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For those about to rock...

Last night’s AC/DC concert at ANZ Stadium, Sydney was a tremendous night of rock’n'roll. The music was good and the music was loud. Not bad for a bunch of old blokes. Yep, you can see the toll of years on AC/DC. And last night we saw a band past the prime. But their prime was so damn good that even in their dotage AC/DC leave most bands far behind in terms of energy and musicianship.

Starting with Rock’n'Roll Train from Black Ice, AC/DC played 2 hours of the finest rock’n'roll anyone will ever hear. They didn’t let up all night. Even during a powerful Let There Be Rock to close out the set, Phil, Malcolm and Cliff did not let up. It was incredible and a testament to the simplicity of rhythm. Angus prowled the stage as per usual, a little slower these days but still commands the audiences attention. Brian Johnson was in particularly fine voice as well.

The highlight of the show was High Voltage. When the first picture of Bon was shown on the big screen there was an almighty roar of appreciation from the crowd. More pictures were shown during the choruses of the song and a little video at the end. It was a simple tribute that ended up being quite emotional. Most fans would have known that the next day would mark 30 years since Bon’s death.

And even though this was a stadium show, if you took all the props away and put AC/DC in a room of a couple of hundred people it wouldn’t make any difference. The show was not about the spectacle as with some bands, it was about the music.

And the fans who came from all walks of life. And all ages. I saw one very young kid with an AC/DC t-shirt and earmuffs (very sensible precaution) that were as big as his head. And there were people in their 60s who had most likely seen the band during their early Australian gigs. Everyone had a great time and no signs of aggro from anyone. Just a whole lotta people wanting to have a good time.

I got the feeling this was farewell. I doubt we will see AC/DC again after this tour. I hope that I’m wrong but what a way to say goodbye. If you missed seeing them then you have missed one of the greatest live bands in the history of rock’n'roll.

Setlist

1. Rock N’ Roll Train
2. Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be
3. Back in Black
4. Big Jack
5. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
6. Shot Down in Flames
7. Thunderstruck
8. Black Ice
9. 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 Play Video
19. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)