"I ain't too old to die," Bon Scott once sang, "but I sure am hard to beat." He'll get no argument from the millions of AC/DC fans marking the 30th anniversary of the inimitable singer's tragic death today.

On February 19th 1980, Bon Scott had everything to live for. After years of struggling, he and the rest of the Australian rock crew, guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd, were finally starting to enjoy their breakthrough into mainstream success with the release of their sixth album, "Highway To Hell".

When the 33 year old rock star hit the town on February 18th, the night before he was due back in the studio with the band, he was in a celebratory mood. Bon spent the evening downing quadruple whiskeys with several friends, one of whom drove the passed out Bon home that night and left him to sleep it off in the car. He never woke up. The next day, his friend discovered his lifeless body still in the vehicle. He had died from acute alcohol poisoning. Death by misadventure, the coroner ruled. Ten days later, Bon clad in his trademark jeans and white T-shirt, was cremated in Australia, marking the final chapter in his journey.

Like most bands would, AC/DC was going to call it a day after losing their frontman, but Bon's mother, whom all the band members personally knew, wanted the band to continuing. She felt it was the only way to properly remember her son and their bandmate. So within weeks, the band regrouped and rose from the ashes, hired singer Brian Johnson and headed into the studio to make "Back In Black", the album that would serve both as a tribute to Bon Scott and the cornerstone of the global success they enjoy to this day. "Back In Black" has sold an estimated 49 million copies to date worldwide, making it the second highest selling album of all time, as well as the best selling album ever released by a band.

"Back In Black" & "Hells Bells" Are Specifically Dedicated To Bon Scott's memory
Brian Johnson on how the band will be marking the anniversary, "We're trying to think of something to do that's not morbid. We hate it when people try to use the anniversary as a sensation seeking thing, so we want it to be respectful. His two nephews and his brother will be in Perth, and we'll see his mum. I'm sure the fans will be out in force with Bon paraphernalia and we welcome that because he's still a part of the band, he's still a part of us."

Even after all these years, Brian Johnson still feels like the new guy and Bon Scott's legacy is as alive as ever.

Band Speaks On Bon Scott's Death	"It's A Long Way To Top"
"Highway To Hell"	"T.N.T."

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