A constellation of rock and roll royalty descended upon the Avalon Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday night (February 3), marking a bittersweet milestone for comedian and classic rock devotee Dean Delray. Celebrating his 60th birthday, Delray hosted the final installment of his long-running tribute to the Bon Scott era of AC/DC, closing out a 40-year tradition with a massive, one-night-only spectacle.
The evening was structured as a dual-threat performance, kicking off with an hour of stand-up comedy featuring superstar comic Bill Burr alongside the birthday boy himself. However, the main event was the two-hour musical set that followed, which saw Delray taking on lead vocal duties backed by an all-star house band.
The lineup for this swan song performance featured a staggering collection of talent from across the rock spectrum. The rhythm section was powered by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Alice In Chains bassist Mike Inez, alongside The Black Crowes‘ Steve Gorman. The guitar attack was handled by Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Larry “Ler” LaLonde of Primus, and Billy Rowe of Buckcherry.
Adding to the spectacle, Kiss legend Gene Simmons also took the stage to pay homage to the thunderous legacy of the Australian rockers.
For over four decades, Delray has curated these annual celebrations, gathering his musician friends to honor Scott, the iconic vocalist who fronted AC/DC during their meteoric rise in the 1970s. Over the years, the rotating cast of performers has included heavyweights such as Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Josh Freese (Foo Fighters), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Greg Dulli, and Juliette Lewis.
Bon Scott passed away on February 19, 1980, in London at the age of 33. The singer died of acute alcohol poisoning and asphyxiation after passing out in a friend’s car following a night of heavy drinking—a tragedy that shook the music world but ultimately led to the band’s rebirth with Brian Johnson.
Fan-filmed footage from Tuesday night’s emotional and high-volume finale has begun to surface online. You can see it down below.
