A new exhibition of AC/DC music memorabilia which commemorates Bon Scott’s last album Highway to Hell has been unveiled in his home town.
The Gateway to the Glens museum is marking the 40th anniversary of the classic album before the annual celebration of Kirriemuir’s favourite rock son.
The UK’s biggest collector of AC/DC memorabilia has contributed to the exhibition and will be returning to Kirriemuir during the Bonfest weekend on May 3 to 5.
Neil McDonald, who is originally from Glasgow, has a collection, built over a lifetime, of albums, posters, rare cassettes and even a Christmas card from Bon Scott.
He said: “Highway to Hell was the first AC/DC LP to really break the USA, and paved the way for greater success worldwide in the future.
“Sadly, however, it turned out to be Bon’s last album before he tragically died on February 19 1980. I remember vividly the Highway To Hell UK Tour.
“This was the first time I visited London to see AC/DC supporting The Who along with Nils Lofgren and The Stranglers at Wembley Stadium on August 18 1979.
“I stayed with relatives in London for a few days and, as well as going to the concert which was brilliant, I had a great time seeking out all the independent record shops in the city trying to find some of the hidden treasures.
“It was during a visit to one such shop that I came across a 10-inch one-sided ‘Master Room’ acetate single for the track Touch Too Much which was taken from the LP Highway To Hell.
“It was housed in an inconspicuous 12-inch ‘Master Room’ sleeve. At the time I had no idea what an acetate was, but after a lot of deliberation, I decided to buy it.
“The cost was £15 which was a lot of money for a teenager in 1979.
“However I never regretted my purchase and I am delighted to be able to exhibit it, for the very first time, at the Gateway to the Glens Museum along with many other very special pieces of AC/DC memorabilia.”
Neil has been a fan of the rocker since the 1970s and was keen his collection should go on show in Scott’s home town.
The first time he met Scott he was standing outside the Glasgow Apollo in 1978 before a concert.
He was carrying the last tour programme when Scott drew up in a car. He asked Scott to sign it, which he did.
Neil asked if he would take it inside and get the other guys to sign it as well.
Scott asked him to come inside and ask them himself and he ended up meeting the band.
Neil said finding the Touch Too Much rarity was just one of many great memories from the Highway to Hell tour.
“I will be available at the museum on the Bonfest weekend to talk to the visitors about all the items on display – and the stories behind acquiring them,” he added.
AC/DC fans from across the globe are setting their sights on the Angus town for the 2019 Bonfest over the first weekend in May.
