Key takeaways
- Scott Ian’s favorite is AC/DC from the Bon Scott era, as he explained in a video shared on YouTube.
- First AC/DC song Ian heard was “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” from the 1978 album Powerage.
- Anthrax’s vocal style was influenced by Ian’s admiration for Bon Scott’s ability to sing rather than only scream or growl.
- Missed concert Ian regrets not seeing AC/DC with Bon Scott in New York before Scott’s death.
Scott Ian’s favorite band is AC/DC with Bon Scott, and his account explains how the band shaped his musical taste and influenced Anthrax.
A video shared by the official Bon Scott YouTube channel features the Anthrax guitarist discussing the music he returns to most and the band’s impact on his own group.
When Did Scott Ian Hear AC/DC for the First Time?
Scott Ian first heard AC/DC in junior high in the late 1970s, when a friend brought the 1978 album Powerage to a school listening session. The first song he heard was the album’s opening track, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation.”
Ian’s first AC/DC song was “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” from Powerage. He recalled listening to music with friends on one of their boomboxes and being struck by Bon Scott’s voice.
“[Scott’s] voice came in and immediately I remember stopping the tape and saying, ‘What’s up with that singer?’ I’d never heard anything like it before. The one of his voice and the energy in his voice,” Ian reflected.
After school, Ian went to a record store to explore more AC/DC. He was especially captivated by Scott’s singing voice, which sounded to him like what he had always imagined a pirate would sound like.
Ian’s missed AC/DC concert remains one of his biggest regrets: he did not have enough money for tickets when the band played in New York in support of Highway to Hell while Bon Scott was alive.
Ian expected AC/DC to return to New York, but Scott died before he could see the band. “I just figured, well they’ll be back. Every band comes to New York like three times on an album seemingly, so I figured I would just get to see ’em six months later. And six months later, Bon was dead. So I was really kicking myself then,” he shared.
How Did AC/DC Influence Anthrax?
AC/DC influenced Anthrax’s preference for a vocalist who could sing, rather than relying mainly on screaming, growling or grunting. Scott Ian said the band wanted a singer whose vocal style suited their music.
Anthrax’s vocal approach reflected the group’s interest in Bon Scott’s singing. Ian noted that some thrash metal bands had frontmen whose voices were more comparable to Lemmy Kilmister, while clarifying that he also admired that style.
“Bon was definitely a part of that influence certainly of wanting to have a guy that could sing, not just scream or growl or grunt. We wanted a singer,” Ian said.
Why Is AC/DC Scott Ian’s Favorite Band of All Time?
Scott Ian praises AC/DC for its sense of humor, its lack of self-importance and its apparent disregard for what other people think. He identifies the band specifically with Bon Scott when naming his favorite music.
Ian’s favorite music is AC/DC with Bon Scott, a distinction he makes when asked to name his favorite band. His choice refers to that particular era of the group.
“I always have to preface it, when I get asked that question, ‘What’s your favorite band?’ And I say ‘AC/DC with Bon.’ That moment in time, that’s my favorite music to listen to ever,” he asserted.
READ MORE: Scott Ian Says This Is the ‘Greatest Anthrax Song’ in History
The full Scott Ian video is below.
Anthrax’s Scott Ian Names His Favorite Band of All Time
The gallery below lists the best hard rock album for each year since 1970, including where AC/DC appears in the selection.
Which Hard Rock Albums Were Chosen for Each Year Since 1970?
The gallery presents the selected best hard rock albums year by year, starting in 1970.
Each entry pairs a year with a hard rock album selected for that year.
The gallery reviews the best hard rock albums year by year, beginning in 1970.
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
What song did Scott Ian hear first by AC/DC?
Scott Ian first heard “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation”, the opening track on AC/DC’s 1978 album Powerage.
How did Bon Scott influence Anthrax?
Bon Scott influenced Anthrax’s desire for a vocalist who could sing, rather than only scream, growl or grunt.
Which AC/DC era is Scott Ian’s favorite?
Scott Ian’s favorite AC/DC era is the period featuring Bon Scott.
