Review of “AC DC”

On: Friday 26/06/09

At: Wembley Stadium, London

By: Gaby

As far as Rock concerts go, this was by far one of the best I’ve been too and after a number of years off the touring circuit and without a current album to promote this was AC DC back to true form on the back of their new album “Black Ice”.

Ok so the guys look a bit older with thinning grey locks but they lacked none of their usual power and energy performing not just a good selection of their new material but a whole range of back catalogue hits ranging from the classic “Hells Bells” and “Back in Black” to older numbers such as “The Jack”, “TNT”, Thunderstruck” and “Whole Lotta Rosie”.

Brian Johnson has lost none of his usual vocal snarls and gruff throaty delivery, whilst Angus Young consumed in his own little rock nirvana world packed a punch as the non-stop devilish school boy who plays the guitar like his life depends on it offering the packed 70,000 strong Wembley Stadium crowd to what can only be described as an orgasmic feast of fret work and if his facial expressions were anything to go by then that was exactly what he delivered.

Picking up the back line was the enigmatic and wonderful rhythm section of Malcolm Young who often forgotten about in many reviews and article about the band delivers what is fair to say that driving AC DC sound, whilst on Bass was the ever solid and dependable low note delivery of Cliff Williams.

Finally brining up the rear offering one power, brain blasting thud after another, Phil Rudd was firmly in the driving seat taking this “Rock & Roll Train” along the tracks that you would not forget.

AC DC are perhaps one of those bands that defy comparison and over their many years together have built up not only a massive loyal army of fans, won countless accolades and inspired countless other bands but they have firmly placed themselves in the land of Rock n Roll legends and like only a very few bands left are the real deal – Rock n Roll royalty.

They rarely let up even for a second delivering one monster tune after another (for this is a no ballad machine) and will only stop when they have pulverised you into Rock n Roll submission like the Terminator on acid. There is little subtlety here, just non-stop 100% pure Rock delivered in their usual brash, hard and heavy way with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

The boys looked like they were having a blast and why not when you have thousands of people pushing their fists skyward with one accord whilst singing along to every song word for word.

There was little interaction with the audience and few words offered from Brain Johnson but this didn’t matter one jot for the music spoke for itself by the bucketful and the vast crowd knew it.

This was a concert firmly built around the music but as ever was also an event for all the senses with their trademark exceptional stage show complete with flames, fireworks, over the top inflatable’s, cannons, giant bell, great lighting rig and runaway train all used to great effect to enhance the gig rather than take away from it the great musical score that bound the lot together in one mighty package of explosive harmony.

The sound generally speaking was fine but as with any outdoor space and especially where the stands of seats are packed quite high and steep as in the new and impressive Wembley Stadium the echo and bass was a bit on the high side whilst the sheer volume overcame many an obstacle delivered from a vast battery of huge speakers.  

How long will they continue – who knows? But one thing is for sure, these guys were made to rock, it was what they were born to do and that is what I am sure they will continue to do for as long as they are able and so long as there is an AC DC Rock music is in good safe hands,

Finally in the words of their encore song this hot and balmy evening: For those about to Rock – we do indeed salute you!