Bon Scott Statue Plan For Birthplace
Fans of AC/DC have launched a Kickstarter campaign that aims to create a permanent memorial to iconic frontman Bon Scott in his home town of Kirriemuir, Scotland. And if they reach the £50,000 target, renowned sculptor John McKenna has a design for a statue ready to go.
Ronald Belford Scott, who emigrated to Australia as a child, died in February 1980 – just as his band were on the brink of worldwide acclaim. The surviving members hired Brian Johnson as new frontman and released landmark album Back in Black later that year as a tribute to Scott.
Despite having left Kirriemuir at the age of six, the town in the north-east of Scotland has remained proud of its famous son. A plaque already exists in its Cumberland Close while a street in a new housing estate has been named Bon Scott Place, and there’s a permanent exhibition in the local museum.
Now community group DD8 Music, who have held an annual memorial festival in the “Wee Red Toon” since 2008, want to place a statue there – and they’ve already raised nearly £10,000 of the amount they require.
Committee member John Crawford says: “Kirriemuir was the home town of a little lad called Ronald – who was to grow up and become the world’s best-known frontman.
“We believe Bon deserves a statue. We’ve commissioned John McKenna to create a life-sized statue which will capture three things: his personality, his stage presence and his Scottish roots.
“We’re appealing to the greatest fans in the world to come together and make this project a reality. We want the statue to be from the fans, for the fans.”
The Kickstarter campaign launched last week with Italian tribute band Buon Scotch recreating AC/DC’s 1975 live video for “It’s a Long Way to the Top.”
Donation options start at just £1 with a total of 11 options. Those who pledge £10 will receive a badge and postcard of the final design; those who give £25 will also be given a cloth patch; a commitment of £100 offers a t-shirt and poster signed by formed AC/DC bassist Mark Evans. At the top end of the scale there’s the limited-edition chance to own a scaled-down bronze replica of the artwork and have your name engraved on the final work – ten places are offered at £2500.
If the £50,000 target is reached by June 5, the statue will be unveiled at next year’s Bon Scott Festival.