The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Bonfest 2017
Kirriemuir, April 28-30
A small Angus town will be transformed into one of rock music’s most revered venues for the weekend as Bonfest 2017 kicks off.
Today marks the 11th anniversary of the rock music festival in honour of AC/ DC’s Bon Scott. It takes place in the Aussie rocker’s Scottish hometown of Kirriemuir.
Headliners include former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd and Hayseed Dixie.
They will be joined by the likes of Stinger, Snappin’ Turtles, Screaming Eagles, Solar Sons, AC/DC UK and Dave Arcari.
Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott went down in history as the definitive rock frontman during six years with the Australian outfit, before his tragic death aged 33.
Born in Forfar, he was raised in Kirriemuir, before moving to Melbourne with his family in 1952 at the age of six.
Back in 2006 it was decided that a memorial day should be held featuring live music in order to commemorate the unveiling of a plaque in Bon Scott’s honour.
It sparked a movement which has grown immensely throughout the past decade, culminating in last year’s erection of a statue to the famous rock star in the Angus town.
Graham Galloway of festival organisers DD8 says it is clear there is worldwide interest in celebrating Bon Scott’s links with Kirrie.
“The festival has gone from one day and now is held over three days,” he says.
“The unveiling of the statue last year on our 10th anniversary was a fantastic occasion. It was a great four years that we put into getting the statue.
“The festival is the highlight of the year in Kirrie and people come from 27 countries across the world.”
For this year’s gathering visitors are said to be travelling from Chile, Australia, America and Canada.
It starts today at 12.30pm with the unveiling of a new information board at the statue.
The local museum is also showing extra memorabilia for the festival.
“There’s all kinds of bands playing – not just AC/DC tribute bands – there’s classic rock, metal, blues, punk and rock ‘n’ roll,” says Graham.
“There will also be a flat-bed truck with a band playing going through the town so there’s quite a buzz right through the weekend.
Among the venues taking part are the Thrums, Kirriemuir town hall, The Cairie, The Roods and The Ogilvy, as well as the Bon Scott Statue car park and a big top tent at East Muirhead of Logie Farm.
With 39 bands playing in total, this will be a weekend that lovers of rock will not want to miss.