Why Dave Evans Wasn’t Surprised Of Bon Scott’s Death
via Dave Evans Official / Youtube
The world of rock and roll is filled with stories of triumph and tragedy, and one such tale revolves around the iconic band AC/DC and the untimely demise of their legendary singer, Bon Scott.
Dave Evans, AC/DC’s original frontman, sheds light on the circumstances leading up to Bon Scott’s tragic death, offering insights into the band’s early days and the challenges they faced.
Dave Evans, reflecting on his time with AC/DC, shares,
“We were very young — we were all very, very young. And our ambitions were forever.”
In a recent interview with Brazil’s Guarda Volume podcast, Evans opens up about the events that unfolded during his tenure with AC/DC. He discusses the reasons for his departure from the band in 1974, less than a year after their first gig, citing financial disputes with the management.
“The manager was the third manager at that time. We weren’t getting paid for the shows, and we were doing the biggest shows in Australia.”
Financial discrepancies and dissatisfaction led Evans to part ways with AC/DC. He emphasizes the challenges faced by the band members, with him being the only one having financial responsibilities such as paying off his car and apartment.
“Malcolm and Angus Young lived at home with their parents. They lived at home with their parents. They didn’t have to pay any money. I did.”
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As Evans shares his struggles, he touches upon the iconic singer who replaced him, Bon Scott, and the challenges Bon faced within the band.
“Poor Bon Scott. Bon Scott joined the band and he went through a lot of crap too. And he ended up dead. He was working, working, working, working, working, working.”
Describing Bon’s coping mechanism, Evans reveals, “[Bon] looked happy, ’cause he was drunk all the time. Bon Scott drank all the time. Alcoholic.”
“But he was going through a lot of hell, too, with the band. I spoke to Bon Scott after he joined [AC/DC]. We had a private conversation about things, which will remain private.”
Evans expresses that when he learned about Bon Scott’s death, he wasn’t surprised, considering the challenges and struggles Bon faced in his life.
“So when I found out what happened to Bon Scott, when I read about it, and I spoke to his wife about it too — I saw his wife who told me what happened and stuff — I wasn’t surprised. I was not surprised.”
As Dave Evans candidly shares his perspective on the tumultuous early days of AC/DC, the story unfolds as a testament to the trials and tribulations that often accompany the pursuit of musical success.
The tragedy of Bon Scott’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the darker side of the rock and roll lifestyle.
In closing, Evans emphasizes the enduring popularity of his AC/DC-era song, “Can I Sit Next To You Girl,” and reflects on his own journey in the world of rock music.
“It’s one of those songs, I play it around the world — I still do, of course, every show I do — and people love the song.”
The legacy of AC/DC lives on, but so does the memory of Bon Scott and the challenges faced by the early members of this iconic band. Dave Evans’ account provides a unique perspective on a chapter in rock history that remains etched in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.
