Fife fans centre stage at concert
By Graham Brown
SCOTS ROCK fans have played a starring role in a ceremony Down Under to celebrate a famous son of Angus.
The kilted Fife group were thrown into the spotlight before a 16,000-strong crowd in Fremantle, Western Australia, by concert organisers impressed by the devotion which saw them jet across the globe to honour former AC/DC frontman Bon Scott.
Born in Kirriemuir in July 1946, Scott emigrated to Australia at the age of six before going on to become a cult figure in the world of rock until his untimely death in 1980.
He is revered around the world, including in his home town where a memorial stone marking his connection with Kirrie was unveiled last year.
But the greatest adulation remains in his adopted homeland and it was there that Glenrothes businessman Kevin Smith and three friends were thrust onto centre stage at a statue unveiling for the rock god.
Kevin and pals Andy Aird, Mick Simpson and Ian Harris embarked on their trip after Kevin’s wife, Issy, presented him with tickets at his 40th birthday party for a trip to Oz.
“The present was to make it possible for me to visit Bon Scott’s grave, which has been a lifelong ambition of mine,” he said.
They then learned of last month’s unveiling of a £50,000 life-size statue and set the trip to coincide with that, and the massive gathering of AC/DC fans from across the globe for a concert to mark the event.
Mr Smith said, “We got there a couple of days before and were walking down the street in Fremantle when we met up with a guy who was the promoter of the whole gig.”
Through that chance meeting, the Fife lads were introduced to AC/DC bass player Mark Evans and then saw the experience of a lifetime unfold in front of them.
“They couldn’t believe that we had travelled all that way just to visit the grave and be part of the event so they asked if we would like to unveil the statue,” he added.
“We were treated like VIPs all the way and at the end of the day-long gig we were there to unveil the statue—the Fremantle Pipe Band came in and it was absolutely incredible.”
“Mark Evans was absolutely great with us, it was an amazing experience and kind of hard to take in at the time but we’ve got the photos to prove it,” Kev said.
He said the Argentina 1978 Scotland strips worn by the Fifers marked the band’s Glasgow Apollo appearance in April of that year where their live album, If You Want Blood, was recorded.
“We are mates first and foremost and diehard AC/DC fans second, so it was an absolutely brilliant trip for all four of us.”
Kevin is also a huge fan of Elvis and in October he visited his Graceland home for his 40th birthday.
Bon Scott's statue was partially unveiled at Fremantle today in the presence of musicians, Fremantle Dockers members and the local mayor
Scott was AC/DC's lead singer and lyricist for six years before he died from alcohol poisoning in London while on tour.
Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said the statue would be put in a prominent location.
"He's a favourite son and it's a classic story . . . he came from humble beginnings and he did great things,'' Mr Tagliaferri said.
"It will draw more attention to Fremantle from an international scene ... he is a legend not only in his hometown but across the world.''
Doug Thorncroft of Let There Be Rock Promotions said the statue was a long time coming.
"It's great to see such a fitting tribute for all his hard work,'' Mr Thorncroft said.
Publicist for the Aussie Rock Concert, Catherine Swinton said the project began about 12 months ago.
Ms Swinton said the statue cost more than $100,000 in total. It was made in Fremantle by sculptor Greg James.
This is as much as sculptor Greg James would let the world see of his Bon Scott creation. The statue, held in pieces by fans Amber Shergis and Prue Healy, will be unveiled at a tribute concert next Sunday
well they moved on down