December 20, 2008 20:19

AC/DC to receive parliamentary seal

Scottish politician to salute them

Photo Gallery: AC/DC

Rock legends AC/DC are to be paid a glowing tribute in Holyrood, Scotland's Parliament, in recognition of their Scottish roots.

South of Scotland MSP Christine Grahame has lodged a parliamentary motion calling for the achievements of the group to be acknowledged.

The motion - entitled AC/DC, We Salute You - calls on Holyrood to recognise the band's Scottish roots; note that their popularity continues to grow and welcome their forthcoming performance in Scotland; and to acknowledge the musical inspiration the band has provided to thousands of Scottish musicians.

"It is clear [late frontman Bon] Scott had a strong sense of his identity, from the 'Scotland forever' tattoo he had on his arm to his playing the bagpipes on the AC/DC track 'It's a Long Way To the Top'.

"I think they have long deserved official recognition from their homeland for that major musical contribution and my parliamentary motion will go some way towards recognising that."

Founding members Angus and Malcolm Young were born in Glasgow before the family moved to Australia in 1963. Former frontman Bon Scott was born in Kirriemuir, where there is a memorial plaque in his honour. He died of alcohol poisoning in 1980, aged 33.

AC/DC formed in 1973 and have sold more than 150 million records worldwide. Their recently released album 'Black Ice', their first studio recording in eight years, topped the chart in 29 countries selling six million copies. The band play UK and Irish stadium dates next summer.