AC/DC’s Bon Scott may hold bagpipes in new statue

A STATUE honouring former AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, to be erected in his home town, will feature the Highway to Hell star clutching a set of bagpipes - even though the instrument only figured on one AC/DC track - it has been proposed.
AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, who was born in Kirriemuir. Picture: ComplimentaryAC/DC frontman Bon Scott, who was born in Kirriemuir. Picture: Complimentary
AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, who was born in Kirriemuir. Picture: Complimentary

Plans to erect the monument to the singer in Kirriemuir, Angus, have been held back after campaigners disagreed over whether the likeness should be holding the traditional instrument instead of a microphone.

While local charity DD8 Music has already commissioned an architect to design the £40,000 figure, organiser Graham Galloway has launched a public consultation to decide what the people of Kirriemuir want to see in the rockstar’s hands.

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Mr Galloway said today: “We’ve had a few people saying they are unhappy that Bon’s statue design features him holding bagpipes.

“We chose this design as we felt it emphasised Bon’s Scottish roots - something he was very proud of.

“It was also a link back to Kirriemuir, where Bon’s father Chick played in the local pipe band and, of course, Bon’s first experiences in music were drumming in the Fremantle band as a boy.

“However, we are keen to make this a statue that the fans love, and are involved with creating.”

In order to gauge public opinion, Mr Galloway set up an online poll and at present, 85 per cent of the town is demanding bagpipes be included on the statue.

But some locals took to social media this week, arguing that Bon Scott was more of “a rocker” and that the presence of bagpipes would confuse future generations as to the star’s significance within the music world.

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But, according to DD8 supporter Mark Kerr, the project is not meant to portray the minute role of pipe music in AC/DC’s back catalogue - but rather, the strong, national roots of its first frontman.

He said: “I kind of understand the emotion around this.

“But although the pipes only really featured on one AC/DC track, you cant deny they signify many parts of his life, heritage and music.”

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The monument has been billed as a major focal point of the town’s new regeneration scheme, being steered by Angus Council.

DD8 organisers say they’re hopeful sculptors will be able to unveil the finished statue at August’s Bon Fest, which celebrates the music of AC/DC and similar acts.

It is to stand next to the statue of Peter Pan which honours another of Kirriemuir’s famous sons, JM Barrie.

Scott is already honoured in a Kirriemuir street name and with an engraved stone slab in the town’s Cumberland Close alongside those of other famous people from the village.

In February 2008, a bronze statue of Scott was unveiled at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour in Western Australia, where the singer spent much of his life.

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