The Third Annual Official Bon Scott Birthday Bash

Review: Lance "Metal Walt" Franco 

Photos: Mark Balogh

On July 9, 2026, fans gathered at New York City's iconic Cutting Room to celebrate what would have been AC/DC legend Bon Scott's 80th birthday. Hosted by renowned radio personality Terrie Carr, the third annual Bon Scott Birthday Celebration marked the culmination of an event that has grown steadily each year — from its inaugural gathering at Arlene's Grocery in 2024, to the Bowery Electric in 2025, and now its largest and most ambitious production to date. What began as a grassroots tribute has evolved into the premier annual celebration of Bon Scott's life, music, and enduring legacy, attracting a larger venue, an expanded roster of recognized performers, and its biggest audience to date. Officially sanctioned by the Bon Scott Estate, the packed celebration featured an all-star lineup of performers, and heartfelt video tributes from rock icons including Rob Halford, Joe Elliott, and Justin Hawkins, making Bon's 80th birthday a truly unforgettable occasion.

Adding to the emotional significance of the evening was the presence of members of Bon Scott's extended family, who traveled from Scotland to take part in the celebration before continuing on to Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend AC/DC's ‘Power Up’ Tour later that week. Among them was Bon's young great-niece, attending her very first concert — an especially fitting introduction to live rock and roll while celebrating the remarkable legacy of her legendary relative. Fans were also immersed in Bon's history through an exhibit of rare photographs and an exclusive collection of officially licensed Bon Scott Estate merchandise, including commemorative apparel, scarves, and other collectibles. Together, these personal touches transformed the evening into far more than a concert; it became a heartfelt gathering of family, friends, musicians, and fans united in celebrating one of hard rock's most influential voices.

Following the celebration, Metal Mayhem ROC spoke with event creator, music director, and guitarist John Jackson, who shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes detail regarding AC/DC co-founder Angus Young's involvement. While fans may have expected a recorded video tribute, Jackson revealed that Angus instead sent a letter expressing his support for the event. Although the contents of the letter were kept private, Jackson explained that Angus wanted the organizers and fans to know he fully supported the celebration and recognized the importance of honoring Bon Scott's legacy more than five decades after the formation of AC/DC. It was a meaningful gesture from one of Bon's closest musical collaborators and a poignant reminder that, while Bon's time with AC/DC was tragically brief, his influence on the band, the genre, and generations of rock fans remains as powerful today as ever.

Event Host

Terrie Carr – New Jersey/New York radio personality and host of the Carr Stereo Podcast

Band:

John Jackson (Rhythm Guitar) – Bon Scott Estate, Billy Joel Archives, The Jayhawks

Paul McGilloway (Lead Guitar) – New York/Long Island guitarist and songwriter

Ivan "Funkboy" Bodley (Bass) – Corey Glover's Soul Experience, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

 Kenny Soule (Drums) – Nantucket, Corey Glover's Soul Experience

Vocalists:

Constantine Maroulis — Live Wire

Jimmy Kunes — Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be • Dog Eat Dog

Mig Ayesa — What's Next to the Moon

Steve Brown — If You Want Blood (You've Got It) • Rock 'N' Roll Damnation

Militia Vox — Touch Too Much

Craig Schoenbaum — Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Peter Shaw — Let There Be Rock (featuring Frank Ferrer on drums)

Erik Toast — Shot Down in Flames (featuring Frank Ferrer on drums)

Anthony Vincent — Girls Got Rhythm

Devon Marie — Riff Raff • Whole Lotta Rosie

Paul Bertolino — Love at First Feel • Sin City

Shannon Conley — The Jack

Corey Glover — Highway to Hell

Angel Eduardo — Problem Child

Sean Dolan — Jailbreak

Lisa McQuade — T.N.T.

Chris Antos — It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)

Constantine Maroulis – American Idol finalist, Rock of Ages Broadway star

Jimmy Kunes – Kunes Clark Band, Cactus, Savoy Brown

Mig Ayesa – Rockstar: INXS, Queen tribute productions

Steve Brown – Trixter, Always Jovi

Militia Vox – Judas Priestess, solo artist

Craig Schoenbaum – New York rock vocalist

Peter Shaw – Trans-Siberian Orchestra, solo artist

Erik Toast – Toasted

Anthony Vincent – Ten Second Songs, Set the Charge

Devon Marie – Always Jovi, Debbie Gibson

Paul Bertolino – New York rock vocalist

Shannon Conley – Lez Zeppelin, Four Sticks

Corey Glover – Living Colour

Angel Eduardo – ZAFA

Sean Dolan – Chris Cornell tribute vocalist

Lisa McQuade – New York rock vocalist

Chris Antos – AC/DC tribute vocalist

Special Guest

Frank Ferrer – Guns N' Roses (Drums)