We had been ‘Thunderstruck’ – AC/DC – Reside at Wembley Stadium , July 3 2024We had been ‘Thunderstruck’ – AC/DC – Reside at Wembley Stadium , July 3 2024

Phrases: Karen Hetherington 

Photos: Tim Finch / Tim Finch Pictures

Because the sky became gray, the temperature dipped and the rain fell, I may have been forgiven for anticipating a marginally of ‘Thunder’ as I joined the opposite tens of 1000’s of enthusiasts packing into London’s Wembley stadium on Wednesday night time to wait for the onslaught of Australian rockers AC/DC. This was once an extended expected display and it didn’t disappoint.

Without a creation or small communicate they exploded onto the degree with ‘Should you Need Blood (You’ve Were given it)’ to a raucous welcome which was once just about as loud because the band itself, earlier than thundering thru a suite which was once heavy on Bon Scott technology subject matter.

Carrying his trademark faculty uniform and a surprise of lengthy white hair, Angus Younger, who’s now the one unique member of the band, engaged the baying crowd together with his blistering riffs, trademark “duck-walk” and the power and exuberance of a young person, at one level putting off his neck tie with a glance of natural mischief and continuing to play the guitar with it – a nostalgic non-public spotlight for me.

Musically, there are not any surprises with AC/DC, no adjustments of course or musical experimentation past what they’re perfect recognized for. Upbeat, really feel just right, instantly speaking Rock n’ Roll is served up in a big dose and not using a frills. Interplay with the enthusiasts apparently doesn’t exist with this band – now not that anybody was once complaining, they’re all concerning the song and with the set that includes 21 tracks in overall they no doubt were given their moneys value!

The usage of mechanised props and atmospheric results had been reserved for the largest crowd pleasers and because it came about we did get a bit of of ‘Thunder’, accompanied by way of a lightning typhoon again drop. A big bell dangled overhead the band for ‘Hells Bells’ however the gigantic, scantily clad blow up lady who normally options right through ‘Entire Lotta Rosie’ has been shelved in this excursion in favour of a video model which, in my view, didn’t have fairly the similar impact…

The in depth set checklist was once a prime velocity roller-coaster of largest hits together with ‘Again in Black’, ‘TNT’, ‘Have a Drink on Me’ and ‘Grimy Deeds Finished Grime Reasonable’. A longer model of ‘Let There Be Rock’ featured a long guitar solo which was once merely thoughts blowing. Spiraling in opposition to the tip of the set, ‘Freeway to Hell’ noticed the degree lit up with fireplace in an amazingly becoming show of pyrotechnics that almost made you want you had been going there your self…

The band performed two encores, the last observe ‘For The ones About to Rock (We Salute You) a becoming finale for the large sea of enthusiasts who confirmed as much as strengthen their idols, and who stood and rocked after they had been intended to be seated – from my non-public vantage level, for the whole lot of set which concluded with fireworks lighting fixtures up the night time sky over the stadium.
AC/DC have suffered some devastating group of workers adjustments over the a long time, in recent times with the tragic lack of Malcolm Younger who has been changed by way of his nephew Stevie and the retirement of bassist Cliff Williams. Phil Rudd lookalike Matt Laug proved a worthy exchange for the longer term drummer who has had a peppered traveling historical past because of quite a lot of brushes with the regulation.
Brian Johnson who outdated iconic singer Bon Scott because the bands frontman in 1980 is firmly established as probably the most largest exhausting rock singers of all time, his vocals that includes on a few of their perfect recognized tracks. Again in Black, the primary album launched with Johnson on lead vocals is these days rated as the second one largest promoting album of all time, testomony to Johnson’s recognition as a vocalist.

AC/DC have equipped us with 51 years of rock, their song has develop into extra mainstream than many different exhausting rock acts having featured in movie soundtracks such because the Iron Guy films and The Avengers, expanding their publicity and recognition and successful them many enthusiasts of the more youthful technology. As with every band in their technology, of their older age they are going to to find themselves topic to scrutiny and doable complaint referring to their longevity. At 76, Johnson, who has suffered problems together with his listening to prior to now has a couple of years up on Angus and was once significantly suffering vocally thru a few of Wednesdays set, however with the strengthen of backing vocals and a spoil nearing the tip this didn’t detract from the whole brilliance of the display.
The ambience was once electrical during the night time, the group absolutely charged to the purpose of overload upon the mass exodus of Wembley Stadium. I contemplated if I’d ever see AC/DC once more, now not satisfied that Johnson’s voice may just lift off any other global excursion, however who is aware of? It sort of feels rather past due of their profession to imagine any other vocal alternative. Angus, who performed exceptionally may simply have one thing up the sleeve of his faculty blouse. It sort of feels transparent that London would eagerly welcome them again in any capability, if simplest to get any other glimpse of Angus’ knees – they give the impression of being nice taking into account the battering they have got keen on his degree antics. No longer unhealthy for 69 years Younger!

SETLIST:

If You Need Blood (You’ve Were given It),
Again in Black,
Demon Fireplace,
Shot Down in Flames,
Thunderstruck,
Have a Drink on Me,
Hells Bells,
Shot within the Darkish,
Stiff Higher Lip,
Shoot to Thrill,
Sin Town,
Rock ‘n’ Roll Teach,
Grimy Deeds Finished Grime Reasonable,
Prime Voltage,
Riff Raff,
You Shook Me All Evening Lengthy,
Freeway to Hell,
Entire Lotta Rosie,
Let There Be Rock (with Angus guitar solo),
Encore:
T.N.T.,
For The ones About to Rock (We Salute You)

The Present Traveling Line-Up Is: 

Angus Younger (guitars),

Brian Johnson (vocalist),

Stevie Younger (rhythm guitarist  & nephew of Angus and Malcolm Younger),

 Matt Laug (drums),

Chris Chaney (bass guitar)

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