Kiss legend Gene Simmons has weighed in on what he believes really killed the legendary frontman of AC/DC, Bon Scott.
Scott had a voice that could shatter walls, and a stage presence that electrified audiences. But his life was tragically cut short in 1980 at just 33 years old. His passing remains one of rock’s most haunting stories. Bon Scott passed away on February 19, 1980, and it sent shockwaves through the music world. After a night of heavy drinking in London, Bon was found unresponsive in a parked car. Official reports listed the cause of death as ‘acute alcohol poisoning’—a tragic yet all-too-common story in rock and roll. During an appearance on The Adam Carolla Show, Gene Simmons said that Bon Scott drank a lot.
After Bon’s death, ACDC struggled to move forward without their frontman. With Brian Johnson stepping in, they created Back in Black, an album dedicated to Bon, that became one of the best-selling records of all time. But even as the band soared to new heights, Bon’s absence was deeply felt.
During the same interview, Gene Simmons also shared some memories of when his former band took out some of these artists and also mentioned an instance where a fast-rising band gave the veteran headliner a run for their money.
“On the very first Van Halen tour, they were opening for Sabbath. And the guys, Tony [Iommi] and everybody, Geezer [Butler], would go on record as saying, ‘Unfortunately, we had to follow Van Halen.'”
Simmons then listed many of the bands Kiss took out their first substantial tours: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Rush, Bon Jovi, and Mötley Crüe.
“We took them on the first tour because we’re also fans. You can’t just sit in your ivory tower and say, ‘It’s all about me.’ In the meantime, you’re checking stuff out saying, ‘Y’know, this is really good. Let’s give those guys a chance.'”
