MELVILLE’S mayor will invite Aussie rock icons AC/DC for an official visit City as part of their Perth tour dates in December in an effort to commemorate legendary frontman Bon Scott. 

Scott, who “spent part of his youth” in Melville and whose song Highway to Hell is speculated to be based on Canning Highway, is buried at Fremantle Cemetery in Palmyra and the City of Melville is eager to capitalise on the singer’s cultural significance. 

Following a motion put forward at this weeks’ meeting, the Council elected to “begin investigations” into a “permanent civic tribute” to the rocker, as well as potential for engagement with local musicians, artists, and schools to “co-design” the tribute. 

• Bon Scott

AC/DC will be playing two dates in Perth on its national tour in December, and as part of the motion, councillors also requested for mayor Katy Mair to write to the band’s management to see if they’d be keen on an official visit. 

Melville deputy mayor Karen Wheatland says the motion triggers a “unique opportunity” to honour Scott’s legacy and that she is “excited to see what opportunities” will come out of the recognition ahead of the concert in December. 

“Bon Scott is one of Australia’s most iconic cultural figures and his connection to Palmyra forms part of the rich musical and cultural history of the City of Melville. 

“The story of Bon Scott and AC/DC is a huge part of our unique shared story and local history…the Raffles Hotel, where Bon and AC/DC performed many legendary gigs, is right here in Melville. 

“We also warmly welcome AC/DC to the City of Melville to reconnect with Bon’s home community, when the band visits Perth in December to play two gigs, and the City of Melville would love to say ‘we know you are still rocking, and we want to salute you’.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER