AC/DC, the legendary rockers from “Down Under”, charged center stage at Mosaic Stadium with force & fury on Monday night, August 24th. The spectacle was enjoyed by over 40,000 fans…that waited for HOURS in line, paid almost ANYTHING just to get tickets, & sang until they SHOOK all night long. Although new material, from the band’s latest release “Black Ice”, did not receive an overwhelming response — the crowd ate up Brian Johnson’s gritty vocal performance & Angus Young’s electrifying guitar solos.
The sheer size of the stage was overwhelming, in itself. Raising almost 80 feet above ground level, with giant “horned” hats on both sides, it proved to spectators that this band meant business. Over 35 semi-trailers brought in gear, props, & equipment just to make it all happen. One worker (Guy) explained his involvement in the set-up procedure. “Everybody has a specific job to do, & it’s important that they stay on task…from lighting technicians…to sound crew…even catering. I am a carpenter…one of EIGHT, who work for the band. We all help each other out, & teamwork is very important.” he says, as he paints a board at the last minute. It’s a “refined” & “dedicated” group of individuals that can tolerate this kind of lifestyle. Some, who had finished their duties in Regina well before show time, had already moved on to Edmonton…to start the process all over again.
Being two & a half hours early for the concert, I thought we had plenty of time to “wander” – that was, until we saw the line-up for the West Gate entrance. From the front doors of Mosaic Stadium, all the way down to Elphinstone Street (approximately six blocks away), fans stood in the warm sunshine…happy faces, sipping water bottles, waiting patiently for their “Golden Ticket” to grant them access to the show of their dreams. It gave me a great opportunity to talk with many of them & find out just WHAT brought these people to see AC/DC. One thing for certain, it was a very “diverse” crowd…ranging in age, from four years old, up to EIGHTY!!! One twelve-year-old boy (Mitch) tells me how his dad brought him up listening to this type of classic rock, which is more than a decade older than him. “AC/DC is the best band in the world, & I would like to learn how to play their stuff on guitar.” he tells me. His friend, on the other hand, was only attending because his parents were “forcing him to”. (LAUGHS) I wonder if he still had that same opinion upon leaving the stadium…with the phenomenal light-show, pyro, fireworks, & all?!? What’s amazing though, is how a pioneering band like AC/DC can make their music “span” over these generations, with little to no effort at all! They really define the term “Progressive Rock”, because their music travels through the ages.
The Opener – “The Answer”
Every memorable rock concert always has a “high-energy” opening band & this show was no exception! After an extraordinary “fly-by” from our Canadian aerobatic team (& the PRIDE of Saskatchewan), The Snowbirds……a talented group of musicians, from Northern Ireland, paved their way on the prairies. “The Answer” — comprised of Cormac Neeson (vocals), Paul Mahon (guitar), Michael Waters (bass), & James Heatley (drums) gave a strong starter performance with a traditional “British Rock” style. Influenced by bands like “Led Zeppelin”, “Free”, & “Thin Lizzy”, these four lads belted out a string of anthems from their new album “Everyday Demons” (Albert Productions). Best description…BLUES ROCK at its finest, & Cormac’s riveting vocals sent chills up most spines. “Engaging the Audience” was what their hour on stage was all about. They’ve played with bands like The Who, Rolling Stones, & Aerosmith – so, working with a “BIG NAME” is not out of the ordinary for these guys. They were a fun & enthusiastic group to watch. We wish them all the best with their continuance on the “Black Ice Tour” & self-titled shows, starting in the UK, this fall.
“ALL ABOARD!”
The track was laid, passengers boarded, & we were on the “ride of our life” as AC/DC exploded onto the stage with “Rock ‘N’ Roll Train”! Brian Johnson didn’t lie, when he said, “We’re gonna’ rock & roll tonight…& the party starts now!” The Aussie quintet has been performing for over 35 years & has sold an estimated 200 million albums worldwide. The two hour performance was LARGER THAN LIFE, as was the smoking locomotive they used for their main backdrop. With a set list of new material, along with such classics as “Hells Bells”, “Back In Black”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, & “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC did a brilliant job of keeping their fans “Thunderstruck”.
From Johnson swinging on a giant bell, to thrusting his hips…Angus’ striptease…& running up & down the catwalk — these “pre-retirement” rockers proved that they still had the energy to keep their fans screaming for more. Since the show, there has been mixed reaction over the audience’s participation level. Heavy rockers, & “AC/DC Diehards”, felt there could’ve been more chanting, singing, & better “tribute” paid to a band of this stature. But people must remember, when you have an audience with such a vast age difference, it’s NOT going to be one giant mosh pit. Many individuals did only stand & watch, but there was so much “hype” just getting to concert day…it was like people couldn’t believe that it had finally arrived. However, one thing that most fans do agree upon, is the fact that AC/DC can still perform with the integrity that is shown on their albums. “T.N.T.” was a prime example…they played it flawlessly!
The light-show…IT ROCKED!!!! So much so, that it made taking pictures rather difficult…& one could not forget that inflatable mistress “Rosie”, who straddled the train & gyrated those BIG, LOVELY thighs during her song – “Whole Lotta Rosie”. Angus Young played his guitar with precision & covered the entire stage with his signature “kick”. He left the crowd literally speechless, during his 20 MINUTE solo on “Let There Be Rock” – a mind-blowing accomplishment for a man of 54! But the most spectacular moment of the evening, was when the band broke into their finale, “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)”. NINE cannons, THREE shredding guitars, & an adrenaline rush so HUGE (you felt like you were part of a civil war)…these phenomenal “ROCK GODS” left the stage with the same explosive power with which they had arrived. The cannon shots could be heard well across the city, & if that wasn’t enough to keep fans happy, fireworks lit up the sky above the stage…shortly afterwards.
So, one can now understand WHY massive numbers of people congregate to an AC/DC concert…whether it be at Donington, or even in little Regina, Saskatchewan. They’re a BIG band, with BIG riffs…BIG sound…& a BIG show! There’s nothing small about this operation, at all. When they named their first album “High Voltage”, it was a very suitable choice…because that’s REALLY what they deliver…a “highly electrifying” experience!!!
AC/DC have had several nominations for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” throughout the years & their overall record sales fall second only to “The Beatles”. They were ranked fourth on VH1’s list of “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock” & were inducted into the “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” in March, 2003. “Black Ice” (Columbia Records) is their first studio release in eight years, & although they don’t stray far from their roots…they’re still putting out a sound that many people love. Current band members include Brian Johnson (lead vocals), Angus Young (lead guitar), Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Cliff Williams (bass), & Phil Rudd (drums).
(Achievement Information Gathered from Wikipedia.org)
BPatoine – September, 2009
