AC/DC fans celebrate what would have been Bon Scott's 80th birthday

When asked what she loved most about Bon Scott, Perth woman Catherine Fitzpatrick does not hesitate.

"He was the greatest frontman in history,"

she said.

On what would have been the AC/DC lead singer's 80th birthday on July 9, fans made the pilgrimage to Fremantle's iconic Bon Scott statue to celebrate the man whose music continues to inspire generations.

The statue in the port city is one that Ms Fitzpatrick frequently visited for her love of both Scott and AC/DC.

"I saw them [AC/DC] at Wembley Stadium because my daughter was living in London at the time and as a teenager, I dreamt of seeing them in Europe," she said.

"It was the best concert I've ever been to in my life.

"I've kissed the statue 20 times over the years; I just love Bon."

The making of a rock icon

Ronald Belford Scott was born in Scotland in 1946 before emigrating with his family from Scotland some six years later.

Often claimed as the 'son' of Fremantle, Bon Scott grew up in the Western Australian port city, attending North Fremantle Primary School.

In 1962, he played drums alongside his father 'Chick' on the bagpipes, as members of the Fremantle Scots Pipe Band.

The pair performed at the opening of the Empire Games in Perth that same year.

Scott became AC/DC's lead singer in 1974, and with the band released six studio albums including It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), TNT and Highway To Hell.

Scott died of alcohol poisoning in London in 1980, aged 33.

His legacy lives on in Fremantle, where a bronze statue overlooking Fishing Boat Harbour was unveiled in 2008, with a memorial also in place at Fremantle Cemetery, where Scott's ashes are interred.

The 'spiritual home' of Bon Scott

Despite the milestone, Fremantle was quiet on Thursday, July 9, with celebrations to continue into the weekend.

The Perth Mint also marked the occasion by launching Bon Scott 80 commemorative gold and silver bars.

Thursday night's AFL clash between the Fremantle Dockers and Sydney Swans at Perth's Optus Stadium will also feature an acknowledgement of Scott during the coin toss.

Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said it was an honour to celebrate Scott's legacy in Fremantle, which he referred to as Scott's "spiritual home".

"Forty-six years after his passing, people still make the journey here because of what he represents,"

Mr Lawver said.

"We've had a lot of musicians who have gone on to have really successful careers, but Bon is probably the most famous.

"He probably wouldn't have expected to live to 80, but gosh, I would have loved to have seen it."

A legacy lives on

For Ms Fitzpatrick, Bon Scott's music is something she hoped to pass on to the next generation, including her grandchildren, Cash and August Monahan.

"I had to bring my grandchildren down [to the statue] and play Bon's music because it's his birthday. I just had to be here," she said.

"Cash loves dancing, he's very good at it. And I just think his [Scott's] legacy needs to be carried on.

"He's just eternal."