Who's The Better Singer? Bon Scott or Brian Johnson?

[@marklowe7431]

It was never a competition. One passed away. IMO Bon would be very proud of what the band did to continue his legacy.

[@seandcannon]

As far as I'm concerned, with AC/DC, it's a Draw, I love them both equally. Although highway to hell is my favorite. With Van Halen it's David Lee Roth for me, that period of Van Halen had more attitude, sounded raw-er & was just more nasty. Although I loved the Hagar era it was more polished, more commercial & not as in your face as the Roth era.

[@RizzlerTwo]

Ok so who do you think is better

[@marklowe7431]

@@RizzlerTwo Neither that's the point. They were both part of a complete AC/DC and both deserve the respect. Where would AC/DC be now without Brian Johnson? Where would they have been without Bon Scott? Without either they may not have existed.

[@RizzlerTwo]

@@marklowe7431 alright that wasn't my question, who do you think is the better vocalist

[@marklowe7431]

@@RizzlerTwo Better technically or personal taste. Singing AC/DC songs would never push any envelope for technical ability and taste is subjective. It all gets back to the same point. There's not aspect of competition. You're flogging a pointless dead horse.

[@wildsmiley]

Question: Bon Scott or Brian Johnson? Answer: Yes.

[@bobbyrobbyn1838]

This comment pretty much closes this argument

[@mikewhitfield2994]

Perfect answer.

[@Kyle_J850]

I agree

[@redstang5150]

I feel the same way about DLR and Sammy. I mean, all of the early VH stuff is amazing, but 5150 is probably one of my favorite albums ever.

[@scottblair7441]

Bon

[@teresathomley3703]

Bon Scott was born to sing rock and roll. And he was born to write really funny lyrics too.

[@Purpleskyshorizon]

Witty as hell too!

[@troymasters3315]

Bon had a great lyrical standard that was only reached in a similar ways on one album (in some way). He had a real Aussie & Scottish mix that is difficult to replicate. A true rockin genius.

[@davidl570]

@@Purpleskyshorizon .....................and deep. Ride On.................'nuff said.

[@deadpoinsettia]

I am a HUGE AC/DC fan...I love both Bon and Brian...they both do their own thing. Sometimes I"m in the mood for Bon...sometimes Brian...I like them for different reasons, equally.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Bon was a cut up!

[@toneyisaiah408]

I saw that video "Let There Be Rock".

[@bradmodd7856]

@@toneyisaiah408 I agree, I like Bon Scott about 55% of the time and Brian about 45% but this has a lot to do with the songs, the time and the album, not just the voice. Bon had a few more tricks up his sleeve, but Brian sure has one killer trick...the cookie monster voice

[@stebolian]

Spot on, well said

[@kenworthh9776]

@@toneyisaiah408 saw it LIVE ✌

[@cfc1001001cfc]

Gary Cherone is the George Lazenby of Van Halen vocalists.

[@Sunsets-nr6lv]

Good 007 reference ❤️

[@Cool-Edit-5000]

I don't know why anyone even counts Gary Cherone. It's more like... WHO? Oh, you mean the album Van Halen did with no lead singer. I saw Cherone on TV, one time ever, performing live with Van Halen. It was embarrassing. First... the short hair just looked goofy. Second... I don't know what he thought he was doing... maybe trying to really rock out because it's Van Halen... but what he was doing physically on stage and in the crowd was beyond awkward and painful to watch.

[@fifthof1795]

Very poor comparison unless you mean Cherone I the forgotten singer ? I say that because Lazenby was actually quite decent in probably one of the top three Bond flms ever.

[@MarkWitucke]

And Gary can fuckin sing

[@libertyprime619]

Oof that even hurt my grandkids, and I'm 20

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

I'm in the Bon Scott camp. That's not to say Johnson wasn't excellent, it's just Scott was one of the best front men of all time.

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

@Tim Dempster For me, the voice was better, the persona was better, the stage presence was better and frankly the songs were better. Nothing to do with death but nice edgy comment.

[@CarolNeilandscharmbags]

This will be controversial because Bon Scott’s larrikin persona fitted those songs so well - Highway to Hell was his theme song. However Brian Johnson was simply a better singer. He had exactly the same vocal range as Chris Cornell. Note. For. Note. The band went to superstardom with Brian. The other thing is that Brian (and this may well be true for Bon) was never the frontman. The person that everybody goes to see is Angus; that makes him the frontman. Great frontmen usually need more than singing skills. Chris Cornell was one of the best.

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

@@CarolNeilandscharmbags I respect your opinion But I don't share most of it. Bonn was the frontman with Angus as the gimmick, They had been building to superstardom and were on the cusp of it when he died. Brian was a better singer overall though I wouldn't put him at Cornell's level and Bonn was better at emoting his personality through his voice. Props to Brian for helping get them over the finish line and for handling the inevitable and forever comparisons. Like I said in 1st post, I'm not saying Johnson wasn't excellent too. For me though, more of my favorite ACDC songs were Bonn's even though he had a shorter career.

[@MajorMajor420]

@@JoeSmith-ey2xp I am firmly in the Bon camp myself. Brian Johnson is no slouch, but his voice always sounded forced. It shows in how his voice aged. Bon had a natural vocal tone and a bit of swagger in his voice that Johnson lacked.

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

@@MajorMajor420 I couldn't agree more.

[@misternewbould]

Bon started the race, Brian is taking them to the finish line. Each is as crucial to ACDC as the other.

[@dynamo4543]

Dave Evans Started the Race,Bon Continued it & Brian is taking them to the finish line

[@ohman3500]

@@dynamo4543 but Dave wasn't a rock n roller, he was a popper. Bon Scott was a thousand times better for the sound and style of AC / DC. Brian is of a different kind. He sang differently with Geordie. In summary, Brian J. has the lead. Not only because of his long association with the band. But they are all fabulous.

[@dynamo4543]

@@ohman3500 I know i mentioned Dave because he was in the band when they gained popularity before Bon

[@rockclimber2050]

Both stink. They scream and hurt your ears.

[@danielpaquet3963]

brain Johnson can't sing at all he sucks

[@melomane2010]

AC/DC boils down to 2 albums for me - Highway to Hell and Back in Black. Both are masterpieces. Both vocalists gave the performance of a lifetime on their respective albums. You cannot compare the incomparable.

[@danepurciful7164]

I would agree 100% to both albums being rock and roll masterpieces. Having seen both Bon and Brian live more than once. I will take mid to late 70s AC/DC solely because of Bons live performances.

[@tonyrun5802]

Yes, it's like saying DSOTM and The Wall for Pink Floyd. Or II and IV for Led Zep. And the list goes on. Arguably their best works

[@darokolghai7942]

Yet Powerage is better than both

[@norcaltimcaldwell3325]

No high voltage!? Damn, that’s kinda crazy to me. Not disrespectfully or anything. But man TNT, long way to the top, the Jack, little lover, rock n roll singer. Just the whole album

[@norcaltimcaldwell3325]

Or are you just comparing Brian to Bon with the 2 albums?

[@stevenlewis4385]

Bon. He had a crazy look in his eye that was very real. He had more subtleties .He also invented that balls out 99% of the time vocal delivery.

[@tmmyjay]

The late great Lemmy Kilmister put it best when he said that Bon Scott sings as though he's being stabbed.

[@FranLuthier]

Whoever thinks Brian and Bon sound alike is just insane.

[@megazard5249]

I was thinking the same thing. 😂

[@robj7386]

when i was a kid and heard brian the first time i immediately thought they kind of sound the same. then started noticing the difference. they both sound like short fat bald men. awesome

[@robj7386]

sound garden opened for gnr on illusion tour

[@royhorn2782]

These guys are tone deaf. Bon and Brian sound nothing alike. Same thing goes with AC/DC's sound. Bon's and Brian's songs (instrumentally) sound nothing alike. Band had to change sound to help accommodate Brian's vocals. I really don't think that Brian can do Bon's songs and vice versa. Two different sounds that aren't terribly compatible between either singer. Bon and Brian both sound great but, only doing stuff that was originally performed by each of them. Back in Black has a harder edge that was really not within Bon's capabilities. Same goes with Brian trying to do Bon's music. Bon's stuff was more melodic and outside of Brian's capabilities (and still retain the correct sound). Not knocking either singer. But, they are individuals who have their own musical talents and capabilities. Certainly Angus and especially Malcolm understood that when they were creating the instrumentals. Easily can hear the shift in the style/sound of rock music being played for each man. Nuff said.

[@orngenblak4296]

@@royhorn2782 they were working on the BiB songs while Bon was still alive.

[@kwilamowski]

True story: My company sent me to work out of our London office in February 2004. The place they put me up (apartment in Richmond, Surrey) was the same place Brian Johnson was staying while he and the band were there writing new material for what would eventually be Black Ice. My wife and I met Brian when we discovered his apartment was directly across the hall from ours. We got to know him and hung out with him many times during the 4 months he was there. One night he told us the story of how he replaced Bon Scott. He said Bon knew of Brian from his work with the band Geordie and told Angus and the guys that if anything ever happened to him they should try to get Brian to replace him. Also, Brian is a gem of a human being. Not pretentious at all... incredibly funny and an awesome storyteller.

[@Canuck1000]

Yeah, I heard something similar. I believe Georgie opened for AC/DC around that time ('79).

[@alansands256]

Yeah, I think YOU are a pretty good storyteller as well.

[@steveyray8852]

What a great story mate! Gave me goosebumps reading it 🤘🏻

[@johncollins5552]

I love the sound of BonScott and Brian but have only seen Brian live and he rocks too. Brian does a great interview show especially the one with Mark Knopfler, 2 legends. Brian has such a great atitude, he never lets anyone down, would love to meet him in a bar.....

[@kwilamowski]

@@johncollins5552 Brian took my wife and me to the local pub and I was shocked because he had 2 glasses of wine and called it a night. My first time partying with a rock star was a little underwhelming 😄. But such an awesome, humble man.

[@highpeddle9543]

Bruh Bon and Brian are both amazing. Bon complimented Brian and when he died Brian carried on his legacy and respects Bon. Uncomparable

[@MasonboyMasiel]

What is “Bruh”? Must be a misspelling...

[@highpeddle9543]

@@MasonboyMasiel bruhhh😂

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Bon and Brian didn't work together in a dual front man tandem not sure what you mean by Bon complimented Brian

[@highpeddle9543]

@@lastofthe4horsemen279 I never said that. Bon went to a show once and saw Brian play

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

@@highpeddle9543 oh I wasn't sure i misunderstood that's why I asked. I see what you mean now 😏

[@danishskiwarehouse]

When the album “Back in Black” was towards the end of its recording, AC/DC and Mutt Lange realised they were a song short. Malcolm told the rest of the band to go out to dinner because he had an idea. When they got back to the studio, Malcolm had put down the bare bones of “Rock n roll ain’t noise pollution”. Malcolm was a rock n roll genius. He was at his creative zenith from “Let there be rock”, through “Powerage” (my nomination for best rock n roll record ever), “Highway to Hell” and “Back in black”. I think creativity was flowing him through him during these 3-4 years, and that’s how they could produce the record so soon after Bon’s death. He died in February and the album was released in July! Never underestimate Malcolm’s drive, professionalism nor genius!

[@greatdelusion7654]

It’s true, man. Malcolm pretty much _was_ AC/DC because he was ultimately responsible for all the famous, well-known core riffs and distinct rich sound of the band. But he’s so underrated because he always took a backseat and avoided the limelight, unlike his brother who was the showman.

[@milracing73]

Powerage is the best

[@4747robo]

There’s. A lot of evidence that Bon wrote most of the lyrics for the album BIB

[@midnightflyer7510]

I’ve always thought “Back in Black” is so different. The riffs and song structures are way more complex, at least for AC/DC. I think a lot can be attributed to Mutt’s input but it’s still way different then HtH which Mutt produced as well. Maybe he insisted on more input being that it was his second go round and he then also had Brian to work with. I know they didn’t like how much influence he had on the three records he produced because I remember the band was very excited to get back to their roots on their self produced “Flick of the Switch.” I do like several songs on that album, a lot actually, but I noticed as soon as I put the needle down on that record that production quality was way down and it didn’t really sound like pre BiB either. I would have really liked to have seen them stick with Mutt longer. Incidentally, to my surprise I really like “Rock or Bust” even with Stevie. To me, a way better album then “Stiff Upper Lip” except for the title track which I really like. Haven’t really listened to “Power Up” yet. Glad they’re back though!

[@alansands256]

@@midnightflyer7510 Rock or Bust and Black Ice were both great. Stiff upper lip and Ballbreaker sucked. I would put Power up in the middle of those 5.

[@jayblow77]

at 8:00 you're both missing the point - it wasn't Bon or Angus writing the riffs - it was Malcolm.

[@joeshmoe7967]

@@JUGGALOMADNESS yes, basically there is no 'I' in team. We are lucky when the right mixtures of talent and personality come together to create magic. I actually prefer Brian's vocals, but with out Bon, there may have never been an AC/DC. I like both versions of VH, but again would Eddie and another singer have had the same success.

[@TheDgmccool]

Actually, Angus wrote Rock n Roll Ain't Noise Pollution to name one that I definitely know he wrote on BiB album as they needed a 10th song to round off the album. Back in Black song was definitely Malcolm as he was working on that during Highway to Hell tour. I want to say Angus wrote Highway to Hell but not 100% on that. Angus also wrote Stiff Upper Lip, which he borrowed of something Malcolm would play. He wrote Thunderstruck which evolved from his one handed playing. They were a team.

[@scottshamblin6251]

Dave Evans was the very first ACDC frontman, but Bon made ACDC great before brian took over.

[@frankmartin182]

As are you. Mutt Lange, yo'. The midas touch.

[@eliwebster509]

Malcolm will always be the unsung hero of AC/DC.

[@lairofhorrors1756]

I think Bruce Dickinson coming in after Paul Di'anno and helping to write Number of the Beast was one of those amazing lead singer cases as well!!!

[@Nautilus1972]

Dicko was the best replacement singer!~

[@hellrose18]

Bruce is good but his voice really doesn't fit any of Paul's stuff except for Strange world and Phantom of the Opera

[@nickklavdianos5136]

@@hellrose18 It goes both ways. Paul's versions of the early Maiden songs are indeed better than Bruce's, that's because they were written by him and for him. I would be surprised if Paul could sing Seventh Son or Powerslave or Hallowed be thy Name better than Bruce.

[@nickklavdianos5136]

I love both of them, i prefer Bruce but it's personal taste.

[@damned_1]

I agree. Paul’s voice amazing. Love the first albums with him in the band.

[@rainsong23]

I love Brian but at heart I'm a Bon guy. There was just something about his amplfied lounge lizard attitude that can't be beat. Can't deny they hit a home run in finding Brian and he's the best possible replacement and Back in Black was such a perfect album, but I lean towards Bon!

[@humblepi3666]

There is no Bon Scott vs ??? and that is not knocking Brian who did a good job, but AC/DC were never the same for me after Bon Scott's untimely death.

[@vaevictis_]

@@chiefline7084 I’m a Bon guy, but Brian Is not second rate at all! Listen to songs like rising power or ball breaker. Dude can sing to the hard stuff and did a great job replacing an absolute rock legend

[@tiger1044]

@humble pi3666 Same here.

[@LUckybones25]

Scott, and Johnson are both legendary! I couldn’t imagine Bon Scott singing Hells Bells, and couldn’t imagine Brian Johnson singing Ride on, or A Touch Too Much.

[@nebulavortex3531]

I couldnt imagine bon scott singing back in black or thunderstruck and i cant imagine brian johnson singing highway to hell

[@Nichwar19]

I can imagine Bon singing them because he wrote most of the Back In Black lol

[@Purpleskyshorizon]

@@Nichwar19 That's what I believe as well. Cheers!

[@Rebel-Rouser]

bon Scotts lyrics was on the BnB album..

[@Rebel-Rouser]

the 1st 6 VH albums made them.. Sammy took them to another level

[@tmage23]

Bon Scott lived what he sang. I imagine it wasn't really that surprising that he died how and when he did.

[@utubehound69]

They may have been banking on see my comment on Bon & BnB in this thread. Bon sings about how he would die on the song "Carry me Home" rarity that made it on the Iron Man 2 soundtrack listen to those lyrics closely. Chilling.

[@malmstring]

Yes. And that goes for Di'Anno, Diamond Dave and a whole bunch of others. They were really that crazy and wild back in the day. But eventually when the band gets big enough and the rest of the band members get tired of it, they change to the safer, more sensible bet (Dickinson, Sammy).

[@tmage23]

@@malmstring Paul Di''Anno quit Iron Maiden when they started touring America. He wanted to stay in Europe. He didn't want the band to get as big as it was getting.

[@SmartDave60]

Like Ozzy

[@gdaym8635]

Bon maybe dead in this world... but what if.. what if.. he’s back in black.

[@jordangreekbeard9445]

There’s no vs. they’re both legends

[@jasoncobb7427]

this. Love both the Era's and the singers.

[@mell3109]

Completely agree. Also it was brutal they were auditioning 6 weeks after Bon’s death. Although they describe it as essential because they were such in a bad way.

[@fredwerza3478]

David Lee and Bon Scott made their bands into legendary bohemoths --- that's just the facts

[@mell3109]

@@fredwerza3478 so do the others. In record sales BJ blitzes BS

[@gaffer2602]

​@@mell3109They weren't really doing auditions; Bon had wanted Brian to replace him if anything has happened to him. It was more to see how Brian worked with the band

[@hippo5346]

Both great singers in their own right . Bon edges it for me as the most naturally talented . If you watch them both live , Brian really has to strain to reach the high notes - for Bon it seems effortless . Also , Bon is the better lyricist , in my humble opinion .

[@mariahelton6997]

I have to agree. I also loved Bon’s antics, his expression, and his natural improvisation on stage not to mention that vocal range you mentioned.

[@timmcgrath676]

Bon Scott

[@123spear]

much respect for Brian Johnson, but there was something dangerous about Bon Scott, you actually beieived he would do Dirty Deeds...

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

As great as Brian Johnson is, his vocal style is pretty one-dimensional. Bon Scott had multiple dimensions and he had a sinister quality to his voice that was almost scary.

[@cadsmi13]

Bon Scott and Diamond David Lee Roth all day long

[@marshalldevargas1667]

And Lane Staley.

[@Yoursoulismine814]

Bon had a really unique voice and vocal range. He's inimitable and he was an infinitely clever and funny lyricist. Edge: Bon Scott

[@davidimrie6916]

I would agree.

[@caprise-music6722]

Indeed! He wrote genius lyrics, and had the rock n roll voice to die for. Perfection

[@jamesrobertson432]

Brian is great and Back in Black is their greatest album but the Bon era was the best (a pretty standard answer). Bon is easily their best lyricist (although The Back in Black lyrics are great). If a list of AC/DCs greatest songs was written about half would be from The Bon era and about half from The Brian era even though the Brian era has been far longer (ie the Bon era was a lot more consistent). Both eras offered something different and both Bon and Brian were/are awesome. AC/DC really couldn't have found a better guy to replace Bon than Brian.

[@Clayton139]

Bon Scott for me!

[@olidoffoux9035]

Bon Scott area was the original, after he passed tragicaly away, it still good. But the magic, the origanility and the « acdc way » died a little. Bon was THE acdc singer ; same with Van Halen where Samy did trumendous good job… but it wasn’t VH anymore (even if he was a more gifted singer than Dave).

[@MrJett1971]

For me, it’ll always be Bon. Brian has his moments, but I seriously can’t think of an early AC/DC song of that era that I don’t like, yet there are whole brian-era albums I’d be hard pressed to say the same. For numbers, my MP3 player has more from ‘74-79 than 1980-on.

[@tt55k]

Back in black

[@brendanroberts4866]

Bon Scott was pure Rock, ultimate rock singer

[@cmlgolfmaster]

But did he sound better 🤔??

[@brendanroberts4866]

@@cmlgolfmaster no doubt, johnson was too screechy, maybe trying a little too hard to impress his new employers (he is a lovely guy though, don't mistake)

[@rrdream2400]

@@cmlgolfmaster Bon had an insane sense of humor to his delivery that Johnson does not have and actually no other singer has. Johnson sounds great on Back in Black but not on any of the Bon Scott material I have heard. I saw the Black in Black tour in 1981.

[@davidp7834]

Does Bon Scott sound better?? Listen to the albums in which he sang on, and decide for yourself. Also, listen, side by side, to the Bon Scott songs, that Brian Johnson covered. IMO Scott is definitely the better singer. Johnson sounded like he was forcing it.

[@RogerDonald]

Johnson isn't bad but Scott is amazing.

[@agnostic47]

Is this really a question? Brian Johnson's voice was always a lot of effort and in the last few years was just a joke. Bon Scott all the way.

[@richmorgan244]

Bon Scott's voice had more character.

[@rrdream2400]

yes, and his delivery had a sense of humor like no other singer i can think of

[@SpecialDetermence]

Yes, but i think Brian might be a little better. Butits subjective

[@SpecialDetermence]

@@crazkurtz Hes up there with Lemmy, Bon and Ozzy

[@fifthof1795]

Being an AC/DC fan since '78, I think Brian had a better voice. However I prefer Bon Scott, who was a better front man, more true to life swagger and wrote better lyrics.

[@danielpaquet3963]

as where Brians had none

[@joesoap7125]

Like Brian very much, but Bon Scott was simply the man

[@didds8869]

Thats the general consensus among AccaDacca fans. Glad people give Bon the credit he deserves

[@sideshowlol]

I always loved Bon’s vocals. Didn’t initially like Brian’s vocals on Back in Black because he was so different to Bon. But, of course, I couldn’t help eventually accepting Brian because BIB rocks so hard and and has such great songs. It’s now a favourite Acca Dacca album. Saying that, my absolute favourite Acca Dacca songs are from the Bon era... I think... 🤔

@@sideshowlol - Bon gave AC/DC a unique and special sound. But I just can't picture Bon on vocals for Back In Black. That would almost be comparable to me seeing my wife after we split and seeing her for the first time in years. That actually makes me squirm and feel very uncomfortable.

[@joesoap7125]

Brian is a vocal powerhouse: Back in Black and For Those About to Rock demonstrate that. The man could blow out microphones like they were nothing. However his live performances in early days were not strong. From the period of 1990-2009 Brian's live vocals were much better and sounded absolutely wicked as hell. But there is one thing his voice always lacked (that basically any other singer who took the position would lack) and that was Bons' swagger and charisma which was simply irreplaceable in my opinion both in the studio and on/off the stage

[@thirdday8029]

YEAH BON SCOTT FOREVER.

[@mista2621]

Bonn was an absolute legend and is still missed by Many , His Shoes would have been hard to fill in any circumstance , Brian has been a great find for AC/DC and helped keep Bonn legacy alive . Bonn would be smiling Down on them all

[@marpsr]

Bon is a legend. Best frontman ever. Love Sammy but VH was always Diamond Dave.

[@carlhart9604]

Agree with all of what you said, but, for me greatest front man is Freddie....but it's all taste...

[@douglaszolton8985]

not on his best day.

[@timothycormier3494]

marpsr yeah bon was the best! Shame he didn’t get to enjoy what he built.

[@wartimemodels]

Can’t say he’s best ever or even top 15 (nor do I need to exaggerate in order to give Bon his credit) but I guess it’s all subjective.

[@Strugen.]

@Blah Blob Bon didn't lose his voice after 3 albums

[@glickmpb]

Hands down: Bon. One other thing people dont realize is that Bon was a lyrical genius. I spent many hours with my buddy listening to AC/DC but specifically reading the lyrics. I dont know any other musician who wrote lyrics the way Bon did. He was a genius.

[@danepurciful7164]

Yes, Bon said what I was thinking....

[@peterkokkoris2988]

Totally agree, a great lyricist

[@UmVtCg]

It's not in the lyrics, those are overrated. Most people don't look up lyrics, they just rock out. Fact is this band will sound great with a lot of singers.

[@glickmpb]

@@UmVtCg You clearly dont know anything about music. EVERY bands singer is the face of the band, as well as the voice, and lyrics are a huge part of what people connect with. The fact I even have to explain this means you are several rungs down on the ladder.

[@BCBourgeois]

I've got patches on patches on my old blue jeans. Well they used to be new, they used to be blue. They used to be clean.

[@johnroberts5285]

Bon Scott by a long shot! When he passed on I lost all interest in AC/DC. I know it’s hard to believe, but I had been listening to them since early on. When “ If you want Blood, You’ve got it” came out I was blown away. I guess for me Bon was the essence of the band. Bad Boy Boogie!

[@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691]

Bad Boy Boogie is my fav ACDC tune, and just about as Bon as it gets!

[@TheHesseJames]

@@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691 mine as well. Best singing performance for me is Whole Lotta Rosie though also on the Of You Want Blood which I s the best lol be RnR album ever. It’s just perfect!

[@mirrormundo]

totally agree... AC/DC ended when Bon Scott died...

[@stevep2430]

@@mirrormundo Without Bon , AC/DC would not of got out of Australia, so as far as the Bon VS Brian debate, it would never have existed.

[@caprise-music6722]

If you want blood is a master piece live album

[@kannonmcafee]

I love AC/DC with Brian Johnson, but Bon Scott screaming "High Voltage!" is the best.

[@tysmith_6844]

Laddduhhhsss. ...and snakesss

[@hanzjensen2154]

Bon had the Devils quill, he put the lightning in AC⚡DC

[@hux2000]

'Whole Lotta Rosie' does it every time for me. "Forty-two, thirty-nine, fifty-six - you could say she's got it aaaaaaaaaaaaaaall!!"

[@natebalcerak1659]

@@tysmith_6844 ladduuus give, sssssssnakes take,😜

[@5skov]

put "power age" on, discussion over. Bon is the human version of a JTM45, cranking the hell out of "riff raff" and bluesing the blues out of "gone shootin" and "down payment" - my favorite album, thanks Rick

[@joejurick4263]

Agree 100%

[@Strugen.]

My favorite, just such a pure Rock and Roll album. Their best guitar sound too for me

[@metalupyourass9]

I personally like the 70's AC/DC Groove..AC/DC lost there groove for the most part and went full on hard rock with Brian. Which is also great, but miss the boogie they had in the 70's.

[@maxscardanelli6185]

*'Powerage'. But yes, that's a massively underrated album. It's my personal favourite of the Bon Scott-era. 'Gone Shootin' is also in my top 3 AC/DC riffs of all-time.

[@lances2227]

My favorite album is power age. Best then H.T.H and the rest very close. But Bon Scott AC/DC is best. Back In Black is very good with Brian Johnson. I swear the songs written were by bon...the songs the style and the fact that the band interviews stated they wrote songs on the road.... Hmmmmmmm

[@johndef5075]

If You Want Blood is Bons masterpiece.

[@jayyoung5423]

As a kid I was ac/dc through and through. When Bon died I gave up. Along comes Back in Black...bought the vinyl and put in in the turntable. Instantly I knew all was ok, Brian was the man for this band.. he's done me proud since day one!

[@bourbonyoung6237]

There is no debate. Bon Scott. He was every bit as big as Angus. The ultimate front man.

[@fifthof1795]

I remember a review from 79 describing Angus as a foil to Bon Scott's Lothario ! A difference between the two for me is that after Bon died, you tended to concentrate on Angus, before you looked at them both , sort of equals.

[@your_boy_vesp2981]

nope i think brian all the way

[@fifthof1795]

@@your_boy_vesp2981 I bet you never got to see them gig with Bon.

[@erichoberg3502]

@@fifthof1795 When I was a 10 year old I saw ACDC live as part of a school excursion. They played at the Whyalla Cinema in 1975. It cost us 0.60c and they had the Keystone Angels who went on to be called The Angels as support band. A year earlier my parents took me to see Donavon at the same venue. Those were the days.

[@fifthof1795]

@@erichoberg3502 Unfortunately, not living in London, I only got to see them with Bon Scott once, about two months before he died. I have a friend in London who did manage to see them at the Red Cow pub in Hammersmith, on their first tour here in about 76. That must have been brilliant.

[@arpie100]

when you talk about AC/DC one must never forget the contribution of Malcolm...he created the riffs. Brilliant.

[@glenchapman3899]

Oh he was definitely the secret sauce, and the rest of the band openly admitted that

[@highvolts6620]

It was his band. Miss that guy😢

[@MrBruinman86]

Brian is a great guy, got the job done when they needed him, but it's Hands down Bon Scott. Not even close.

[@benpotaka5893]

Well Bon actually recommended Brian himself so any thing said is mute

[@PickettMusic]

I recognize the love Bon fans have for the late singer...but I just can't relate. For me, Brian is the better and more ferocious singer.

[@boytino2646]

Bon has the range,,,,

[@TheWelcome7]

@@PickettMusic Yeah, but he doesn’t sound right for the stuff Bon originally did, just my opinion of course

[@PickettMusic]

@@boytino2646 Bon has a thin sound, to me. I like the fullness that Brian has.

[@scottblair7441]

Bon Scott hands down..I like Brian Alot but he is not Bon

[@egnbigdave]

THIS.

[@tomupton2399]

They deserve the same respect but the bon scott era was 3 shows, bon, angus and AC/DC as a whole

[@gratao25]

It's not like he's trying to be Bon either

[@M0nTyKe]

How dare you say that against Brian Johnson who was alongside AC\DC for more years than Bon Scott lived? Have some freaking respect dude...

[@egnbigdave]

@@M0nTyKe Because 50% of the albums they have released since Bons Death have been crap. Because 90% of their setlist when they gig is material Bon sang. Bon could growl and Bon could sing the blues. Johnson is a one trick pony. Lovelly guy but not Bon Scott or even close.

[@meanmistermustard1041]

I like both of their voices though I like Bon's more. But what I really liked about Bon was his style and the undertone of fun and mischievousness. Bon never took himself or his words too seriously and that was part of the fun.

[@sniksnak5018]

bon scott of course. what kind of question is this? heretics!

[@Fisky-ww6ee]

snik snak Brian ftw

[@kassemir]

I always loved Bon Scott a little more than Brian Johnson. Something about Scott's delivery and presence on stage. He had a little more snark and sarcasm in there. Every time I look up live footage featuring Scott I get a smile on my face. He always seemed to be having a blast, and it was definitely infectious. He was a great entertainer and had great control over the crowd. Amazing singer and entertainer. Johnson is an amazing singer in his own right, and probably influenced more rock singers up and coming than Scott. But to me. Scott was something special. Scott was almost like an actor when he was singing. Like he was really getting in to the story of the song whether it was Let There Be Rock channeling an American preacher or something like Nightcrawler giving a darker and more gritty vocal performance.

[@peterplanz2310]

When people ask me why I prefer Bon Scott, I tell them that the songs are just “dirtier” to me.

[@stewiegriffin3549]

you’re exactly right he’s more telling a story in those songs

[@thadeckhoff5153]

Jerry Cantrell mortgaged his house to make Boggy Depot.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

Bon Scott rules! When I want to listen to AC/DC it's ALWAYS Bon's AC/DC I go to.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

@justin boughamer He is, it's not a judgement against Brian, but I started listening to AC/DC from when the 1st LP came out and Bon is the sound of AC/DC to me! Brian IS great too.

[@Fisky-ww6ee]

Zelomeister Brian is better but both were good

[@brucewayne7773]

Dude bon Scott was awesome, but brian johnson is a better fit.

[@bradley242]

So you don't listen to their best album back in black?

[@MrStephen182]

Same here.

[@richardsmith2413]

This is a question? Everyone old enough to know better knows Scott is it.

[@fuzzybunnyslippers8155]

I know what you mean. This channel can be silly sometimes.

[@fudhater8592]

Brian can actually sing, Bon sounds like a cartoon character. Bon was a better frontman though.

[@richardsmith2413]

@@fudhater8592 Brian is just screaming. Bon was singing.

[@tonysoto8949]

No question Bon Scott! Absolutely one of the best pure rock vocalist.

[@simonslee73]

Don’t forget Paul D’ianno vs Bruce Dickinson for Iron Maiden, equally polarising

[@calamityjohnny1646]

@@mattfoley6082 "More Cowbell"

[@spongebrainsqueezepants7175]

Yeah, I love the punk-metal feel of the Paul D'ianno work. Bruce Dickinson (great singer too, just ask him, lol) brought the theatrics, both vocal and visual, just in time to go worldwide for MTV and the 80's.

[@ThomasHope73]

Yeah l prefer the Di’anno era myself

[@julian_b]

Bruce is the man

[@tinyb69]

I love the first 2 albums, but Dickinson was absolutely needed to take Maiden to the next level. It also didn't help Di'Anno any, that he was causing friction amongst the rest of the members of the band.

[@PSjustanormalguy]

As an Aussie kid of the 70s, Bon Scott is the stand out best of ACDC. Sure Brian is excellent, but here's no statue of him like Bon has in his home town.

[@InvisibleJiuJitsu]

brian doesn't have one because he's still alive lol it's cool that bon has one back in scotland though

[@whatchatalkinboutwillis9894]

@@InvisibleJiuJitsu He has one in Fremantle Australia too

[@thewedge8823]

thats Because Brian hasn't died yet. was the statue of Bon erected while he was alive? NO. There will be in Dunston, don't worry about that.

[@shanesavoie8141]

That is so fuckin' cool...

[@SuperEdge67]

Yes I’m from Perth, Western Australia Bon’s statue is at the fishing boat harbour in Fremantle.

[@RogerSullivanNOLA]

Unpopular opinion: Brian Johnson. Back in Black is the ultimate comeback album of all time. And the dude still sounds amazing at 73.

[@sastrinidis]

Agreed

[@tt55k]

Agree

[@CarolNeilandscharmbags]

Agreed, and that wasn’t an accident. I made an AC/DC playlist and followed up Highway to Hell with Back in Black. It was the perfect transition.

[@jblglw]

It's unpopular because Brian Johnson was at best a poor man's Bon Scott. I thought he was terrible when I first heard him.

[@roadagain6574]

Brian is great but whenever I hear Jailbreak it's a reminder of why I fell in love with ACDC in the first place, Bon just kills it.

[@pcole11]

Surprised you didn't discuss Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell as well. It was a massive return to form after the disappointing Never Say Die.

[@JeffJefferyUK]

*ucking great call. Those two albums Dio did with Sabbath were IMMENSE!

[@jmonty2005]

NO DOUBT! Mob Rules is equally as killer

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

I think the dio Sabbath kind of got hosed. I think dio is better than lazy, but obviously ozzy has more success.

[@patriotpizzaman]

@@JeffJefferyUK He did three with Sabbath and one with Heaven and Hell that, let's be real here, was Sabbath too. To your point, all of them were immense!

[@TheLordGmoney]

NSD record is BOSS!

[@greggarmin9426]

I’ve met Brian at a couple racetracks and talked with him. I have to say he is humble and welcomes his fans. I respected that racing is his second passion and kept our conversations about racing. Brian and Bon both have their style. Difficult decision.

[@jmonty2005]

Bon was better, but Back in Black is the best sonically recorded/sounding hard rock album of all time. Sounds excellent on any type of system that you could possibly play it on

[@kevgamble]

Sometimes I think that, then I put on Highway to Hell and I'm not so sure.

[@spongebrainsqueezepants7175]

@@kevgamble - Yes, certainly. But Powerage has to be one of their most underrated. It's incredibly raw and emotionally powerful. It has a very "recorded-live" sound for a studio album. (Just listen to Riff Raff or Kicked in the Teeth Again at high volume, lol.) The songwriting overall is not as, let's say, radio friendly as Hwy 2 Hell or later, but it's Bon at his best.

[@spongebrainsqueezepants7175]

@@EbonyPope - I can see your point. I think I have the same visceral connection to the sound, power, and nuance of Bon Scott's voice as you appear to have for Brian Johnson's. I can definitely respect that. And, without offering any judgement one way or the other, I do agree that Thunderstruck would have an entirely different character if sung by Bon. Vive la difference.

[@kevgamble]

@@spongebrainsqueezepants7175 You're right - I love that album, it's one of my top 3 of AC/DC (along with Highway and High Voltage). Very underrated and I love every bit of it.

[@Strugen.]

@sponge Powerage is my favorite. Just a pure Rock and Roll album. I think the guitar sound on it is unmatched

[@thenannymoh]

How did you skip over Dio taking over for Black Sabbath, and what a tour de force Heaven and Hell was?

[@BullMuse]

Came here to say the same thing.

[@NotSoDaftGamecraft]

You must be at least 5' 1" to qualify for this list

[@christophercrowder872]

@@NotSoDaftGamecraft LOL!!!

[@christophercrowder872]

I think the Ozzy to Dio thing often gets overlooked in this conversation because it was two studio albums, a live album, and then parade of other replacement singers (almost all of them for just 1 or 2 albums) before another couple of one offs with both Ozzy and Dio.

[@benfortin3120]

Genesis too......cough cough......

[@ChorusArtists]

Oh my, the unanswerable question... Bon was the superior songwriter, and if the truth be told, he wrote many of the lyrics on BIB. The quality of the band's lyrics/melodies went right in the tank once Bon's old material was used up. Brian is an amazing vocalist, and a wonderful person - but Bon was the real McCoy, and he lived the music. That trumps all, for me.

[@Purpleskyshorizon]

I’m right with you on everything you said. Cheers!

[@Cugelclever]

@@Purpleskyshorizon I agree 100%

[@cocolossal69]

Bon Scott ... no question. He had the voice, the swag and the charisma 💜

[@yfz450rider39]

I'm Bon Scott all the way!!!!!

[@yfz450rider39]

@@SpaceCattttt No, I've been hiding out like Tupac.

[@maxpo787]

I still call Johnson "the new bloke"...

[@ralex3697]

Of course Bon Scott but Brian Johnson is amazing too

[@Chef_Jeff69]

I’m almost 52. The first album I ever purchased was “Powerage”. I was in 4th grade and paid $5.98. I remember because my mom wouldn’t give me any money to buy it. I saved up somehow. “Powerage” is still my favorite AC/DC album. I prefer the Bon Scott era. Having said that, “Back In Black” is with out question, their greatest album. One of the greatest rock albums ever in fact. Love it. I love Brian, but post “Back in Black”, I don’t have the love I do for the Bon era. I remember hearing he had died while waiting for the school bus. Back then I had a little Sanyo ghetto blaster. Coincidentally, we were listening to “Highway To Hell” at the bus stop when the news of Bon’s death came through. I was crushed. 11 years old, and crushed. Still remember that day. AC/DC was my first favorite band. Kiss was the rage back then. I never cared for Kiss, I was an AC/DC kid when every other kid was in the Kiss Army.

[@midnightflyer7510]

Coincidentally, I turned 52 yesterday, but yeah, Bon is the man! However, I didn’t discover him til after wearing out my Back in Black album. That was/is a monster album but, remember, they released Dirty Deeds right after BiB here in the US. I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on cause it was so different, but after hearing Bon on DDDDC, I went back and bought all the Bon records at my local record store. “Let There Be Rock”and “Powerage” were/are awesome but my favorite to this day is, “If You Want Blood.” That live record never gets old, ever! It’s funny, before BiB, I was a huge Eagles fan and a lot of bands in that genre, but after hearing AC/DC, I gravitated toward increasingly heavier rock and metal. I still consider AC/DC the greatest hard rock ‘n’ roll blues band of all time!

[@Chef_Jeff69]

@@midnightflyer7510 agreed about “If You Want Blood”. Love that. My buddy had an older Brother, we were about 10 or 11, and his brother was in High School. He had a big record collection. He made me a Cassette copy of his Import copy of “Dirty Deeds”. So, technically that was my first album, as I had that before I purchased “Powerage”. Acquired both around late ‘78 or early ‘79. I used to record concerts from the radio. I’m grew up in Seattle, and KISW played live shows on Friday nights back then. I had a couple really good live recordings of Bon era AC/DC.

[@midnightflyer7510]

@@Chef_Jeff69 Yeah, I remember recording off the radio! One of the last ones I remember recording was The Who’s farewell tour concert in ‘82. I would’ve loved to have captured a Bon Scott concert! I don’t suppose you still have the cassette? I know very little like that from my youth survived to today. Trouble is, even if you physically still have them, the tape in the cassettes often turns brittle. My prized Sound Garden and Alice In Chains cassettes from the ‘90’s are even unplayable now. Worst of all, a few tapes from my first band Rattan in the early ‘80’s survived all my relocations but I’m afraid to even try playing them. I’m fairly certain they will brake or unwind into a birds nest in the player! I also had bad luck storing my extensive vinyl collection in my grandmother’s basement including all my original AC/DC albums. In only two years they were damaged by the warping moisture down there. Such a stupid move! Well, thanks for sharing that. Brings back some good memories. Peace🙏🏼🤟

[@fifthof1795]

Same here, I was 18 when he died and I'd seen them gig just 9 weeks before. I was crushed too. My eyes were sore that night.

[@tinmanjones4729]

I'm 52 also. My first AC/DC was "If You Want Blood, You Got It" and I thought Bon was incredibly good on it, and it was such a rowdy-sounding live album. It wasn't long after I purchased this album that "H to H" came out and I bought that and then I started noticing the other AC/DC albums that had the "IYWBYGI" songs on them and I got "Let There Be Rock" and so on and so on. I prefer Bon, as well.

[@shanesavoie8141]

Bon was too good to last as long as Brian. You can't burn that hot forever.

[@mangusmusic604]

I prefer Bon, but they were really great with Brian. Shoot to thrill was fantastic, but it's a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll.

[@fifthof1795]

Shoot to Thrill lyrics were written by Bon.

[@okyggtty]

That whole album was written by Bon.

[@thomasandersen1784]

No doubt in hell, it's Bon Scott. Brian J. only has one way to sound, where Bon S. is capable of so much more in his voicing. Cheers from Denmark

[@your_boy_vesp2981]

sorry but im all for brian

[@azimuth361]

That's a really good point. Whether it's Shoot to Thrill or Let Me Put My Love Into You, Brian has one mode. Bon could belt it out on Highway to Hell, then croon on Ride On.

[@dindixie]

Thomas Kirkega, exactly!

[@your_boy_vesp2981]

@@dindixie its not exactly, ive heard brian with more range then bon, look up geordie goodbye love 1975 and see how different brian sounds

[@dindixie]

@@your_boy_vesp2981 Yes, Brian does sound very different and much better with Geordie. But with ACDC he does that terrible strained almost monotone rock scream. Bon had a much more quirky character to his voice. Prime example is Dirty Deeds. Brian does sound much better with Geordie, but to me the variety and character Bon used with ACDC makes him my favorite far and away. It's not simply power or range, it's something much more. ACDC had more range of shading, timbre, attitude and expression with Bon.

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Bon. I’m a Bon guy because I became entranced with AC/DC in about 79-81 hearing Highway, and the loads of hits. Bon’s nuanced inflection laden delivery was like very few and just drew you in, made you laugh, sometimes cry. Brian referred to him as a rock n roll poet. He was. Bon was a poet. His lyrics were smart, clever, albeit raunchy. He clearly searched for, and found, the best words to complete the thought, very few throw away lines. Bon was a good time guy (leaving wreckage in his wake). Musically, Such a tragic loss. Brian was great as well. His raw power on the first 2 albums was legendary. (His voice was never the same). Still his delivery and timing was spot on. And B&B is still, I believe, top 5 best sellers all time. Survey says: Bon. IMHO....! Ha!

[@aaronbirtig]

Bon was way more unique and much better and could sing the blues.

[@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691]

Yep. Brian is just adequate. Bon is the soul.

[@crazytadventures9052]

Bon Scott and David Lee by far! I loved how their personality and humor showed through in their music. It was almost like they were having a real good time and were not extremely manufactured.

[@rrdream2400]

you said it, personality and sense of humor

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

Exactly. Bon and Diamond Dave had that certain kind of charisma that make the very best frontmen.

[@johnabbott3680]

Hey Rick, nice work man with the vids. For me Bon Scott. He was funny too. I'm surprised "high Voltage" didn't feature in your "best debut albums" video.

[@gaffer2602]

Was that the international debut?

[@elitecombatfitnesscentral6170]

Both have their place in AC/DC

[@geotechmore8855]

Yeah I agree.. If Bon lived longer he would be the proper singer for AC/DC.. Bon saw Brian sing once at a show and Bon thought that Brian was an awesome singer.. So I think it's fitting and proper that he took over vocal duties for AC/DC after Bon passed.. Bon would be happy that Brian took over vocal duties.. It's just right.. 👍

[@jimyoung9262]

This right here.

[@HaraldEngels]

True :-)

[@dancollins8296]

Well said....both are great...

[@Zelomeisterdude]

Sammy vs Dave? They both sound good, but Van Halen with Sammy sounds 'generic;' with Dave, they're special.

[@doublestrokeroll]

A large part of that I think is Eddie's tone. He went on a very processed search for guitar tone. A lot of the "hair" that was on the earlier guitar tone disappeared.

[@darwinsaye]

I agree Sammy sounds somewhat generic, but with him VH had a serious rock sound. Dave made them too much of a clown band, doing cheesy cover songs and vocally silly originals.

[@sirkayda7205]

Sam = actual songs. Dave = lounge singing over riffs

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

Van Halen with Dave was something really new, while later in the 80ies many bands influenced by VH appeared on the scene. So, of course, this makes the Sammy stuff seem some kind of generic. But I don't think it really is.

[@sirkayda7205]

@@ChrisTian-rm7zm - The Sam stuff is actual musical melodic material.

[@ltr9698]

very pleased for the love given to Black Gives Way to Blue. Even with a grammy nomination, I think this century's AIC is underrated. Jerry Cantrell is a genius

[@PikkaBird]

Oh yeah... But while I agree with Rick that the production on the album was great, Ted Jensen's mastering murders all dynamics. This record, along with Death Magnetic, also mastered by Jensen, are often cited as the pinnacle aggressors in the loudness wars and I hope a remaster will come along some day.

[@visionlandmusic]

Bon Scott.

[@jascoplumbingsupply4224]

I like David lee Roth . And love these discussion videos. Thanks Rick!!

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Oh, please don't laugh... I liked all three although I won't say Gary was in the same class as the other two. Dave gave them the early attitude and sex appeal they needed, but he was undisciplined and didn't mature like Sammy has. Sammy gave them right now and when it's love when they needed it. I'm sorry... Dave's a wreck now...

[@jeffhays3845]

Rick, I love your show. This was exceptional. I love Bon. Totally respect Brian and the work he did. But Bon was the real deal as an ACDC front man. Wow. And having to pick a top ten from the band's catalog of monster rock riffs is impossible. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be live on If You Want Blood is special for me. Thank you Rick Beato! :)

[@aldito7586]

I believe that Rick knows very well that Bon Scott blows Brian Johnson right out of the water. He has to make a video. And there has to be a title. So this is the video and this is the title...

[@aprilrichardson3123]

BON scott is the best singer ACDC WILL EVER HAVE

[@wezacker6482]

Almost like 2 different bands. 2 very great bands. Bon Scott is my favorite, but Brian is ill-treated being compared to Bon all of the time. He went on to do some great stuff with AC/DC too. Bon never had to sing Brian Johnson songs, so let's give Brian some credit. :)

[@curtissmith9271]

Bon Scott did it better Johnson's ok but no Bon Scott...

[@Customwinder1]

Brian stepped up and has been there for a long time.

[@tgrules565]

I've literally just been to BonFest! A festival in Bon Scott's home town of Kirriemuir, Scotland. Bon is a legitimate legend!

[@martinda7446]

Anyone who says Brian simply wasn't alive in 1979.

[@spongebrainsqueezepants7175]

Haha, right on, man.

[@whatchatalkinboutwillis9894]

@M Via Flick of the Switch is Great

[@animaldays2]

M Via flick of the switch can be compared to their best. I’ve heard it called the Brian era Powerage, those two might just be their best records. The first three Brian albums are stellar and there’s good moments on Fly on the Wall which was plagued with shotty production, and even great moments on the criminally underrated Ballbreaker. Their prime was ‘77 to ‘83 no doubt, take another listen to the first two Bon records and there’s plenty of filler there and they hadn’t quite hit their groove yet. Still good but not great.

[@whatchatalkinboutwillis9894]

@@animaldays2 Bedlam in Belguim Yeeaaahhhhhhh but Powerage is still better -Love it even more - I love all the Bon stuff -I love Dirty deeds Very Much

[@martinda7446]

@@animaldays2 Well that's just how things are, you like something - or you don't so much. I can't listen to any of the Brian era and think the first albums (High Voltage, TNT, Let There Be Rock etc.) are light years ahead of anything Brian was involved with. Just like you AC/DC post Bon was good, just not great...for me only. Edit: That sounds a bit rude on re-read, I didn't mean it that way, I just saying it's personal preference - Some people don't like Beethoven! And you can't deny the genius there. It's also a tough comeback when a band lose their front man, esp one like Bon. I remember saying it was all over at the time...maybe I believed my own words.

[@larrymackerethjr.3812]

Although I believe that Brian Johnson was a good fit and a hell of a good fella, in terms of sound of voice and my ability to understand what he’s singing, it’s Bon clearly. Not even close in that regard. Not a put down towards Brian though I wanna make that clear. Brian was a great replacement even though most of his words I cannot decipher. I love Brian’s tv shows on cars and I bet he would be a lot of fun to hang out with. As a pure singer, Bon is amongst the best in the genre I believe

[@markschattefor6997]

As far as I know It was Bon who mentioned Brian would be a great singer for the band.

[@elonmush4793]

source?

[@Muddbruv]

Google it, it's well known acdc trivia.

[@maxscardanelli6185]

Yeah, it's true.

[@phillsmith9255]

Yep, I've seen an interview with Angus where he says Bon saw Brian singing with his band 'Geordie' and said that he would be a great singer for AC/DC if anything happened to him (bon).

[@pamelaciccanti6154]

Elon Mush angus told the story in an interview once. True ac dc fans know it

[@gahrie]

There's a reason we fans created the term Van Haggar to describe Van Halen with Sammy as the lead singer. It's because they are two very different bands playing different music in a different way, and both are great.

[@aafjeyakubu5124]

Definitely two different styles. I liked both the Hagar and Roth iterations of the band. They both cranked out some epic music, just creatively and stylistically different.

[@fredwerza3478]

They shoulda renamed the band to "Van Haggard" --- cuz to the fans it was only Van Halen when DLR was in it

[@replaceablehead]

Brian is a good singer, plenty of personality, and technique. But Bon had an uncanny ability to "act" out his lyrics and that is just something that is so much harder than singing on pitch. I guess it's the "delivery". Chrissy Amphlett had it, Iggy Pop has it, Ozzie. But it's actually not that common in heavy rock genres, it's something you hear more often in Art Rock and more... pretentious genres. Think of guys like Brain Eno and David Byrne who have that "acting" ability in spades. I think you have to be kind of smart to be able to do it. Watch the way Bon gestures and the facial expressions. Brian has a few moves and good energy, but Bon is like a full on mime artist, its like he's in a silent play, he's acting out every lyric like Charlie freakin Chaplin. He sings the way Patrick Stewart talks, and he moves the way Chalie Chaplin moves, it's no mystery why the end result is total magic.

[@caseymurrow4681]

There is no way that Sammy could’ve brought the energy Dave did to Van Halen. VH was a completely different band after Dave left. Not necessarily saying Sammy was bad, he just had a completely different energy going on.

[@iamtuckalicious]

Casey Murrow sometimes better singing is the better way to go though, Roth sucked so bad live.....

[@UKSportsFan]

Sammy and Van Halen ventured into a mall scene crowd, and started trying to put out pop top 40 rock ballad type songs. The original line-up with Dave on the first 6 albums are what made the man what they are.

[@caseymurrow4681]

Temporary Rare I won't disagree with you there! Lol

[@brianparkman8183]

Hagar for me. Just a better band with him IMO.

[@johnvcougar]

In the studio, maybe. Sammy's live stuff with VH is pretty disappointing .

[@fhqwhgads1670]

@@johnvcougar did you SEE the 1984 tour? -I did. Dave COMPLETELY phoned it in. I have seen videos of earlier tours where Dave was goddamn amazing, but by the end he was complete crap. When the 5150 tour came around, they were on freaking FIRE. Sammy literally hanging from the lights and having a BLAST and sounding so goddamn good.

[@williamzoom9200]

Bon Scott had the schmaltz, Brian had the blues; no one knew what they were gonna do, but Malcolm had the news - he said...

[@JJhumanbeing1st]

Richard said it best, 'Not better, just different'.

[@wizmos74]

Great answer !

[@garrettjohnson97]

Brian Johnson is a true gem and he helped AC/DC see success they never had but Bon Scott’s voice is as hard rock as it goes

[@ChorusArtists]

The lyrics WERE all written for BIB before Bon died. He was celebrating the completion of the lyrics when he died. That ain't no "theory" buddy, it's a confirmed fact. That lyric notebook was secured by the bands management and the rest is false history.

[@9unslin9er]

"Tell me why you like Sammy." "Because he can actually sing."

[@coinraker6497]

"Tell me why you like Van Halen better than Van Hagar" "Because Van Halen is kick ass rock with an attitude and wicked sense of humor. Van Hagar is gumdrops and lollipops.

[@Fuq2]

Sammy doesn't have the soul for it

[@rrdream2400]

Sammy can sing but he seemed to screech at the top of his range a lot in Van Halen. He didn't do that in Montrose or on his solo hits that I've heard.

[@bluebandit1281]

It's true. It's even in the VH1 documentary. DLR can't carry a tune in a 50 gallon drum. While I enjoy their studio albums and he was a talented lyricist.... he totally sucked live and relied on stage antics for his live shows. Not worth the ticket costs to me.

[@rrdream2400]

@@bluebandit1281 saw them open for Black Sabbath in '78 and headline in '79 and Dave was on. He sang more and talked less. He did get like a Vegas act after a while but he can carry a tune and there was nothing like the VHI and VHII tours. The entire band was smokin and playing many of their best tunes

[@fila6243]

Bon Scott is like having a cool old rusty muscle car. Brian johnson is like having a brand new bandit trans am.

[@jamesjohnson8422]

And both gave strong contributions to AC/DC

[@aussie92]

perfect expression bon and Brian would read this comment and laugh spot on man

[@mattcrowell5875]

FR tho

[@gregc2467]

Or ,Bon =Honda Fireblade,Brian =Kawasaki Ninja H2R

[@fila6243]

@@gregc2467 hmm a bit k pop but okay lol

[@johnkirkman2849]

Bon Scott has more of a blue's sound

[@englishrose4562]

They are both wonderful, talented singers. I love them both. Sometimes I’m in the mood for Bon, sometimes Brian. They are both just incredible people.

[@thechapelperilous]

That’s the answer

[@jimorocks]

Bon Scott - David Lee Roth! Hands down!

[@theblueangel1973]

Bon Scott, David Diamond 💎 Lee Roth, Paul Rodgers AND Layne Stayley!!!!

[@jchis9852]

Although I've always said that "Back In Black" was one of, if not, the greatest comeback albums ever, I'm going with Bon. Bon Scott epitomized rock and roll. Bon sang, whereas Brian Johnson screams.

[@calebknott8021]

Who I like the music of better: Dave Bon Scott Layne Staley Who I think is a better singer: Sammy Brian Johnson Layne Staley