ATLANTA, GA – If you’ve ever been to a concert, you probably know that most bands use an AC/DC song as their lead-in music over the loud speakers. What better way to get the crowds’ adrenaline pumping? Metallica does it. Motley Crue does it. Even 311 does it. Since we were at an AC/DC concert, my friend asked me what song I thought they would use. I was puzzled, and then I finally concluded there would be no lead-in music, for AC/DC cannot be topped. And I was right!
The lights went low, and all that could be heard was the thousands of screaming fans, ready for the time of their lives! Then the movie screen lit up and we could hear a chugga-chugga sound, along with some faint background riffs from AC/DC classics. For the next two minutes we watched a hilarious computer-animated video of our favorite band riding a train, chock full of not-so-subtle innuendos. The train raced towards us, then BOOM! Massive explosion as the band appeared and started into the first single from their new album Black Ice, Rock ‘n Roll Train. As the smoke cleared, we saw a humongous life-sized locomotive running right off the tracks, complete with its own set of devil horns. Wow, AC/DC never fails to deliver the best!
Following the opening number, lead vocalist Brian Johnson raced right into Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be. His voice sounded great, with his signature rasp and bluesy tone. Next came the familiar opening chords to Back In Black, the song that introduced us to Johnson back in 1980. After watching lead guitarist Angus Young scramble around the stage, like an orangutan on a sugar high, without missing a beat, we were pleased to hear the powerful Big Jack, also from their new album.
Next came an exciting sing-along, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. The fists were raised high, the Philips Arena was rocking! Since we were in an arena, it seemed appropriate when arena-anthem Thunderstruck was played, followed by Black Ice. Rhythm guitarist and co-founder Malcolm Young was a pleasure to watch, as he was stationed in his spot without craving the lime-light. He doesn’t need it; he doesn’t fail to deliver his parts while being a critical member of the band.
Time to slow down, if that were even possible for the greatest band to ever come out of Australia, let alone the world! The blues-filled The Jack definitely got everyone chanting the title words, as it seemed impossible to ignore, especially with Cliff Williams strumming the bass like he does. Then came the huge bell lowered from the rafters, as 61 year-old Johnson took his place swinging from the bell, ringing it along with the opening to Hells Bells. After that, the band picked it up again with the fast-paced Shoot To Thrill.
Next came two more new tracks, War Machine, with another entertaining video on the big screens, and the danceable Anything Goes. Percussionist Phil Rudd keeps the party going with the drums, and makes it look easy with a cigarette always resting between his lips. The band then pulled out the big guns, as the crowd went wild to the beginning of You Shook Me All Night Long. TNT felt like it could’ve blown the roof off the place, while the train in the background caught fire! The band knows how to entertain, plain and simple.
Time for a story of a little lady they call Rosie, as the gigantic balloon of the 42-39-56 woman we love straddled the train, and the band played us the song, Whole Lotta Rosie. Then the solo-filled Let There Be Rock was presented to us as homage to the history of AC/DC, as images of all 19 albums flashed across the screens throughout the song. As Angus took his place on the riser in the center of the floor, dripping in sweat as his schoolboy uniform had been shed long before; he pulled off his ballistic 3 Stooges impersonation while spinning circles on the floor. Did I mention he did this while still playing guitar? The guy is flat-out amazing.
After a short break, the smoke picked back up as thunder roared and flames lit up the stage, while Angus rose from beneath, now sporting devil horns of his own. The band took the crowd on a journey down the Highway To Hell. After a wonderful 2-hour performance that went way too fast, AC/DC closed out the evening, with canons firing during For Those About To Rock (We Salute You).
What a fabulous way to end a glorious night filled with AC/DC classics, in addition to new songs that already feel like classics. There is no other band that compares to AC/DC live, that’s why they sell out in seconds. The stage presence they naturally carry shows their love for the music and their love for playing it to their fans. One can only hope it won’t be another 8 years before they hit the road again!
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