engage students in schools.
Wolfmother rock the Byron Music Festival
Make Music Day is a celebration for all levels of musicians from schools to institutions to local communities – shining examples were students from the National Music Academy performed a special show at Newcastle’s Museum, the Western Sydney Uni, TAFE colleges, a regional schools band competition, and free community events staged in all states A community concert was held to soothe the troubles suffered by the storms in Victoria at the Emerald Relief centre. it’s hard to mention all the events that happened around the country, but you can check out the huge variety that took place by viewing the program HERE
Sunrise Christian School in Whyalla had a ball too with several enthusiastic offerings, while Coomealla High School band presented their’ 7 Voices ‘ band.
It wasn’t just music associated groups that got involved, the staff at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour gave us this fun video presentation
There were international songwriting collaborations featuring Australian songwriters online, a young composers contest and many other collaborative events, culminating in the Global Livestream which you can view here:
Kudos to all who participated in Make Music Day 2021. Thanks to make Music Day Australia partners Create NSW, Community Music Victoria, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia,, Limelight magazine, and Clubs NSW. Also thank you to the music products industry supporters Kawai, Fender Guitars, Taylor Guitars, Yamaha Music and Hal Leonard.
We look forward to gathering again on June 21, 2022, to celebrate making music.
- Dom DiSisto
HOODOO GURUS ANNOUNCE 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR WITH THE DANDY WARHOLS 0
Hoodoo Gurus Shot 035 by Christopher Ferguson
Frontier Touring are thrilled to announce the return of legendary Australian rock group Hoodoo Gurus to stages across Australia this December. The announcement celebrates Hoodoo Gurus 40th Anniversary since their first live show in 1981 plus the release of their new single World Of Pain (out today via Universal Music Australia). With special guests, iconic US indie-darlings, The Dandy Warhols, on the bill, this is a stellar line-up you won’t want to miss.
“We are thrilled to be going around Australia to play for our fans again. Even better, we are honoured to be accompanied by our admirable friends, The Dandy Warhols from the US. Between the two of us, there are gonna be plenty of opportunities for crowd singalongs, and after the turmoil of the last year and a half, that’s gonna be incredibly therapeutic for everyone. You can be certain that both of our bands will be fired up and rarin’ to go.”
The Gurus kick off the tour at Brisbane’s Riverstage on Wednesday 1 December, before heading to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Friday 3 December. Next up is Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Saturday 4 December, before they head across to Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre on Thursday 9 December, and close out the tour at Perth at the Belvoir Homestead & Amphitheatre on Saturday December 11.
New single “World of Pain” is another hard-hitting new Gurus single and a perfect follow up to last year’s freshly-minted Gurus classics “Hung Out to Dry” and “Get Out Of Dodge”. Dave Faulkner describes “World Of Pain” as “a combination of glitzy glam rock and dirty barroom blues. It has a swagger and a cocky attitude, although the song’s narrator is clearly having a very bad night. The poor sap – he thinks he’s having fun!”
Faulkner continues: “‘World Of Pain’ is a slightly fictionalised story about the aftermath of a big night on the town that got way too big. I’ve personally lived out every thing described in the song (I’m not proud of that fact). Luckily for me, the events described in the lyrics didn’t occur in exactly this order or over the one night. Nevertheless, it’s all true. Oh, and before you ask, the answer is: yes, I have been punched in the face in a nightclub when I was a bit drunk one night.”
‘…Dave Faulkner’s crunching surf guitar riff took us straight back to the heaving beer barns of the 1980s in which the Gurus made their name. …Rick Grossman’s roiling bass, Brad Shepherd’s fanging rhythm guitar and Nik Rieth’s martial drumming kicked in… a tribute to the Gurus’ tightness, showmanship and sheer number of well-known tunes.’ – Sydney Morning Herald 2020
Since their formation in 1981, Hoodoo Gurus’ boast 9 x ARIA Top 20 albums, 9 x ARIA Top 40 singles and a swag of multi-platinum albums – they’re mainstays on the live scene, and perpetually influential to a new generation of artists.
2021 is of particular significance for the Hoodoo Gurus, marking an impressive 40 years recording and touring. December of this year will mark the release of the band’s first album in over a decade. It is Hoodoo Gurus evocative and relatable lyricism, peerless song writing – with a hint of punk attitude – placed in a distinctively Australian context that has provided a careful balance of critical success and enduring mainstream appeal for 40 years.
The Gurus’ special guests for the anniversary tour The Dandy Warhols hail from the US and are known worldwide for mega hits like ‘Bohemian Like You’ and pop culture classic, ‘We Used To Be Friends’. The band recently celebrated their own 25th anniversary in 2019. From countless global tours, to playing to over 100,000 punters at the 2000 Glastonbury Festival and even taking to the stage during the Greek riots, the Warhols are no stranger to putting on a show. With one hell of a back catalogue and a live presence that has stood the test of time, this pairing of forces is one you don’t want to miss.
Frontier Members can access their pre-sale from Wednesday 26 May, before tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday 28 May. Secure tickets early to avoid missing out!
HOODOO GURUS 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DECEMBER 2021
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE DANDY WARHOLS
Presented by Frontier Touring and Triple M
Wednesday 1 December
Riverstage | Brisbane, QLD
All Ages
ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 13 61 00
Friday 3 December
Sidney Myer Music Bowl | Melbourne, VIC
All Ages
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 13 38 49
Saturday 4 December
Hordern Pavilion | Sydney, NSW
All Ages
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 13 38 49
Thursday 9 December
Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre | Adelaide, SA
All Ages
ticketek.com.au | Ph: 13 38 49
Saturday 11 December
Belvoir Homestead & Amphitheatre | Perth, WA
All Ages
moshtix.com.au | Ph: 1300 438 849
TELSTRA PLUS PRE-SALE
Runs 48 hours from: Monday 24 May (2pm AEST) or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
FRONTIER MEMBERS PRE-SALE via frontiertouring.com/hoodoogurus
Runs 24 hours from: Wednesday 26 May (2pm AEST) or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins: Friday 28 May (2pm AEST)
- Dom DiSisto
Weekend Warriors COVID19 comeback... 0
Hello Music Lovers!
Discussions have been taking place over the last week to relaunch Weekend Warriors across Australia very soon, with SA currently taking registrations for their next round. As restrictions are being eased right around the country confidence is building that we will fully resume the program to its former glory during 2021.
At this stage we are planning dates for NSW next and we are not that far away with WA & Queensland. Potentially all setting dates for the later half of 2021.
So stay tuned as we will be updating the website and our social media as soon as we can confirm the locations and dates.
We are all so excited to getting you all back onboard.
Cheers from all the Team @ WW 🤘😎
Check out what some had to say...
- Dom DiSisto
