The fabled ‘‘five minutes of fame” came for Millicent resident Lee Morgan 50 years ago on May 3, 1974 when he had a chance encounter with late rock star Bon Scott.
As a 17-year-old, Mr Morgan was involved in a major vehicle accident in suburban Adelaide that resulted in the eventual lead singer of AC/DC coming through the windscreen of his early model FC Holden from the 1950s.
Mr Morgan already has a high profile in this region through past and present leadership roles with the Lake George Management Committee, South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board and the Millicent Business Community Association.
It grew further in 2022 when the Australian Story ABC television show interviewed Mr Morgan and re-enacted the crash as part of a program devoted to Bon Scott.
Mr Morgan has explained the events on a social media post and they are reprinted with his permission.
“It was a Friday night, and I was in my car with my mates Graham, Gordon and George and all of us were Underdale High School Old Scholars,” Mr Morgan said.
“It was a drizzly night, with Bon’s Suzuki motorcycle headlights not functioning or obscured by the keep left signs at the intersection of Torrens Road and Rosetta Street at West Croydon.
“The accident was an absolute shocker.
“The following few days were harrowing as the survival chances of the then unknown motorcyclist was low.
“Fortunately, the motorcyclist survived and I was later made aware in the Sunday Mail newspaper it was Bon Scott from the esteemed band, Fraternity.
“As a result of Bon’s extended rehabilitation stay in Adelaide – the opportunity of joining ACDC AC/DC arose.”
Bon Scott was to die at the age of 33 of acute alcohol poisoning just six years later.
For Mr Morgan, the accident was a watershed moment.
“For me, as a 17-year-old I later reassessed my life priorities that ultimately resulted in 48 years of public service both in SA and the NT; undertaking own building projects, a great family, plus community and charity work (including @HeartKids) and running pursuits,” he said.
“I also enjoy music (including AC/DC) and the arts.
“I guess my message is that ‘good things can come from adversity’, so stay strong when times are tough and be grateful when things work out.”
