20-12-2009Live reviews - AC/DC
The Rock and Roll Train makes a stop at Manchester Victoria Station
For all the fans packed into Manchester's M.E.N Arena today was probably better anticipated than any other, for after ten long years AC/DC were back in town. I remember not being old enough to be allowed to go on my own last time round and being a bitterly disappointed 13 year old resigned to still hear my heroes on CD only. Now after a long hiatus and other missed opportunities I get to witness the Rock and Roll train in all its glory. In the four hours leading up to the door opening there's a buzz around the city centre and classic AC/DC shirts and what resembles a biker intrusion inflicts itself upon the city. I can even recognize those who in attendance that aren't covered in the AC/DC brand by the grins plastered across their faces, it's the same one I noticed on myself brushing my teeth in the morning.
The lights drop and the huge screen begins to play a very current and highly entertaining animation of a train hurtling its way through to fore of everyone's imaginations. The curtain drops and a gigantic AC/DC train appears and the legends of rock launch into the aptly titles Rock n Roll Train. It's an emphatic entrance and ushers the theatrics of the nights into line with the huge expectations that the fan has and more impressive than the back drops, pyrotechnics and impressive visuals the band have still got it. Brian's voice is as raw and powerful as ever and Angus launches his demure figure around the stage tearing licks from his SG and duck walking his way down the centre launch ramp. This really is a two man show but that doesn't take away from Malcolm and co's ability to anchor the sounds so that Brian, Angus and everything else can be so effective without having to compromise the authenticity of the sounds.
Back in Black is a baptism of fire for anyone who hasn't seen the band before and it works its magic in getting the remaining few left sitting up and letting rip their best versions on the air guitar. By now the party is getting into swing and no matter how far away the seats the bands overbearing stature is never diminished. Big Jack, Dirty Deeds Done Cheap and Shot Down in Flames quickly follow one after another all prime examples of just why the band have still maintained such an impressive presence even in their absence. Thunderstruck takes proceedings to a new level with the guitar intro ringing out pristinely to the rafters and the audience provides excellent backing vocals and as the solo approaches the adrenaline is running faster than an Olympic sprinter's.
Brian has a quality in his control of the audience appearing as a ring master or Fagan like leader of a somewhat seedy carnival. Between songs he talks to the crowd, his voice sounding husky akin to a lifetime of Whisky and Cigarettes and Angus has all the enthusiasm of any of today's modern artists. The element of showmanship places AC/DC on a plateau rarely rivalled in the past few years and this is one show where there are no grumbles at the relatively expensive ticket prices even in today's credit crunch. The section of entertainment is concluded by a sultry striptease by Angus down to the infamous AC/DC Boxer shorts leading to a rapturous applause. Then it's back to business, the giant bell which appears alongside the tolling chime of Hells Bells sending the audience into a frenzy. Shoot to Thrill and War Machine are both blisteringly groove laden and at no point does they show a sign of letting up. For me the best song is TNT, always a favourite but cemented with the languid Oi's and dirty downtrodden riffery that characterises almost everything about the DC sound.
The shows elaborate prop catalogue is delved into for a Whole Lotta Rosie as a gigantic inflatable hooker appears straddling the aforementioned Rock and Roll Train and rocks in time to the music, impressive most impressive. Angus runs to a riser podium in the middle of the arena floor and pulls of a long blues rock solo whilst teetering close to the edge and rolling round without a concern for anything else but the notes he rings out. The Band have disappeared and it's almost over but not before they run out to throw down the final songs, Highway To Hell and For Those About to Rock. The theme of the night and new album is trains, well this was one journey I will never forget matter-of-fact it's one ride that I don't think I'd ever want to get off.
19-12-2009Album review - AC/DC
Back with Black Ice and big balls after far too long and it didnt dissapoint!
That sound. Warm and welcoming. That riff. Like an old comrade you've not seen for far too long. The Rock and Roll Train has arrived on Platform 4 and is leaving imminently so make sure you are on it. If you're not, why are you on this site reading this review?
People, the planet's biggest selling boogie n' roll band of all time are back (..In Black...on Ice.) It's the Rock and Roll Dream.
It's been a long time since Angus and co last sneered in the face of the world with Stiff Upper Lip, eight years to be precise. Bands have come and gone in the meantime, yet the Acker Dacker War Machine cranks up the Decibel count once again and carries on Rocking All The Way, setting the Skies On Fire just like days of old.
Most bands don't sell as many records at the height of their popularity as DC have with their 'weaker' releases, such as the highly underrated 'Flick Of the Switch' and lesser selling 'Fly On The Wall' outings, these releases to name but two, specifically in the big hair and makeup glam rock music era of the 80's. 'Black Ice' sold around 1,762,000 units in its first week. What does that tell you? I could hit you with all the superlatives in the English language about this album but instead I'll just say its quality DC. Put it on, you'll see.
Backed with a crisp production courtesy of Brendan O'Brien, the metronomic no frills timekeeping of Phil Rudd and throbbing bass lines of Cliff Williams are instantly recognizable as the Anything Goes (badboy) boogie backbone of the much loved five piece. Over the top are Angus and Malcolm's time honoured duckwalking and jolting Spoilin' For A Fight blues licks - there is even slide guitar on here as if to prove the point. All this, topped off by Brian Johnson's fine sandpaper rasp, the album's well tuned Wheels could turn your typical English cold wet Stormy May Day bank holiday into a Smash and Grab weekend in the sun. Beautiful. The boys have reaffirmed their band's place as the deserved Big Jack on the music block, proving the Money Made during their time since their 1973 inception hasn't weakened their love of hard blues fuelled rock. Somewhere, Rosie is very happy 'cos we all know She Likes Rock n Roll.
Scott Gabriel
