RISING local star Lee Tiger Halley has landed the role of Bon Scott in a film about the singer’s turbulent early life in Fremantle.

The Kid from Harvest Road will be shot entirely in Fremantle and focus on Scott’s troubled but creative teenage years in the 1960s, long before he became lead singer of AC/DC and went on to enjoy global success.

”I was truly inspired by his charismatic character, but what interested me most was his early life, not the caricature we all know on stage,” says Stephen Belowsky, who co-wrote The Kid from Harvest Road.

“The teen who walked the streets of Fremantle… this is a love letter to Fremantle and Bon reimagined through the eyes of the author.”

Scott will be played by Fremantle lad Lee Tiger Halley, who recently enjoyed breakout success as August “Gus” Bell in the Netflix coming-of-age mini-series Boy Swallows Universe. 

Ironically the 18-year-old studied drama at John Curtin College of the Arts, where Scott once attended before dropping-out aged 15.

Halley has appeared in the award-winning children’s series Crazy Fun Park, and his model-like looks are on the front cover of Honeybee, a novel written by Freo-based author Craig Silvey. 

Producer Tim Duffy says Halley was their first choice for the role, because he had the same “magnetism” as Scott.

“Writer Stephen Belowsky has done a deep dive on most of the available materials on Bon Scott, but has also taken a few artistic liberties to capture the essence and evolution of Ronald ‘Bon’ Scott,” Duffy told the Chook.

“His early life on the streets of Freo was particularly interesting, because it shows all the threads that eventually wove into the artist and character we came to love and admire as Bon Scott.

“Stephen [Belowsky has always been an AC/DC fan and has been writing various versions of the story for many years.

Turbulent

“Locations include the old port, the streets of the old town and certain iconic period appropriate houses and buildings.”

Scott’s teenage years were colourful: In 1963 he spent a short time in Fremantle Prison’s assessment centre and nine months at the Riverbank Juvenile Institution for various crimes including escaping legal custody, having unlawful carnal knowledge and stealing 12 gallons of petrol.

He also attempted to join the Australian Army, but was rejected for being “socially maladjusted”.

But it was also a time of great creativity – he formed his first band The Spektors, which later became The Valentines. 

The film will be directed by co-writer David Vincent Smith and production is slated to start early next year with “no objection from Scott’s estate.”

And just for the record – Duffy and Belowsky’s favourite AC/DC track is Whole Lotta Rosie.

News of the movie was met with excitement by Hells Bells, WA’s longest-running AC/DC tribute band.

Founder and rhythm guitarist Mal Osborne hopes the film shines a light on the real Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott and answers some questions about his formative years.

“Why did his family move to Australia in 1952 at the age of six? How was life in immigration centres at the time? What helped shape him into becoming a rebel without a cause? How did he see his role as a drummer and back up singer in his early bands, The Spektors, The Valentines and Fraternity?” Osborne says

“He was a comedian, entertainer, depressive, as well as a prodigious drug-taker, serial womaniser (he once visited two women giving birth to his children in the same hospital at the same time) heroic punch-happy drunk, poetic lyric writer.

“A man who loved the company of strangers yet yearned for a simpler life with the love of his life. 

“How did Bon reconcile his true self with what was expected of him as his larger-than-life persona took over? What degree did this affect his risk taking that led to that fateful night?”

Tragically, Scott died in 1980 aged 33 from acute alcohol poisoning in London.

Osborne says Scott was a one-of-a-kind personality in the world of rock and roll, and will be remembered as one of the great frontmen.

“His ability to write poetry with cheeky double entendre meanings, raspy voice, and unforgettable stage presence made him a legend in the music industry,” he says.

“Bon embodied rebellion, charisma, and a devil-may-care attitude that endeared him to fans around the world.

“He was labled ‘socially maladjusted’ and had a reputation for living life on the edge.

“He might take care of your schoolyard bully for a couple of bucks (dirty deeds, done dirt cheap) or he might steal your girlfriend when you’re not looking, or would he?”

Osborne says Problem Child, sang by Scott on the album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, is probably his favourite AC/DC song to play.

“It comes in early like a quick left and is just so dynamic.

“..that is the feel of AC/DC – flat to the floor, take no prisoners.”

If you can’t wait until the movie comes out, then get your AC/DC fix when Hells Bells play the Gosnells Hotel on March 28.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK