AC/DC

August 27, 2016

Greensboro, NC

Greensboro Coliseum

Reviewed by Joseph Hett

AC/DC Is Definitely Not A Bust In Greensboro

AC/DC finally performed their long-anticipated show in Greensboro, NC at the Greensboro Coliseum Saturday night.  This was the first stop on their run of makeup shows for the Rock Or Bust Tour in the United States. This show was originally scheduled for March 14.

We will not elaborate on the recent changes of AC/DC’s lineup, you can go elsewhere for that. Yes, it is very unfortunate how it all came about, but it is what it is. This lineup of AC/DC is working as a cohesive unit and proving naysayers wrong with every show.

Anticipation swirled around as the sold-out crowd entered the arena while Rolling Stones classics blasted through the PA system.  Throngs of flashing devil horns could be seen throughout the massive venue.

The colossal stage setup included a long runaway that ran into the center of the arena. If it was seen overhead, it might appear to be a phallic symbol, which is right up AC/DC’s innuendo alley.

After a brief intro video, Angus Young, Cliff Williams, Axl Rose, Chris Slade and Stevie Young waltzed out on the stage and cranked out the song “Rock Or Bust,” from their newest record also called “Rock Or Bust.”

Axl was dressed in his usual garb, while wearing a shirt with what appeared to be a pill bottle graphic on it.  As usual, Angus came out in his signature school boy outfit.

They kept the rock going with “Shoot To Thrill,” “Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be” and “Black In Back.”

Rose was himself, which is a good thing. He did not try to imitate previous AC/DC singers. But at times, he sounded just like Bon Scott during the older material. Because his vocals are more suited for the Bon era material.

The classics kept coming with “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “Thunderstruck” and “Hells Bells,” as the huge bell lowered from the rafters.

Stevie Young and Cliff Williams stayed glued to the opposite sides of the drum kit all show long chugging riffs. They did walk out to provide background vocals during their respective times.

AC/DC relied heavily on the Bon Scott era nearing the end of the show with “If You Want Blood (You Got It),” “Sin City” and “Live Wire.” It was a historic night because they played “Live Wire” live for the first time since 1982. Some of the hardcore fans in the crowd knew the significance and others just continued to head bang without knowing.

There were no slow, bluesy songs all night long. During previous AC/DC tours, they would play something smooth like “The Jack,” all while Angus did his little stripping routine. Angus kept his clothes on the entire night. He was probably trying to prove a point that he was there to rock instead of providing theatrics.

The AC/DC favorites kept flowing with “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “T.N.T” and “Whole Lotta Rosie,” where the massive inflatable Rosie appeared onstage.

During Angus’ signature extended solo during “Let There Be Rock,” Stevie Young could be seen breathing a sigh of relief and resting his back on the amplifiers. While other members of the band were catching their breath, Angus kept the energy going. He duck walked across the stage and ran up and down the runway. He reached the end of the runway and played extended solos to each side of the arena. He was soon lifted up on a pedestal as he laid down and spun, all while riffing away, as confetti shot out of cannons and blinded everyone from this magnificent sight. It was now time for the encore.

After a brief break, Angus rose up on a platform from beneath the stage. He suffered a little stop and go action that wasn’t planned, while wearing his signature devil horns, and then started “Highway To Hell.” “Riff Raff” was next up and the cannons were brought to full attention for the closer, “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You).”

It was an amazing two and a half hour show and well worth the wait from March. It was basically the Angus Young show all night long (which can also be used to describe every AC/DC show ever). Axl Rose was a very good choice to fill in to finish the tour. At first, it seemed like an odd choice. But once the fan filmed videos hit the internet, the Axl fronted AC/DC sounded pretty damn good. With bassist Cliff Williams retiring and all of the recent turmoil, AC/DC’s future is unclear. If it is the end, AC/DC went out on top in Greensboro.