Official AC/DC Thread

[Malcolm]

If anyones considering going to see them (Brian has said (whether it will be or not) that this will be there last tour...Anyways heres a review from there most recent show in Edmonton. I cant get enough of this band.

Concert Review: AC/DC
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton - August 26, 2009
By MIKE ROSS - Special to Sun Media

EDMONTON - How delightful to encounter an AC/DC virgin posing the innocent question, "What's with all the devil horns?"

Glad you asked, Virginia. The rock band known as AC/DC has one or two songs dealing with the devil, or hell, or things that are "black," or a combination thereof. Some of the 60,000 fans who turned up at Commonwealth Stadium last night sported the promotional flashing devil horns as a homage to what they consider the world's greatest rock band, not as a way to glorify the devil, but to mock him and rob him of power, and then give all that power to AC/DC.

So it is with all good hard rock music, Virginia. Rock on.

The band has a new album -- Black Ice -- and who cares? It sounded the same as all their other stuff, basic three chord rock, which when not on the subject of hell and/or the devil, is mainly about having sex or general "rocking," or both.

No one can write a rock song about rocking better than these guys. Add them up as they were heard last night: Rock N' Roll Train (a new one) to open, Let There Be Rock, For Those About to Rock, the list goes on and on.

For 36 years these guys have been plowing their own path, blithely rocking away on those same three chords and universal subject matter, heedless of passing musical trends. When disco hit, what were they doing? Highway to Hell. The grunge revolution? It was news to them. They gave us Thunderstruck. And now that some of that meaty back-to-basics rock is coming back, full circle, as it were, AC/DC remains the same. In fact, the older they get, the more convincing they are -- especially singer Brian Johnson, who sounded like a pirate as he praised the good people of Edmonton: "Arr, avast, ye mateys, hard to starboard!"
   
No, he didn't say that. He said they were here to "do some rock 'n' roll tonight." Good to know. AC/DC are kings of stating the obvious and not looking silly. He said the massive response from the delirious, damp fans "make us feel proud." He said he can "smell the rock 'n' roll in the air!" It smells like marijuana, by the way.

Nothing can stop AC/DC. A thunderstorm blew through the area, with lightning sighted just as they took the stage. And heavy rain arrived an hour into the show. This was no problem for the road warriors. One of the giant inflatable devil-horn hats that sat on top of the stage became flaccid. No matter. It was removed and the show went on. Most of what the fans came to hear was delivered, and then some.

The special effects were impressive. The opening, with that new song about the train, was accompanied by what appeared to be an actual train crashing through the back of the stage. Guitarist Angus Young is his own special effect, of course, in his own zone, spazzing out, vibrating and drenched in sweat as he uncorked one blistering solo after another. Blistering solos are, of course, always uncorked. It's not safe to keep them all bottled up. And when in doubt, do a slow one -- The Jack, as in "she's got the jack," in this case -- for the traditional striptease. This was still a big crowd-pleaser from the 54-year-old guitarist. Point for Johnson's running leap for the rope on the giant bell in -- you guessed it -- Hells Bells.

But the best special effect of all was the crowd itself, seething, cheering, chanting, screaming at every opportunity -- many while wearing those promotional flashing devil horns on their heads. It was quite a spectacle. Take that, Satan!

The question: What would be the perfect band to open for AC/DC? If you said, "Airbourne," which is the new AC/DC, you'd be close. The answer is the Answer, which is the new Led Zeppelin.

Credit the Answer's singer Cormac Neeson for his impressive Robert Plant howl over sturdy, three-chord rockers with titles like Keep Believin', Never Too Late and other hearty motivational oatmeal. Start your day with it! It's good for you. The Irish foursome specializes in the sort of hard-rocking blues Zeppelin did during its early days --even featuring a bit of the old mouth harp from Neeson --and it went over just fine with thousands of die-hard AC/DC fans. And let's face it, AC/DC is a hard-rocking blues band. Always has been. Always will be. The relatively recent success of the Answer is proof, if any more is needed, that this sort of thing never goes out of style.

[estebanf]

Got tickets for AC/DC today!!!

Friday 4th of December, River Plate Stadium

[Malcolm]

AC/DC's December 2, 2009 concert at the 65,000-capacity River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina is officially sold out and a second show has been added at the same venue for December 4. According to Argentine media reports, 30,000 tickets to the first concert were gone within an hour after they went on sale this morning.

[Malcolm]

'Why AC/DC Matters' Book Due In October - Sep. 29, 2009

AC/DC is the second-best-selling popular music act of all time, bested only by THE BEATLES. They've sold 200 million albums worldwide. "Back in Black" is the second best-selling album in the world behind MICHAEL JACKSON's "Thriller" at 49 million copies sold. In 2008, thirty-five years after AC/DC first took to the stage, their sixteenth studio album, "Black Ice", debuted at #1 in 29 countries around the world, despite the fact that it was only available in Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and via the band's web site.

So with credentials like these, why is a book titled "Why AC/DC Matters" (William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; Hardcover; October 13, 2009) necessary? Because, from the start, AC/DC was at best ignored ? and at worst ridiculed ? by the mainstream music press. In AC/DC's thirty-five-year history, the band has graced the cover of Rolling Stone exactly twice ? there was no Bon Scott memorial issue, no exclusive "in-the-studio" pieces, and no fitting recognition in any of the magazine's endless "greatest" lists. The mainstream media's critical subtext has always been that AC/DC is unworthy of serious consideration, an inexplicably popular band for the tasteless masses, selling the obvious to an unseen, uncultured majority.

Now Anthony Bozza sets the record straight. In addition to helming Rolling Stone's "Random Notes" column for two years, he penned a wide array of cover stories and features on artists ranging from Trent Reznor to Jennifer Lopez to Ozzy Osbourne and Bo Didley. Bozza also has several mega-selling books to his credit: he wrote "Whatever You Say I Am: The Life and Times of Eminem", and co-wrote comedian Artie Lange's "Too Fat to Fish" which debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, "Tommyland", the autobiography of M?TLEY CR?E drummer Tommy Lee, and Slash, the autobiography of GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER's legendary guitarist. In "Why AC/DC Matters" Bozza throws down the gauntlet when he states, "AC/DC is the greatest living rock band, end of story." Coming from him, this means something.

Bozza's perspective in "Why AC/DC Matters" is unique, combining the keen analytical eye of a pop culture critic with the zeal of a true music lover. His writing career has provided him with keen insight into what makes rock bands tick, and incredible access to its top-rung talent. In these pages we hear from rockers Tommy Lee and Slash, multiple Grammy Award-wining producer Rick Rubin, and professors of voice and guitar at the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Bozza examines AC/DC's rise and every aspect of what makes them so appealing, influential, and culturally important ? the bonds of brotherhood (familial and otherwise) within the band, their instantly recognizable sound, their remarkable consistency, and their army of devoted fans who span generations. This is not a definitive biography of the band. There is no deep examination of the childhood and rise of each band member or travelogue of tour bus and backstage antics. Instead, Bozza treats us to the ultimate critical appreciation of a supremely beloved and phenomenally successful rock band. "Why AC/DC Matters" is the sum total of the long-overdue serious consideration that has been so incredibly and conspicuously absent ? until now.

So, to AC/DC and their legions of fans: consider yourselves snubbed no more. "Why AC/DC Matters" validates what fans have known all along ? AC/DC is the greatest rock and roll band of all time!



Looks real cool..Will definetly pick this up

[Malcolm]

Columbia Records and Albert Productions has announced the release of "Backtracks", the ultimate AC/DC collector's experience, available Tuesday, November 10.

Arriving in two distinctly different fan-friendly editions, "Backtracks" spans the length and breadth of AC/DC's career, bringing together rare songs, hard-to-find live performances and the long-awaited debut of "Family Jewels Disc 3", a DVD showcasing the group's music videos, live performances, and promotional clips from 1992-2009. (The original double-disc "Family Jewels" was named 2005's "DVD of the Year" by the U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine while the RIAA certified the collection 10x platinum for sales in excess of 1 million copies in the U.S. alone.)

Manufactured in an exclusive run limited to 50,000 pieces, the deluxe collector's edition of "Backtracks" includes a CD of studio rarities, two CDs of live rarities, the "Family Jewels Disc 3" DVD, the "Live at the Circus Krone" DVD, a front-row immersion in the band's scorching 2003 club show in Munich, Germany, and a 12" long-playing album, struck in 180 gram vinyl, of hard-to-find studio tracks. The limited-edition "Backtracks" includes a five-disc media carrier to house and transport the set's three CDs and two DVDs.

In addition the deluxe collector's edition comes with a 164-page coffee table book and an Original Memorabilia Reproductions Envelope containing an astounding array of facsimiles including the "I DO IT FOR AC/DC" button (the band's very first tour merch), the 1976 "Lock Up Your Daughters" tour flyer, the "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" recording track sheet, a 2' x 3' 1977 "Let There Be Rock" European tour poster, a Bon Scott parrot tattoo replica, an AC/DC logo guitar pick, an Australian "Money Talks" dollar, three black-and-white fine art lithographs of never-before-seen photos of the band in the Alberts Studio in 1977 and more.

The AC/DC deluxe collector's edition of "Backtracks" comes housed in a fully operational AC/DC guitar amplifier. The limited and numbered deluxe collector's edition of "Backtracks" will be available direct-to-consumers exclusively through the web site ACDCBacktracks.com with full details on pre-ordering going live on the site on Tuesday, September 29.

The three-disc standard version of "Backtracks" distills the electrifying essence of the deluxe set into one CD of studio rarities, one CD of hard-to-find live tracks, and the indispensable "Family Jewels Disc 3" DVD.

What you get with AC/DC "Backtracks" Deluxe Collector's Edition:

Collector's Edition Box-Set:

The 12"x12"x4" (30cm*30cm*10cm) exterior box is designed to resemble a vintage AC/DC guitar amp ? complete with the original logo that was spray-painted onto the rear of Angus and Malcolm Young's speaker cabinets in 1975. The "head" of the amp has a handle that lifts the top off to reveal the contents housed within. Oh yeah, the head is also a WORKING GUITAR AMPLIFIER! That's right, one watt of pure AC/DC makes this box a truly unique collector's item. You can PLAY the box set while LISTENING TO the box set! Check out the videos of Angus using the amp.

3 CDs:

CD 1 ? Studio Rarities

This CD, for the first time, collects AC/DC's studio rarities, many on CD for the first time. These are all of the songs that the band recorded throughout their career that appeared on Australian-only LP releases, movie soundtracks, 7" and 12" single releases, and CD "tour editions", etc. 12 of the 18 tracks are completely unique songs that have all been remastered to match the unparalleled sound quality of the rest of the Columbia AC/DC catalog reissues. The other 6 tracks are the original versions of classic AC/DC songs previously only available on the original Australian albums. Some restore seconds to the original fades, others restore guitar solos and choruses. All are highly sought-after collectibles and have never sounded this good!

CDs 2 & 3 ? Live Rarities

Like CD 1, this is a collection of the band's live rarities from singles, CD pros, compilations and other oddities. All have been remastered from original sources for optimum sound quality.

2 DVDs:

"Family Jewels" Disc 3

Picking up where the original 2DVD "Family Jewels" set leaves off (1991), "Family Jewels" Disc Three begins with "Big Gun" the theme song to the motion picture "Last Action Hero" ? itself a rarity on CD 1 ? the first time on any AC/DC album! You also get all three music videos from the "Ballbreaker" album, three from "Stiff Upper Lip" and the most recent clips for "Rock N Roll Train" and "Anything Goes" from the #1 album "Black Ice". But there's more! Several clips from the original "Family Jewels" set actually had more than one promotional clip. Here are the alternate versions of those classic videos ? all on DVD for the first time.

Live At The Circus Krone 2003:

2003 was a banner year for AC/DC. From their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to massive European dates with THE ROLLING STONES, the band made several high-profile public appearances (including the SARS concert in Toronto for 200,000!). One run of shows found the band returning to their roots ? playing clubs and theaters where they thrilled fans with sweaty, stripped-down shows and even throwing in some rarities they hadn't played in years. This show from Munich, Germany is the epitome of an "inside" look at how powerful the AC/DC show is ? without all the bells and whistles of the big arena and stadium shows (well, they did bring the cannons?).

164-Page Coffee Table Book:

164 pages of rare and unseen photos spanning 1974-2009 plus full-size re-prints of original press releases, tour itineraries, tour books, test pressing labels, advertisements and much more. A real history of the band from the inside out. Rare photography includes never-before-seen shots of the band recording at the Albert Music studio on King Street in Sydney with legendary producers Harry Vanda and George Young in 1977. Also tons of unpublished live shots from all over the world.

LP:

The 12 unique studio rarities from CD 1 presented on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, mastered specifically for LP. A classic album in its own right!

For complete track listings, video clips, photos and extensive information, visit ACDCBacktracks.com.

[estebanf]

AC/DC's December 2, 2009 concert at the 65,000-capacity River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina is officially sold out and a second show has been added at the same venue for December 4. According to Argentine media reports, 30,000 tickets to the first concert were gone within an hour after they went on sale this morning.

this is so damn true!!!

I tried buying the tickets via internet from 0:00 to 3:00 AM and then from 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM. The page was absolutely collapsed.

Made (not kidding) 50 attempts via telephone, and finally some guy's voice appeared and was able to buy two tickets. But for 4th of december. 2nd was sold out.

AC/DC sold (this is what argentine press says) 45.000 tickets in 8 hours, and the gig was sold out today at 7 PM (its 11:25 PM here). The tickets went on sale from 0:00 to 9:00 (only via internet, only ''field'' tickets) and all other places plus the rest of the fields tickets went on sale via all other options at 9:00.

Its just a matter of hours for the band to officially announce a third date. three dates at the River Plate Stadium are... 180.000 people +

buying these tickets was the worst nightmare I had suffered. trust me.

[Malcolm]

According to 10Musica.com, AC/DC's three sold-out shows at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 2, 3 and 6 (65,000 capacity each) will be filmed for a future DVD release. Additional footage at the stadium will be shot on Saturday, December 5 without the presence of an audience.

AC/DC arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday, November 29.

[estebanf]

just ended the first of the three shows. Im attending the next one, on friday.

I talked to people who just came from the River Plate stadium and they're just speechless.

I've read several ''i dont know what to say, its simply unbelievable. go to the show having for sure you're attending one of the best shows of your whole life''.

cant wait to see the young brothers onstage 

[estebanf]

 

[estebanf]

just came back from the River Plate Stadium.

damn man, I've never attended a show this intense. You spend 1:45 of the total 2 hours jumping and fighting for your life. Its too adrenalinic, and the band sounds tight, simply perfect. Angus Young is the fucking biggest guitar god of all times, and Brian is in top form. He ran like 60 meters in 9 seconds to then jump into the bell's rope and introduce ''Hells Bells'', which was  the best song of the show along with Dirty Deeds, Thunderstruck, Shoot To Trill and the incredible opener, Rock N' Roll Train.

There were 66.000 people. It was packed as I have never seen the River Plate Stadium.

An incredible show, from the start to the end. The fireworks, the sound quality, the performance... everything... lots of topless during ''The Jack''

From what i remember, the songs played were:

Rock N Roll Train - Shot Down In Flames - Back In Black - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap - Black Ice - Dog Eat Dog - Thunderstruck - Hells Bells - You Shook Me All Night Long - TNT - Shoot To Thrill - One more from Black Ice I cant remember the name - Big Jack - Whole Lotta Rosie - For Those About To Rock (we salute you)

[mrlee]

oohh they did Dog Eat Dog? Nice

[estebanf]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WDnYpA_EHzQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WDnYpA_EHzQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[BlowUpYourVideo]

Got the deluxe edition of the Backtracks boxset for Xmas. The thing is a beast.

[Halo69]

I went to AC/DC's show in june i think, this year in Portugal and they rocked the house! I can't believe they can still throw out a show like that... 5 stars, amazing!

[Malcolm]

AC/DC's setlist for tonight's (Thursday, February 11) concert in Melbourne as as follows:

01. Rock N' Roll Train
02. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be
03. Back In Black
04. Big Jack
05. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
06. Shot Down In Flames
07. Thunderstruck
08. Black Ice
09. The Jack
10. Hells Bells
11. Shoot To Thrill
12. War Machine
13. High Voltage
14. You Shook Me All Night Long
15. T.N.T.
16. Whole Lotta Rosie
17. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

18. Highway To Hell
19. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

AC/DC started its first Australian tour since 2001 this week amid reports that singer Brian Johnson has been thinking about retiring after a possible throat cancer scare late last year. Johnson said, "Of course I don't want to retire, but I'm telling you if the body or the voice packs in there's nothing I can do. Pride is what it is. You don't want to let yourself, the band or the fans down. I'll go on as long as I can."

As previously reported, Johnson has lashed out at U2 frontman Bono and musician and Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof for their outspoken activism and public charity work. In an interview with Australia's Herald Sun, Johnson said that he donates to charity but prefers to stay quiet about it, explaining, "I don't tell everybody they should give money ? they can't afford it. When I was a working man, I didn't want to go to a concert for some bastard to talk down to me that I should be thinking of some kid in Africa. I'm sorry, mate, do it yourself, spend some of your own money and get it done."

AC/DC does not play charity events, even turning down a slot at Geldof's massive 1985 Live Aid global concert. Johnson said, "Bob Geldof is a canny lad. He did what he thought was right at the time but it didn't work. The money didn't go to poor people. It makes me mad when people try to use politics or charity for publicity. Do a charity gig, fair enough, but not on worldwide television."

   

[Malcolm]

The Daily Telegraph reports: Midway through AC/DC's song "Thunderstruck" at Melbourne, Australia's Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, first-time mom-to-be Samantha Williamson from Drouin was hit with a contraction.

But Williamson was determined to hang on until the end of the gig.

"Not even the baby was going to stop me seeing AC/DC,'' she said.

[BlowUpYourVideo]

Bon Scott died 30 years ago today.

[Layne Staley's Sunglasses]

Angus looks like Mick Jagger in that picture.

[Getizzyback]

Seems like I remember that picture from the Jailbreak '74 album sleeve.

[Finckism]

I saw them in Buenos Aires last December. Now everytime i hear For Those About To Rock i remember the best day of my life.