Wolfgang Van Halen has never been shy about sharing his musical opinions, and his latest take is bound to spark debate among rock fans. In a recent interview, he praised AC/DC’s Bon Scott, making it clear where he stands on the long-running Bon vs. Brian debate.
For Wolfgang, Bon Scott wasn’t just a great frontman—he was the heart and soul of AC/DC. His raw energy, signature rasp, and charismatic delivery made an unforgettable impact on rock music. While Brian Johnson carried the torch, Wolfgang believes Bon’s presence was something truly special.
His thoughts echo what many classic rock fans have felt for years. Bon Scott’s era defined AC/DC’s early sound, setting the stage for everything that followed. Wolfgang’s take is a reminder of why Bon’s legacy still looms large over rock history.
Wolfgang’s First AC/DC Memory
Wolfgang Van Halen’s first introduction to AC/DC was far from ordinary. At just seven years old, he was on a road trip with his parents when his father, the legendary Eddie Van Halen, decided to share a song that would leave a lasting impression on him. It wasn’t a typical moment for a young boy, but it would shape his musical tastes in a way he never expected.
During a stop on the trip, Eddie played “Big Balls” for Wolfgang. The song’s hilarious lyrics and Bon Scott’s iconic delivery had Eddie laughing uncontrollably, which, of course, made Wolfgang laugh just as hard. It was a simple, yet unforgettable experience that left Wolfgang with a new appreciation for rock.
“Big Balls” marked the beginning of Wolfgang’s deep connection to AC/DC and Bon Scott’s distinctive voice. What started as a funny and light-hearted memory turned into a turning point in his musical journey. It wasn’t just another childhood memory—it became the foundation of his respect for one of rock’s most iconic frontmen.
Wolfgang on Bon Scott vs. Brian Johnson
Wolfgang has great respect for both of AC/DC’s legendary vocalists, Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. While he acknowledges that Brian Johnson is an incredible singer and person, he believes there’s something truly special about Bon. There’s an unmatched, sleazy quality to Bon’s voice that made it stand out in the rock world.
That voice, with its raw energy and charisma, left a lasting mark on Wolfgang, as well as his father. The unique sound Bon brought to AC/DC resonated deeply with them both. It’s a style that couldn’t be replicated, no matter how many years have passed since Bon’s time with the band.
Wolfgang also had the chance to meet AC/DC during their ‘Black Ice Tour,’ a moment he described as a huge honor. He shared how meeting Malcolm Young was particularly meaningful to him. As someone who sees himself primarily as a rhythm guitarist, Wolfgang holds Malcolm in the highest regard, calling him the greatest rhythm player ever. His groove and solid foundation were what made AC/DC’s sound so undeniable.
Brian Johnson Honors Malcolm Young
Brian Johnson, AC/DC’s current frontman, shared Wolfgang’s admiration for the late Malcolm Young, recognizing his immense influence on the band. Johnson spoke fondly of how their album Power Up became a tribute to Malcolm, whose presence was felt throughout the entire process, despite no longer being physically there.
Johnson recalled how Malcolm seemed to be everywhere in the studio, guiding the band’s work from beyond. His impact was so strong that it couldn’t be ignored, and even Johnson, known for his no-nonsense attitude, admitted that it was almost like Malcolm was still there, leading them every step of the way.
Angus Young, in particular, felt Malcolm’s loss deeply during the album’s creation. Johnson noted how Malcolm had co-written many of the songs with Angus years prior, and their collaboration was a major influence on the final product. The bond between the two brothers was clear, and it was evident in the music that followed.
Brian Johnson Remembers His First Meeting with Bon Scott
In his memoir, The Lives of Brian, Brian Johnson shared a memorable encounter with Bon Scott back in 1973. At the time, they were both in different bands, but their paths crossed during a show in Torquay, England. Johnson noticed the opening band, Fang, and was impressed by their performance.
After the gig, Johnson had a beer with Fang’s lead singer, who turned out to be none other than Bon Scott. The two hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared background—Bon, like Angus and Malcolm, was originally from Glasgow. They quickly became fast friends, swearing an undying friendship after a few drinks.
Years later, Johnson realized just who he had met that night. What began as a casual encounter in Torquay turned into a significant moment in rock history, with Bon Scott becoming the legendary frontman of AC/DC. Wolfgang Van Halen’s interview, along with Johnson’s reflections, highlight the lasting influence of both Scott and Malcolm Young on the rock world.
Watch Wolfgang Van Halen’s interview below.