Sammy Hagar recently shared his admiration for late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, explaining why the Australian singer was beloved by rock musicians everywhere. His comments were part of a series of tribute interviews reported by Louder Sound.
The Red Rocker praised Scott’s distinctive vocal style and stage presence. He described what made the AC/DC singer so compelling to fellow rock artists.
“I was a Bon Scott fan. I mean, when I first heard his voice, I said, as a singer this guy’s cool. I like the way he sings, he’s giving it all,” Hagar said. “He was always on the edge of his voice cracking. Just one more step and he would lose it. You know? It’s like a car driver on the edge in a race and just, almost lose it at every turn. And that’s how you win a race.”
Hagar also recalled his personal experience performing with AC/DC in the mid-1970s, shortly after his time with Montrose.
“So, I really liked that about him. Finally, in 76 or 77, shortly after the Montrose thing, I was on a show with AC/DC, a little 2000-seat theatre or something, and I was opening and I was really excited about that,” he continued. “He was really animated. And, I watched the whole show. I just loved him. I loved his demeanour. Bon was the kind of person that every guy in rock and roll loves. He’s just the coolest guy.”
Hagar’s admiration for Scott reflects a broader appreciation among rock musicians for the AC/DC frontman’s unique approach to performance and vocal delivery.
Scott’s vocal style was indeed distinctive in the rock landscape of the 1970s. YouTube analysis of Bon Scott’s vocal techniques revealed that he employed a half-speaking, half-singing style where he would tell stories while performing. This became a signature element of his stage presence. This storytelling approach set him apart from many of his contemporaries. It created an intimate connection with audiences despite performing in large venues.
The sound that AC/DC achieved during the Bon Scott era was characterized by what AC/DC fan discussions describe as having a “raw” but “well-polished” quality that made audiences want to engage with the music. This demonstrated that effective rock songs didn’t require complicated arrangements. Instead, they relied on Scott’s charismatic delivery and the band’s tight musicianship.
Scott’s versatility as a performer extended beyond his work with AC/DC. Gearspace forum discussions noted that he could sing jazz, provide backup harmonies, and play instruments incredibly well. This showcased a musical range that many fans never fully appreciated. This versatility likely contributed to the respect he earned from fellow musicians like Hagar.
When compared to his successor Brian Johnson, Scott’s vocal approach was notably more laid-back and funky, as highlighted in vocal style comparisons. Johnson’s style was described as harder and more metallic. This difference in approach helps explain why Scott’s era continues to resonate with rock musicians who appreciate his more nuanced and storytelling-focused delivery.
The tribute interviews were organized by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to honor Scott’s legacy and impact on rock music.
