Bon Scott (1946-1980), the legendary singer and lyricist for AC/DC, remains one of the great frontmen in rock and roll history. His indelible shriek and poetic turns of phrase, along with his playful grin and attitude, are synonymous with the lifestyle he led until his untimely death in 1980.
Today, the Bon Scott Estate and its exclusive licensing/merchandising partner Perryscope Productions announce a robust event and merchandising plan to celebrate what would have been the rock and roll icon’s 80th birthday: July 9th, 2026.
Limited Edition Collectibles
In tribute to one of the greatest voices of all time, German studio specialist Neumann is partnering with the Bon Scott estate on a limited-edition signature product to be released on Bon’s 80th birthday.
The Perth Mint, following up on the 2024 sold-out 1oz silver proof coin, will issue limited collector’s edition 1oz silver and 1oz gold bars bearing Bon’s name and likeness.
Reg Mombassa, the legendary graphic artist (as well as founding member of fellow Australian rock icons Mental As Anything) has designed an exclusive artwork to commemorate the birthday that will be available on posters, t-shirts, and more.
Knucklebonz, the leaders in collectible rock and roll statues, will issue their third Bon Scott edition in 2026, based on iconic images from the 1978 Powerage tour. This follows the sold-out 1979 “Highway To Hell” edition and the 1976 “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll)” statue (complete with bagpipes!).
Apparel Collaborations
Although Bon was often spotted performing sans shirts, various apparel partnerships have been embraced by fans to display their love for the iconic frontman. Dixxon Flannel Co. will launch the second limited-edition Bon Scott shirt in “Heritage” Tartan, following the 2025 “Touring” Tartan shirt. Copa Football Jerseys will launch a collectible “Bon 80” football jersey, also in Heritage Tartan. Both products are based on the officially registered Bon Scott tartans created in partnership with Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers of Edinburgh, Scotland, who offer official Bon Scott tartan kilts, vests, and accessories.
There will also be a wide range of brand-new Bon 80 t-shirt designs and more limited-edition items in the Perryscope official online store and the Australia-based store from Merch Jungle.
YouTube Channel
The Estate has struck a deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to provide Bon Scott video content to his official YouTube channel. This follows the ABC’s highly rated 2023 episode of Australian Story, introduced by Brian Johnson, and featuring the only interview ever given by Bon’s brother Derek Scott.
Additionally, the YouTube channel will post exclusive interviews with Bon’s friends, peers, and admirers like Rick Springfield, Bruce Howe (Fraternity), Sammy Hagar, and Scott Ian (Anthrax), who have all recently sat on camera to discuss their memories and why Bon remains a touchstone 46 years after his passing.
Tribute Events
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2026, Bonfest The International Bon Scott Rock Festival, will take place in Kirriemuir, Scotland, on May 1-3, 2026. The sold-out festival presented by Kirriemuir youth charity DD8 Music has an amazing lineup of rock and roll bands and AC/DC tribute acts, ensuring a weekend to properly celebrate Bon’s 80th. 2026 guests include UK rock legends Reef and former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade. There will also be a bespoke pop-up Bon Scott merch store at the site of the original Scott family bakery at 19 Bank Street in Kirriemuir.
Bon’s 80th birthday will be celebrated with the third annual Bon’s Birthday Bash in NYC on Monday, July 6th. Past celebrations have included guest vocal performances by Corey Glover (Living Colour), Jimmy Kunes (Cactus, Humble Pie), Peter Shaw (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Tony Award-winner Lena Hall (Headwig and the Angry Inch), and many more of NYC’s finest singers.
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum will host a one-night-only theatrical screening of the classic concert film Let There Be Rock: The Movie. This will accompany a special limited Bon Scott memorabilia display, celebrating his career.
An Enduring Legacy
46 years after his passing, the music that Bon helped create with AC/DC remains of the utmost cultural relevance. Recent high-profile sync licensing featuring Bon’s voice include the 2025 Tom Holland-starring Lego short film Never Stop Playing that features “T.N.T.” and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Australian TV spot that playfully recast “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll” as the long-running Aussie in-joke “It’s A Long Way To The Shop (If You Want A Sausage Roll)”.
AC/DC, meanwhile, continues their massively successful PWR/UP Tour through South and North America in 2026. The band’s current setlist has included eleven songs written by Angus Young/Malcolm Young/Bon Scott (out of twenty-one), performed in stadiums all over the world.
“Bon Scott was the coolest singer ever – the vocal delivery, the tongue-in-cheek double entendres, and the magnetic personality. Those early AC/DC records – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Let There Be Rock, Powerage, Highway To Hell – are just fucking timeless.” – Lars Ulrich/Metallica
“Bon was one of my heroes. His pants didn’t fit, but for me, he remains one of the bad-assed-est – if ‘bad-assed-est’ is a word! – frontmen that there has ever been. – Dave Mustaine/Megadeth
“Bon’s attitude, demeanour, and frontman 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…..” – Rob Halford/Judas Priest
