Bon Scott ( born on July 9 , 1946 -- died February 19 , 1980 ) was an Australian singer and songwriter . He was the lead singer of hard rock band AC\/DC from 1974 until he died of alcohol poisoning in 1980 . Ronald Belford `` Bon '' Scott ( 9 July 1946 â `` 19 February 1980 ) was a Scottish-born Australian rock musician , best known for being the lead singer and lyricist of Australian hard rock band AC\/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980 .