Judas Priest was formed in Birmingham, England back in 1969, four years before the Australian band AC/DC. Both bands had some changes until their found the perfect line-up and especially the singer. Rob Halford joined Judas in 1973 and Bon Scott became AC/DC’s vocalist in 1974. A few years later, the British group had the chance to meet the Hard Rock group and even be their opening act during a tour in Europe.
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But what is Rob Halford’s opinion on AC/DC and their singer Bon Scott?
What is Rob Halford’s opinion on AC/DC and Bon Scott
Halford obviously always a big fan of the band and remained a good friend of all of them. Recently, in 2023 at the Power Trip festival Judas was even AC/DC’s opening act during the night they played. He loves both eras of the band but in an interview with Revolver back in 2020, he listed Bon Scott as one the members of his dream band.
In a testimonial posted on Bon Scott’s official website, Halford talked about how inspirational the musician was. “Bon’s attitude demeanour and front man swagger gave him the Everyman persona that the world loved him for. His voice look and on stage character drew us all in. There’s an unmatched uniqueness that solidifies Bon’s legendary status in rock and roll.”
“I would watch him work from the side of the stage and out front and the magnetism he projected was non-stop. You felt the pure love energy and honesty he belted out with his band. He and I had down to earth wholesome encounters in the dressing room. (Also) on the bus that I cherish in that he talked from the heart uncluttered and with no ego. As a singer he can’t be matched by virtue of style and sound. We love and miss you Bon!” Rob Halford said.
Bon tragically died in 1980 at the age of 33, he was a member of the band since 1974 and was part of all their classic albums from that era. Those were, for example: “High Voltage” (1975), “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976), “Let There Be Rock” (1977), “Powerage” (1978) and “Highway To Hell” (1979).
Rob Halford said AC/DC helped Judas Priest in the early days
Besides being incredible songwriters and performers, according to Rob Halford, the AC/DC members always were also great as persons. They were always grounded and helped friends and other bands. He recalled that when Judas opened for them in Europe back in the late 70s, they even invited the band to travel on their bus, so that they didn’t need to drive overnight in a van to the next gig.
He recalled that incredible story in an interview with Australian ABC TV (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage). “When Priest was starting to go out on these tours, we had the great pleasure to go out and work with AC/DC. Sadly on the last tour before Bon (Scott) passed away. But we got to think of the great memories. We were out with AC/DC and we get the entire European tour with them.”
“We’d always leave after our set and in one of the shows Angus (Young) came and said ‘Why are you guys leaving? It’s something we’ve done?’ We said ‘No, we have to drive sometimes overnight to get to the next venue. (Then) they said ‘Come on, let’s get on the bus, come and travel with us. That’s the heart and soul of Rock and Roll. That’s just typical of the way AC/DC (is), a great bunch of guys. Always grounded, always there for each other,” Rob Halford said.
What Rob Halford said about “Back in Black” and Brian Johnson
After Bon Scott tragically passed away, AC/DC was at first not sure if they would go on. But with the support of Bon’s mother, they decided to continue. Their choice was the vocalist Brian Johnson and Halford said he was really a great choice for them. That’s what he said in an interview with VH1 (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage).
“While ‘Back in Black’ was the first moment where Brian Johnson made his appearance with the band. I think AC/DC fans around the world, including myself were waiting and waiting to what would come through. I knew Brian (since Geordie, band he was part before). (So) I thought it was just a great choice to get him to pick up the mic where Bon left off. I think there was a sense of relief when that song kicked off and everybody felt ‘Oh, this is great’,” Rob Halford said.
“Back In Black” (1980) didn’t become only AC/DC’s most successful album, it also was for a few years, the best-selling album of all time. It sold an estimated amount of more than 50 million copies worldwide.
I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago.
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