Wednesday, September 16, 2015

AC/DC Chicago 2015 Concert Review


Last night (9/15) legendary monster of rock AC/DC brought their own brand of high voltage rock n' roll to Wrigley Field in Chicago. The stadium that is normally home to the Chicago Cubs was packed with 40,000 people all gathered for the single purpose of having their faces melted by the sheer awesomeness that is AC/DC.

Opening for AC/DC was a LA based band called Vintage Trouble. They had a more old school R&B/blues/rockabilly sound which in all honesty seemed kind of fitting considering it's from stuff like that that AC/DC originally got its influence from way back in the day. They were pretty energetic and fun to watch. I wouldn't mind checking out some of their songs in a non-concert environment. From what I heard they seem worth it.

I have to say I was pretty impressed with the professionalism of the whole show in terms of how quickly and effectively they got things set up and taken down. No one had to wait too long for there to be some rockin' at the show that night. The only thing in terms of technical details that I would have to nitpick is the sound didn't always sound very balanced for various reasons through both Vintage Trouble's and AC/DC's sets. I could barely even hear Angus Young playing unless he was soloing by himself or his nephew Steven Young was at least laying back on rhythm guitar.

Despite that however, it was still one hell of a show. AC/DC did NOT disappoint. They rocked harder than guys even one third their age. The stage set-up was probably the most elaborate one I have ever seen in my entire life. The stage itself was shaped like Angus's signature Gibson SG with a platform in the head stock for Angus to get up and be lifted on. From there the back drop was shaped like horns and a head with horns. Then of course there were all kinds of pyrotechnics, a giant inflatable Rosie, and cannons. It was everything you would hope to see from an AC/DC stage set-up and more.

There was a good mix of songs in the set. Everything was played a half step down to account for Brian Johnson's aging vocals, but that didn't make the songs kick any less ass. AC/DC naturally pulled out all the major radio hits like Back in Black, Dirty Deeds, Thunderstruck, Highway to Hell, etc. but they also threw in a couple tunes from the new album Rock or Bust such as Play Ball and Rock or Bust. They even pulled out a couple of slightly more obscure Bon Scott era songs like Shot Down in Flames and High Voltage (which was definitely a pleasant surprise to me).

I was thoroughly impressed with AC/DC in a live setting. I had heard talk for years of how flashy and fantastic of a show they put on, but I didn't truly understand until I finally got to witness it with my own eyes. It was definitely a treat for me given the fact that this was the band that inspired me to become a rock musician 13-15 years ago. In a world today where everyone is into wimpy hipster music, it is reassuring to see that bands who actually have balls like AC/DC are still around to give folks what they really need. If you ever get the chance to go to an AC/DC concert I HIGHLY recommend you do. It is an experience like no other.

This AC/DC concert receives 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Set List:

1. Rock or Bust
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
4. Back in Black
5. Play Ball
6. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
7. Thunderstruck
8. High Voltage
9. Rock 'n' Roll Train
10. Hell's Bells
11. Baptism by Fire
12. You Shook Me All Night Long
13. Sin City
14. Shot Down in Flames
15. Have a Drink on Me
16. T.N.T.
17. Whole Lotta Rosie
18. Let There Be Rock  (With Angus Young guitar solo)

Encore:

19. Highway to Hell
20. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

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