Ridin’ on the highway
Goin’ to a show
Stoppin’ on the by-ways
Playin’ rock ‘n roll
These were the exact words that I thought of as my uncle drove both me and his friend to AC/DC’s near-sold out concert in Landover, Maryland on May 12. They derive from their hit single from 1975 “It’s A Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock and Roll),” but it fit the mood for the afternoon and the show that I had always dreamed of.
I’ve always listened to AC/DC. I frequently blare their greatest hits out my car window while I drive, or on my speaker when I work out in my basement gym. My walk-up song during baseball season is “Shoot To Thrill.” My karaoke signatures are classics from their late frontman Bon Scott: “Highway To Hell” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.”
The one thing that I had never done before was see them live in concert. Well, on Monday, that dream became reality as I pulled up into Northwest Stadium and it finally sunk in.
After months of waiting, I was about to see AC/DC live during their PWR/UP tour. The same guys that wrote and performed “Back In Black” and “Thunderstruck,” I was about to see them with my own eyes.
The sky was cloudy as rain showers in the area stayed near. Still, it did not damper the mood of eager AC/DC fans alike.
We were treated to a loud opening act from rock band The Pretty Reckless. Taylor Momsen’s voice poured out all over the stadium as the bass guitar notched up and played over the guitar solos.
Would you believe me if I told you that Momsen is the same person that once played Little Lucie Lu in Jim Carrey’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas?” Well, yup. That’s her!
Waiting for AC/DC to take the stage after the opening act was like waiting for the first pitch of an Orioles playoff game. The excitement is on another level.
Soon enough, the lights dimmed down and the fans roared as the introduction video began playing on the jumbotrons. A red car was depicted speeding through highways and making its way into the show, thus signaling the beginning of a fun night ahead.
In the blink of an eye, there they were. AC/DC.
The iconic lead guitarist, Angus Young, was in a red schoolboy outfit, yielding his SG Guitar and running around the stage like the maniac he is. Brian Johnson, the lead singer, came out through the other side with his famous ‘Peaky Blinders’ stage hat and a sleeveless vest similar to the one he wore during the 2008-2010 Black Ice tour.
Chris Channey (bass), Matt Laug (drums), and Stevie Young (rhythm guitar) took the stage with them. In seconds, they struck the first note of their opening song: “If You Want Blood (You Got It).”
They could not have chosen a better opener. Brian is careful of what songs he chooses for live sets so he does not do any dishonor to Bon, but dang this is one heck of an opener especially it was rarely heard in tours before this one.
Off we all went, singing and dancing in the presence of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. This is a group certainly worthy of their spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we nourished the opportunity to rock and roll with them as they cranked out their greatest hits.
Singing “Highway To Hell” with Johnson might have been a greater feeling than any prior time that I sang it before in karaoke. I stood in amazement as the bell from “Hells Bells” rang in my ears. I reflected on all the times that I sang “You Shook Me All Night Long” at parties and get-togethers while Johnson, himself, belted it out on stage.
Oh, and how could I not go crazy for Angus as he did his signature “duck walk” across stage while playing guitar?
They played their biggest hits, and they played some shockers, too. I doubt many fans were expecting to hear “Stiff Upper Lip.” It was also a nice surprise to hear “Riff Raff,” a song that they hardly ever play live anymore.
They also included two songs from their most recent album in 2020, which was PWR/Up. “Shot In The Dark” and “Demon Fire” were the feature songs off the Grammy-nominated album.
Brian is 77, and Angus is 70. The rest of the band is nearing their 60s or 70s as well. Yet on Monday (and throughout this entire tour), they had the energy and spirits of their 20-year-old selves. This is why they know how to put on a show, and one that will ring with fans for the rest of their lives. I am no exception.
The lights are spectacular, but the sound they create with their music is incomparable. It is a mix of rock and roll with a hint of blues rock in the sound of the Young guitars and the swing created by the rhythm section as a whole. Of course, the drums contribute mighty to their swingy groove and that role has been passed down to Laug by longtime drummer Phil Rudd.
The rock and roll punch that took them to the top is beyond thrilling live. Yet, you have to be there to believe me and understand how iconic they sound.
It was an honor to see AC/DC live, and it will be an experience that I will never forget. It was so unforgettable, that this will not be the last time that I see them live.
Fellas, I’ll see you soon in Cleveland, Ohio! I salute you!
