![\"Bon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bon-Scott-Brian-Johnson-Split-Far-Out-Magazine-1140x855.jpg\")
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(Credits: Far Out \/ YouTube Still \/ Michael Joseph)<\/p>\n
Wed 15 October 2025 3:00, UK <\/p>\n
Replacing an iconic frontman like Bon Scott<\/a> shouldn\u2019t have been an easy task for AC\/DC when he tragically passed away from alcohol poisoning in 1980, but as things turned out, there was already somebody waiting in the wings to take over.<\/p>\n Scott had always been a vocal fan of Geordie frontman Brian Johnson<\/a>, proclaiming that he was one of the greatest vocalists that he had ever witnessed, and so instead of calling it quits after the death of such an integral part of the band, they decided to give Scott\u2019s favourite singer a shot at becoming his successor. While many may have been sceptical as to whether he had the ability to keep the momentum of the band going or live up to his predecessor, but after the release of Back in Black, all of those concerns were quashed by the fact that Johnson not only filled the role, but breathed new life into a band who were close to collapse.<\/p>\n Scott\u2019s assertion that Johnson was one of his personal favourites seemingly worked wonders, but his invitation to join the band would never have happened had it not been for guitarist Angus Young recalling their discussions about his brilliance prior to his death.<\/p>\n In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2003, Young revealed how these discussions also related to Scott\u2019s love of a particular rock and roll legend, and how much Johnson\u2019s vocal ability reminded him of how electrifying the work of this influential figure had always been for him.<\/p>\n \u201cYears before Bon had died, he, Malcolm [Young] and I had been listening to a couple of rock and roll records in Australia,\u201d Young began, reflecting upon the former vocalist. \u201cBon was a great fan of Little Richard, and he always said that for someone singing rock and roll, Little Richard<\/a> was the icon.\u201d<\/p>\n While there\u2019s little disputing the raw talent and abilities of Little Richard, a man who single-handedly changed the course of rock and roll history with his outrageous and raucous performing style, Young went on to explain the connection that Scott had made between the \u2018Architect of Rock and Roll\u2019 and Johnson. <\/p>\n \u201cHe told us a story about how he\u2019d seen Brian in a club in London really belting out a Little Richard tune, and he said it always stuck with him,\u201d he continued. \u201cSo we thought, \u2018Well, we gotta look up that guy first.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n