Turn Down The Lights, Turn Up The Sound.
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AC/DC
Review - AC/DC - Tuesday April 17, 2001 - Arco Arena "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" but it's hard on the ears. April 17th saw the ultimate Australian Rock band AC/DC rip the walls down at the Arco Arena. From the opening, 'You Shook Me All Night Long' to the closing anthem, 'For Those About To Rock' Angus and Brian shredded, sweated, shook, and rang that bell for over two hours and man was it cool.
It's been 15years since I last saw AC/DC. A hot August night in the Cal-Expo Amphitheater 1986 (Happy Birthday Rich!), Brian Johnson screaming, "Who made who", and my silly ass still high from the opening Queensryche set. It was one of the best shows I'd seen and one of the clearest memories of rock n roll that I have. I'll admit to falling away from the band and of a growing disinterest in their music over the last decade and last Tuesday caught me completely by surprise.
The sheer volume and energy of AC/DC is miraculous. I can't believe these guys have been cranking this noise outta those amps for almost 30 years. Tuesday night was loud enough to make Pete Townsend's ears bleed. Angus's guitar "crunch" is so singular and impressive a sound I sat literally dumbfounded and glued to my binoculars. Damn... That's right I was in the nosebleed seats and still I got my ass ROCKED.
The set list was perfect for a guy who hasn't seen the band in forever. You Shook Me All Night Long, Hells Bells, Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution, Shoot To Thrill, Dirty Deeds, TNT, Whole Lotta Rosie, Highway To Hell, Stiff Upper Lip, I Feel Safe In New York City, Hard As A Rock, Let There Be Rock, The Jack, For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) & another song or two from the new album. Sadly the only things missing were, Who Made Who and Jailbreak.
The center of the stage was extended by a ramp to the middle of the floor. At the apex hung the AC/DC bell used to chime Hells Bells and was used to lift Angus about 20feet into the air for a guitar solo during Let There Be Rock. Brian Johnson ran up and down the ramp all night shakin hands and giving the crowd a well-deserved closeness most fans don't get from their favorite bands. This was truly the hot concert-ticket this season.
For those of you that missed the show, never fear, I hope. Earlier this year AC/DC released a new video/DVD "No Bull". Recorded in Madrid in 96 the set list is almost identical to the show we saw last Tuesday, with the exception of the Stiff Upper Lip tracks.
Chock one up for rock n roll in the new millennium. AC/DC hasn't lost their edge and they join the ranks of those most thought would fade quietly away, but somehow have managed to land their boot right in your ass. Deservedly so as fans have sold out their shows all tour long. And from somewhere under the acrid smoke of cannon fire I hear their thanks, "We Salute You!"
