In 1980, AC/DC needed a singer following Bon Scott’s death. They asked three men before Brian Johnson, but all said no
After Bon Scott died in 1980, AC/DC considered whether to disband but decided to continue, believing that was what Scott would have wanted. Finding a singer who could follow him proved difficult: three musicians declined before Brian Johnson joined, illustrating both the weight of Scott’s legacy and the band’s uncertainty about replacing him.
The band first approached Slade’s Noddy Holder, who said his loyalty was to Slade, then Iggy Pop, who felt he was not the right fit. They also asked Marc Storace of Krokus, but he chose to honour his commitment to that band, which he had joined in 1979. Holder later said he did not regret turning down the offer and called Johnson the “perfect choice”; the supplied article text ends before giving Storace’s later reflections.
In short
- AC/DC chose to continue after Bon Scott’s death.
- Noddy Holder, Iggy Pop and Marc Storace all declined.
- Brian Johnson became the band’s new singer.
Explained simply
AC/DC are an Australian rock band whose singer Bon Scott died in 1980. The band considered ending its career, but decided to carry on, believing that was what Scott would have wanted.
Replacing a singer can change a band’s sound and identity, and Scott was closely associated with AC/DC’s music. The band approached Slade’s Noddy Holder, Iggy Pop and Krokus singer Marc Storace before Brian Johnson joined. Each declined for personal or professional reasons, leaving the band to find someone who could take on the role.