Tonight:
4°c
David Smyth's rating
, AC/DC on highway to one hell of a show
By
David Smyth
15 Apr 2009
AC/DC’s spectacular return to London, six years in coming, was signalled by a video of a hurtling runaway train and a “real” train crashing onto the stage. Like that train, a change of direction for the veteran rockers is impossible, but even so, they’re a long way from hitting the buffers.
Like a more credible Status Quo, theirs is a gloriously simple sound that has withstood the influence of punk, grunge and, thankfully, disco. The Andes have changed more than they have in the past 30 years. Singers and drummers have come and gone, but the sound remains the same.
The Sydney-formed group long ago recognised gold in their thunderous riffs and joyful screeching.
Their long-term sales statistics are extraordinary, with more back catalogue CDs sold than everyone but The Beatles and more copies of 1980’s Back In Black sold than any album except Thriller, some 42 million.
Latest work Black Ice is no slouch either, more popular than any album in the world last year except Coldplay’s.
Gallery: More pictures from the concert
It has seen them join Iron Maiden and Metallica as rejuvenated hard rockers, now reaching the children of those who first fell for their savage guitar sound.
Before a crowd overwhelmingly sporting T-shirts featuring their lightning bolt logo, the quintet set about attacking their many classics. You Shook Me All Night Long, Back In Black and Highway To Hell all boasted riffs so fundamental to the history of rock’n’roll that they might have existed forever.
Unfussy rhythm section Malcolm Young and Cliff Williams moved between their microphones for backing vocals and Phil Rudd’s drum kit as though on tracks.
Unreconstructed Geordie Brian Johnson sang with a euphoric animal roar and shimmied about the stage in a surprisingly camp manner for someone with thick, meaty arms and a flat cap. The undisputed star, though, was lead guitarist Angus Young, whose school uniform, duck walk and perpetually upthrust arm still makes him probably the most recognisable silhouette in rock.
With a cockier strut than Mick Jagger, he was a tiny inferno throughout, sweating so heavily that during the weighty blues of The Jack he stripped down to AC/DC underpants.
He gurned and gibbered, playing with one hand and over his head, shaking and spinning on the floor.
During the world-beating, epic solo that dominated Let There Be Rock, it was as if the guitar was playing him.
Watching the genius of Young’s lightning fingers, music this simple didn’t seem so dumb.
The 02, 17 April (0844 844 0202) www.the02.co.uk/ Wembley Stadium, 26 June (0870 534 4444). www.wembleystadium.com
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (11)
AC/DC were as brilliant as ever but who the hell let all those idiots in to the room? Where were the AC/DC fans? They couldn't get tickets because they were bought by music tourists and idiots. The band were great but the audience sucked.
In future, can all you old farts and pop music fans go and see Madonna or Andrew Lloyd Webber and leave the Metal gigs to those of us who know the words and can sing along!!
- Richard Thomas, United Kingdom, 23/04/2009 23:48
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I witnesed one of the worlds last great rock bands.. and you know what.. they rocked. in my opinion there is only one other surviving greater band and that is led zep... but trust me anyone going to see acdc they do not on any level disappoint.. angus has unbelievable energy, the solid rock riffs are as timeless and amazing as ever.. brian sings his heart out and the stage show is great entertainment. if yuo get the chance to see these legends of rock n roll. DO IT. if you have your tickets,, you will not be let down. It is wonderful to see in our times of mediocre music a band still rocking still pleasing and still making so much noise it hurts..
witnes acdc and witnes a true living legend of rock. remember it and savour it they are the last of a breed.
take your highway to hell, and salute those about to rock.. FIRE..
long live acdc and may you tour many more times best gig i have ever been to. thankyou
- Matt, london, uk, 21/04/2009 22:50
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On Tuesday, it was epic.
Just like their 80s gigs.
The band were amazing, Angus as godly as ever, the masters of rock
I touched Brian's hand and felt an electric shock go through my body
- Oli Harvey, beccles egland, 18/04/2009 07:34
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First to answer your question band finished at 10.30 after a 2 hour set.. leaving the O2 was simple although i have to say getting over to paddington by 11.30 might be a push if the public transport is having a bad day.. that said.. you dont want to be leaving early and miss out on the anthem that is for those about to rock..
Awesome gig, Angus was magnificent and a true rock n roll legend, the king of riffs. Every song is a classic and played with huge energy. Great stage show that frankly is nothing in comparison to the huge sound that ACDC produce.
Put cotton wool on your 15 years olds ears or expect them to be seeing What? for the next 2 days..
Long live ACDC the greatest rock n roll band on the planet...
- Matt, london uk, 16/04/2009 10:22
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Roger
The gig finished at 10.30 on Tuesday and we got back to Waterloo for a 1105 train, so you should do Paddington ok. If you are in one of the lower letter blocks A to B you will be closer to the exit and you'll beat the rush.
You are in for a treat!
Glad I'm going to see them at Wembley and Hampden as well! Without doubt the best rock band in the world!
- Big Al, New Forest, 16/04/2009 10:13
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As AC/DC's No1 fan (I was in Glasgow for 1979 gig!) lemme tell you, this was on ace in the hole concerto. Around me were chicks rockin out oblivious to everything (in their twenties too, so too young for the history). Brian we luv you with a venom, Angus obviously . . . and now a request. Next tour, please, please,please, the follwoing songs: Touch Too Much, Riff Raff, Rock n Roll Damnation . I implore theee. Your tru buddy xxx
- Ironjacket, london uk, 15/04/2009 22:54
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Came to the 02 for the second time, and on this occasion for ACDC; one of my favourites groups. The show was very very good and the noise deafening. Really good stage antics and the rising Angus on the platform was a cool touch. Set list was good and overall enjoyed it. However, i determined afterwards not to see bands at the o2 again owing to the total lack of any decent acoustics; i mean how good can a band sound in a tent?
Ultimately no fault of the band but the venue is naff. Far too corporate, and for real rock fans you are better of going to the NEC, MEN or Cardiff so you dont end up sitting next to cockney wide boys who spend more time filming and going for beers, and then the inevitable leak, every 10 minutes instead of watching one of the best rock bands ever. Still, at least they can brag they were there even if they wernt.
- Rob, BRISTOL, 15/04/2009 21:09
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I`m taking a rock group of 5 teenagers (each is 15 years old) to O2 on Thursday for AC/DC concert.
Does anyone know what time they will finish ? We have to get the last train home from Paddington at 11-30pm, do you think we`ll make it ?
- Roger Byrne, Chippenham Wilts, 15/04/2009 21:01
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I'm going tomorrow. I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!
- Maz, Kent, 15/04/2009 18:23
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An incredible flash of nostalgia, many an anthem from my childhood, played note perfect by a surprisingly agile Angus Young. Surrounded by people aging from 8-80. A hitherto unthough of family event.
Crashing through their set list which seemed to be carefully balance to play just enough of the new tracks to sell the album but including a plethora of 'oldies' to keep us, now aging, middle class headbangers happy.
A stunning set, brilliant on-stage filming and a stunning array of lighting made this the best concert I have seen in an age.
Keep on Rocking AC/DC!
- Wayne, Folkestone, UK, 15/04/2009 13:51
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I was at the AC/DC gig last night and concur with all that the reviewer has said. The beginning of "Thunderstruck" was a bit rough and does make you wonder how many times it's overdubbed on the album but I can forgive Angus for that - it's very fast and (I would imagine) not the easiest thing to play live. Other than that I found the whole show very enjoyable - good theatrics and thunderous music. This was the third time I have seen the band and they're like the Stones - they'll never change and they don't have to. If anyone is going to the gig on Thursday and reading this - you're in for a treat. Enjoy !!!!
- Peter Jenkins, Reigate, Surrey UK, 15/04/2009 13:08
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