MOXY Headlined AC/DC - Then Buzz Shearman Almost Replaced Bon Scott
Moxy Headlined AC/DC and Buzz Shearman Almost Replaced Bon Scott
In the mid‑1970s a Toronto band called Moxy rose to prominence, opening for AC/DC in Texas and nearly landing the lead‑vocalist spot for the Australian hard‑rock giants after Bon Scott’s death. Their story blends chart success, touring triumphs, and a near‑miss that shaped rock history.
From Bar Act to Polydor Sign‑Up
Formed in the early 1970s from the earlier group Lee Ashford, Moxy’s lineup featured vocalist Buzz Shearman, guitarist Earl Johnson, drummer Bill Wade, bassist Terry Jurich, and later guitarist Buddy Kane. By December 1974 they secured a Polydor Records deal, a rare achievement for a Canadian bar act. Their first single, “Can’t You See, I’m a Star,” released in 1974 on Yorkville Records, received heavy rotation on Toronto’s top rock station, drawing attention from Polydor and San Antonio disc jockey Joe Anthony, who championed the band on his show.
The 1977 Tour and AC/DC Opening
In July 1977 Moxy released the hard‑rock album Ryden High, produced by Jack Douglas, and earned a Juno nomination for most promising group. The album’s singles “Fantasy” and “Sail on Sail Away” climbed San Antonio’s top 20, while the band shared stages with Black Sabbath and Boston in the fall of 1976. Their July 27th, 1977 headline show at Austin’s Armadillo World Headquarters drew a crowd of 6,000, and the next night they played San Antonio’s municipal auditorium, opening for AC/DC on its first American tour.
Buzz Shearman’s Near‑Miss with AC/DC
Buzz Shearman’s voice began to fail after years of touring and heavy drinking, leading to the departure of the original vocalist in late 1977. In February 1980, after Bon Scott’s death, AC/DC considered Shearman, along with British singers Naughty Holder and Terry Sleser, for the lead‑vocalist role. The band ultimately chose Brian Johnson, citing Shearman’s damaged voice as a factor. Shearman’s career continued with Moxy’s 1978 album Under the Lights, but the opportunity to front AC/DC was lost, and he later died in a motorcycle accident on June 16, 1983.
Key Facts
- Moxy formed from Lee Ashford and signed with Polydor in December 1974.
- Their 1977 album Ryden High was produced by Jack Douglas and earned a Juno nomination.
- In July 1977 Moxy headlined the Armadillo World Headquarters and opened for AC/DC on its first U.S. tour.
- Buzz Shearman was a candidate for AC/DC’s lead vocalist after Bon Scott’s death in February 1980.
- Shearman died in a motorcycle accident on June 16, 1983, at age 33.
FAQs
Q1: Who replaced Buzz Shearman in Moxy after he left?
A1: Mike Reno, formerly Michael Renoski, joined Moxy for the 1978 album Under the Lights but left shortly after.
Q2: What was the name of Moxy’s first single?
A2: “Can’t You See, I’m a Star,” released in 1974 on Yorkville Records.
Conclusion
Although Moxy never reached the heights of AC/DC, their brief overlap with the band and Buzz Shearman’s near‑miss highlight a pivotal moment in rock history. Their legacy endures through recordings, tribute releases, and the enduring memory of a band that almost changed the world.