The first concert I ever saw was AC/DC. It was an experience that I have never forgotten. I have seen the
band perform live a couple of times since and have always loved their brand of
entertainment. AC/DC is full of energy and the crowd reaction to them is
infectious. The band has never disappointed and always brings their best to the
stage. So when the opportunity to see them live for their Rock Or Bust tour came up, I knew I was going.
It was my buddy Rick that talked me into getting the
floor seats. I would have been quiet content with a seat in the 200s or 300s,
but when I asked Rick what he wanted to do, he insisted that we go for the best
available. “This may be the last time they tour,” he reasoned. It didn’t take
much to convince me, I was in, and when tickets went on sale, we got our floor
seats.
In the parking lot, pre-show, we made new friends of the
people around us, some who had come as far as four hours away to see their rock
heroes perform. These people were having a blast and were extremely excited to
see AC/DC. We talked for a while about past concerts, their trip to the
stadium, and how many times we’ve seen the band. Drinks and good cheer was
exchanged all around. And then it was time to head inside.
We entered the stadium and found our seats with enough
time to see some of the opening act. I don’t remember the group name, but I do
remember that they were decent and could hold their own. I wouldn’t run out and
buy their music, but they weren’t horrible to listen to. However, I wanted
AC/DC to take the stage.
When the sun dipped down and the stars came out, the
lights went dark and the crowd roared. The opening notes of “Rock Or Bust”
filled the air and we were underway. AC/DC was back in New Jersey and
conquering the near sold out crowd.
I am a big fan of the band’s latest album, so I was happy
to hear “Rock Or Bust” open the show. I was also hopeful that we might hear a
lot more from that album. Rock Or Bust is
a solid album that fits in well with the rest of the band’s back catalog and
there are quite a few bright spot songs. Unfortunately, at least to me, AC/DC
stuck to their usual format and only played three songs from the new album.
When a band has such a vast catalog to go through, I guess that’s
understandable.
AC/DC put on their usual kick ass performance. Angus was
as fantastic as always, Brian Johnson sounded great, and the addition of Chris
Slade behind the drum kit was a nice one. He was the drummer for the band 25
years ago when I saw my very first concert, so I hold a special place in my
musical heart for him. And while it was sad to not see Malcom on stage, the
Young nephew filled in just fine. Musically the band was in total synch and
sounded as terrific as ever.
Age is starting to catch up with them however. Angus’ run
around the stage and epileptic guitar solos are a little less intense. He no
longer drops his shorts and flashes the crowd, which I guess is a good thing.
Brian Johnson did not swing from the “Hell’s Bells” bell. Little things like
that were noticeable enough to make me realize the band is getting on in years
and perhaps this really could be their final tour.
The highlight of the night came in the form of a rare,
unexpected treat from Back In Black.
“Have A Drink On Me” was performed and I went wild. It is one of my all time
favorite AC/DC songs, and also one that I never thought I would hear in
concert. Seeing it performed live was the ultimate highlight of my night.
Elder statesmen as they may be, AC/DC still puts on a
loud, raucous, entertaining rock concert. They performed for well over two
hours and did their best to keep everyone in the stadium involved and happy. If
this is truly the last time that I will be able to see the band in concert,
then they left me on a high note. What more can you ask for?
Setlist
Rock Or Bust
Shoot To Thrill
Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be
Back In Black
Play Ball
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Thunderstruck
High Voltage
Rock And Roll Train
Hells Bells
Baptism By Fire
You Shook Me All Night Long
Sin City
Shot Down In Flames
Have A Drink On Me
T.N.T.
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
Encore
Highway To Hell
For Those About To Rock We Salute You
