“This was my introduction to AC/DC and the wonder that is Bon Scott and his unique singing voice. When I was about seven I was on a Winnebago trip with my mom and dad. We were driving to the Grand Canyon. We pulled over somewhere while my mom went to a store or the bathroom, and my dad said: ‘Hey, check this out.’ And he puts on Big Balls. He was laughing so hard, which made me laugh so hard. Dad loved that song. Every time he heard the bit where Bon goes: ‘Ooooh…’ he just cracked up.
“Dirty Deeds is such a great album. It’s the one that cemented my love of AC/DC. The title song is fantastic – I love the solo where Angus just hammers on. And Problem Child was always a real big song for me."
"Brian Johnson is a wonderful human being and an incredible singer, but there’s just something about Bon Scott. He’s got that sleazy, amazing voice that could just never be replicated. That really resonated with me and my dad.
“I only got to meet them as a band once, on the Black Ice tour. It was a huge honour, especially to meet Malcolm Young. Malcolm was always my favourite member. I see myself as a rhythm guitar player first and foremost, and he’s the greatest rhythm guitar player ever. The groove that man had was untouchable. He was the backbone that made AC/DC what it was.”
Wolfgang Van Halen was speaking with Dave Everley.