In the late 1970s, the rock world was ablaze with legendary acts pushing the boundaries of sound, stagecraft, and sheer attitude.

Among the most electrifying personalities of that era was Bon Scott, the iconic frontman of AC/DC, whose gravelly voice and rebellious spirit helped define hard rock.

In a rare candid interview, Bon Scott shared his thoughts on his band’s upcoming American tour alongside two other giants of the time: Kiss and Rush.

His reflections offer not only a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of rock royalty but also reveal the respect and curiosity that fueled these bands’ creative energies.

Bon Scott began by recounting the challenges of recording and touring in Australia, the band’s home turf.

“He was a difficult man to find in Australia when they’re out there recording,” Scott said, referring to the elusive nature of the music scene back home.

AC/DC had just wrapped up an album, which was still in flux, with some tracks being tweaked and perfected.

Alongside studio work, the band was also preparing a live album, compiling performances from various concerts including those in Glasgow and Florida.

This blend of studio polish and live rawness was a hallmark of AC/DC’s sound.

But the real excitement was brewing overseas.

“We’re going back there in a couple of weeks for a tour with Kiss, supporting Kiss, and a band called Rush,” Bon revealed.

The prospect of sharing the stage with such high-profile acts was both thrilling and daunting.

For AC/DC, this was a chance to break into the American market more aggressively, riding the wave of hard rock’s growing popularity.

Bon Scott’s admiration for Kiss was palpable.

He recalled seeing them live in London the previous year and described their performance as “quite spectacular.” Kiss, known for their theatrical makeup, pyrotechnics, and larger-than-life personas, were the epitome of rock showmanship.

The contrast between AC/DC’s gritty, no-nonsense style and Kiss’s flamboyant spectacle promised to make the tour an unforgettable experience for fans.

Scott’s curiosity extended to the band members themselves, particularly Gene Simmons, the enigmatic bassist.

“See the guy that, what’s his name… the bass player from Kiss? Carl? No, Carl… Tell me the bass player’s name from Kiss,” he mused, playfully fumbling the name.

“He’s a popular guy, isn’t he? Carl came along to one of our shows at the Whiskey in Hollywood.

” This anecdote highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect among rock musicians, despite their differing styles and images.

The inclusion of Rush on the tour added another layer of intrigue.

Known for their complex musicianship, progressive rock influences, and philosophical lyrics, Rush represented a different facet of rock music from the raw power of AC/DC and the theatricality of Kiss.

Bon Scott acknowledged Rush’s reputation with a knowing nod: “You might have heard of them out there.”

Touring with Rush meant AC/DC would be exposed to audiences who appreciated technical skill and intricate compositions.

This juxtaposition of styles—AC/DC’s hard-driving riffs, Kiss’s visual extravagance, and Rush’s cerebral complexity—created a dynamic lineup that promised to appeal to a broad spectrum of rock fans.

The upcoming tour was set to cover about 12 dates, mixing support slots with Kiss and co-headlining shows with UFO, another respected band of the era.

For Bon Scott and AC/DC, this was a pivotal moment.

Breaking into the American market was notoriously difficult for Australian bands, but sharing the bill with Kiss and Rush offered a golden opportunity.

Scott’s comments hinted at the logistical and artistic challenges of such a tour.

Balancing their own identity while complementing the headliners required finesse.

AC/DC’s straightforward, high-energy rock had to stand out without overshadowing or clashing with the other acts.

The tour was not just about playing music; it was about positioning themselves in a competitive and rapidly evolving rock landscape.

Throughout the interview, Bon Scott’s tone was both reflective and enthusiastic.

He recognized the spectacle of Kiss and the musicianship of Rush, but he remained grounded in AC/DC’s core ethos: raw, honest rock and roll.

This balance between admiration and self-assurance was key to the band’s enduring appeal.

Scott’s playful confusion over Gene Simmons’s name also humanized the rock star image.

Despite the mythic status of these bands, they were still people—musicians navigating fame, friendship, and artistic ambition.

The shared experiences of touring, performing, and creating forged bonds that transcended the stage personas.

Looking back, this tour marked a significant chapter in rock history.

AC/DC’s rise alongside Kiss and Rush helped define the sound and style of late 70s and early 80s rock.

Each band brought something unique: AC/DC’s thunderous riffs and working-class grit, Kiss’s visual spectacle and fan engagement, and Rush’s intellectual depth and technical prowess.

Bon Scott’s insights from this period remind us of the vibrant, sometimes chaotic world behind the music.

It was a time of bold experimentation, fierce competition, and unforgettable performances.

The tour was more than a series of concerts; it was a convergence of rock legends shaping the future of the genre.

Bon Scott’s reflections offer a window into a golden era of rock music.

His excitement about touring with Kiss and Rush captures the energy and optimism of a band on the rise.

The interplay between different styles and personalities created a rich tapestry that continues to influence musicians today.

As fans, we are lucky to glimpse these moments through interviews and recordings.

Bon Scott’s words remind us that rock is not just about sound—it’s about connection, passion, and the relentless pursuit of expression.

The tour with Kiss and Rush was a milestone that showcased the best of what rock could be: loud, proud, and unapologetically alive.