Yet another grizzled rock and roll band defying the tests of time on what could be their final dates, Aussie metal legends ACDC proved they can still show the youngsters how to rock. Packing in 80,000 rock fans spanning several generations on a thankfully dry summer evening, one could perhaps contend ACDC’s enduring popularity to the paucity of new rock acts coming through the ranks.
Emerging to a customised London themed intro video beamed onto the 3 giant stage screens, as ever tonight’s ACDC performance is all about the front two. Singer Brian Johnson, complete with trademark newsboy cap, together with axeman Young, fetchingly adorned in a royal blue velvet schoolboy outfit, share almost 150 trips around the sun but no one in the audience gives a hoot. Completing the line up are Angus Young’s nephew Stevie, with drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney replacing long time band members Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams respectively, both of whom played on the band’s most recent release ‘PWR UP’ but declined to tour.
ACDC’s set list is a well oiled machine, split roughly 50/50 between Bon Scott era and Back in Black onwards, the latter still the second biggest selling album of all time and the most mined album on tonight’s setlist with five tracks. Kicking off with “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” the quintet then grab you by the short and curlies with the controlled fury of ‘Back in Black’. A couple of PWR UP tracks are also thrown in early doors, interspersed with a blitz of classic metal staples. To ACDC's credit, after half a century on the road, they know time is running out so they’re playing every show as if it’s their last, effectively turning every stadium into a club. As ever with ACDC the performance is complete with a dazzling array of stage pyrotechnics, including the black bell lowered for ‘Hells Bells’ inspired by a tropical storm during the recording of ‘Back in Black’. A giant inflatable Rosie appears for ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ and closer ‘For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)’ completes proceedings with a deafening volley of cannon fire and fireworks.
Noise pollution? Not on your life!
Words - Michael Price
ACDC official