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AC/DC bring high voltage rock & roll hits to the masses at the Rose Bowl

BBG News

Only a small number of bands can still fill a stadium after more than half a century in the industry. It’s even rarer for such a band to perform in front of an audience that spans multiple generations, with both parents and their kids enthusiastically supporting 77-year-old lead singer Brian Johnson and 70-year-old guitar legend Angus Young, who were adorned with flashing red devil horn headbands during the performance.

In a remarkable display of enduring power and passion, AC/DC played 21 iconic, hard-hitting songs that are synonymous with classic rock radio and cultural significance. Most of these tunes have stood the test of time as timeless classics, and they were performed with an energy that suggests the band is still in its prime, despite their long history in the music industry. The concert began with “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” from 1978, as Angus Young, sporting his signature schoolboy attire (red velvet for this particular show) and his iconic black and white Gibson SG, stepped onto the stage to deafening applause.

Following this came “Back in Black,” the song and album that saw Johnson join the band in 1980. Despite severe hearing problems that forced him off stage for a few harrowing years, and a voice that wasn’t as strong or sustained as before, the frontman was still expressive and lively. The group played several tracks from their most recent album, “Power Up,” released in 2020, but, as anticipated and enjoyed, the classics took center stage, including “Shot Down to Flames,” “Hell’s Bells,” and fan favorite “Thunderstruck.

Although the band’s rhythm section delivered a relentless, powerful and meticulously perfect set, it didn’t have a smooth, continuous flow. Instead, there were regular pauses during which the stage was dimmed between songs. The second half of their two-hour-long performance, however, seemed more robust, as Johnson appeared to regain energy during this third show of thirteen for the Power Up tour.

Fervent followers of the band might question if AC/DC seems a bit uncaring or just highly motivated, given their career trajectory. Some fans, however, may be unaware or uninterested in the band’s background, which experienced a tragic shift when lead singer Bon Scott passed away at 33 in February 1980. Within barely half a year, with new vocalist Johnson, who was previously from British band Geordie, AC/DC released one of the highest-selling albums ever, “Back in Black,” marking their first of 11 studio albums (so far) with Johnson.

Similar to Andy Capp in a Dickensian sense, Johnson is a captivating charlatan, a relatable, bluesy vocalist whose witty humor tinged with the air of a scoundrel bears some resemblance to Scott’s persona, albeit each man’s voice, tonality, and stage presence were uniquely their own. And admired for it.

Despite being in the middle of their “Rock or Bust” tour on February 28, 2016, Brian Johnson was warned by doctors that if he didn’t stop performing, he could lose his hearing completely. By May 17, 2016, Axl Rose from Guns N’ Roses stepped in to replace Johnson for a series of shows, surprising many and delighting others. It seems nothing can halt the momentum of AC/DC. They are more than just a band; they are a band of brothers, both figuratively (founded by Angus and his late brother Malcolm) and literally. However, as the concertgoer next to me observed, “Angus is all about the money, and he and his brother own the band.” Despite this, many fans opted not to attend the AC/DC concerts featuring Axl Rose, preferring to avoid the version of the band with a different frontman.

By 2019, after resolving his hearing problems, Johnson returned to the group. Furthermore, by October 2023, he was performing live with AC/DC again. It’s worth noting that another band, Guns N’ Roses, continues to pack stadiums. What’s even more intriguing is that Axl Rose and guitarist Slash, who are often compared to Johnson and Young in the realm of American rock, were seen at the Rose Bowl. Their casual stroll through the crowd left thousands amazed and eagerly watching them pass by.

During their extended performance, everyone was intently focused on the stage. Known for their playful songs, AC/DC has penned tracks about sexually transmitted diseases (“The Jack”), larger women (“Whole Lotta Rosie”), passionate encounters (“You Shook Me All Night Long,” “She’s Got Balls”), and of course, a broader interpretation of Hell. Their tunes are always upbeat and unapologetic, yet they never cross the line into being offensive, even in today’s era of heightened political correctness.

Regardless of any health issues or member departures, AC/DC continues to be unrelenting and indisputable. Angus Young’s rendition of Chuck Berry’s duckwalk is a testament to his timeless energy, while his extended (possibly 10 minutes, maybe even 15?) solo performance during “Let There Be Rock” further solidifies this claim.

In the set of songs performed, at least six tracks became notorious due to Scott’s performance—such as “Sin City,” “Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap),” “Riff Raff,” “Let There Be Rock,” and “Highway to Hell.” Despite the fact that Johnson has been singing these songs for longer than Scott did, they have become such a significant part of the band’s repertoire that it makes no difference. Furthermore, a consistent characteristic is that AC/DC song titles often serve as catchy, down-to-earth witticisms—for example, “Have a Drink on Me,” “Hells Bells,” and “Stiff Upper Lip.” Nowadays, these phrases are so commonly used that it’s hard to tell if AC/DC coined them or not. At this point, the truth might be lost in time; perhaps they were the originators.

As a die-hard fan of rock music, I must admit that one thing I truly appreciate about AC/DC is their consistency. Critics might complain that they’re always making the same record, but for me, it’s part of their charm and the reason behind their global success. If it works, why change it? And when there are issues, they’re swiftly addressed. In this tour, instead of Phil Rudd, we have Matt Laug on drums, who’s been with us for two years now, and Chris Chaney on bass, replacing Cliff Williams from 1977. He’s a seasoned musician, known for his work with Jane’s Addiction. And, of course, the Young blood is flowing on the guitars – Angus and his nephew Stevie, who took over when Malcolm stepped down in 2014. The band continues to rock as powerfully as ever!

Will AC/DC continue their music journey? Absolutely, for as long as they are able. It’s simply what they do. Will audiences, from young to old, continue to support them? They will. It’s a tradition they uphold. By 2025, the world might yearn for a thunderous two-hour concert experience with 70,000 fellow enthusiasts, sharing in the working-class jubilation of beer, ladies, and rock and roll. AC/DC has been the band to provide this unifying, escapist fun. As Bon Scott once sang (and Brian Johnson never did), on the bagpipe-infused “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock & Roll),” and AC/DC certainly reached that pinnacle, remaining firmly at its summit ever since.

Opening for AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless proved to be an excellent choice. Fronted by Taylor Momsen, they filled the vast stage with an energy reminiscent of ’70s Runaways’ Cherie Currie. Her voice, smooth and powerful, was spot-on, while her commanding presence onstage was as genuine as a magnet. From a neighboring seat, I overheard someone exclaim, “I was completely captivated!

Similar to AC/DC, this band is characterized by their heavy guitar focus and knack for writing captivating tunes. Their style is an ideal fusion of mainstream rock with the raw intensity, loudness, and strength associated with metal. It’s unfortunate that AC/DC tends to stick closely to convention during their performances, because a collaboration between Momsen and Johnson would be a match made in music history.

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2025-04-20 04:01

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