Bonfire Bonfire, an AC/DC tribute band with members who live in Simi Valley and Moorpark, headlines tonight's 11 p.m. show at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills.

James Pulli, Bonfire bassist and Simi resident, recalled the band's huge reception when they headlined the Big Ball festival in Wrexham, Wales in August 2006.

"There were some hardcore AC/DC fans there," Pulli said. "They had tattoos, patches. Everyone was crazy for them, especially the Germans. They're just nuts for them. Huge fans."

Bonfire hopes to continue building connections like those with U.S. fans. After their date at the Canyon Club they'll be at Universal Studios CityWalk on Fri., Aug. 15, playing sets at 8 and 9:15 p.m.

Steve Pandol of Moorpark spent more than six months finding the right musicians for Bonfire, which played its first show in July 2001. Pandol plays the part of legendary guitar player Angus Young (in his customary schoolboy outfit) and singer Sean Mulvihill of Redondo Beach does his best Bon Scott impression every night. The two are the only original members of the band. Pulli has been Bonfire's bassist for 2½ years.

Drummer Forrest Everett of Encino and rhythm guitarist Sean Colligan of Studio City round out the band.

"I think this is the best lineup," said Pandol, who will turn 40 on Saturday. "We're all seasoned musicians. I've never had a band where we all get along so well."

Bonfire plays music exclusively from the Bon Scott era of AC/DC, comprising roughly five albums between 1974 and February 1980, the time of Scott's death.

Named after a box set commemorating Scott, Bonfire prides itself on capturing AC/DC's sound, energy and enthusiasm by using many of the same 1970sstyle instruments and amplifiers the original band used. The tribute band also studies old music videos and live footage to incorporate into their live sets and wears clothing from the era.

Mulvihill sings with a ScottishAustralian accent like Scott. Pandol acts like Angus on stage.

"Steve runs around with shorts, a velvet jacket and tie and runs around like a nut," said Pulli, 43, the oldest member of the band. "We try to go the extra mile and do what we can to replicate the early shows."

The bassist, who's lived in Simi Valley for 15 years, enjoys the "raw and real" sound of early AC/DC.

"They went into the studio with no polishing on the albums. It's just a mic up to a loud amp," Pulli said. "It's just energetic, raw music."

Bonfire's nearest venues are the Canyon Club and Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas. Pulli recalls playing a 3½ hour set in Bakersfield, and remembers people crying in the audience after the Wales show. Bonfire plays around 50 shows a year, he said.

"There's no cooler reward than someone coming up to you, giving you a hug and saying, 'You guys did AC/DC some real justice. Thank you,'" Pulli said.

For more information on Bonfire, visit www.labonfire.com.