We were ‘Thunderstruck’ – AC/DC – Live at Wembley Stadium , July 3 2024

An extended version of 'Let There Be Rock' featured a lengthy guitar solo which was simply mind blowing.

Words: Karen Hetherington 

Pictures: Tim Finch / Tim Finch Photography

As the sky turned grey, the temperature dipped and the rain fell, I could have been forgiven for expecting a touch of ‘Thunder’ as I joined the other tens of thousands of fans packing into London’s Wembley stadium on Wednesday night to await the onslaught of Australian rockers AC/DC. This was a long anticipated show and it didn’t disappoint.

With no introduction or small talk they exploded onto the stage with ‘If you Want Blood (You’ve Got it)’ to a raucous welcome which was nearly as loud as the band itself, before thundering through a set which was heavy on Bon Scott era material.

Sporting his trademark school uniform and a shock of long white hair, Angus Young, who is now the only original member of the band, engaged the baying crowd with his blistering riffs, trademark “duck-walk” and the energy and enthusiasm of a teenager, at one point removing his neck tie with a look of pure mischief and proceeding to play the guitar with it – a nostalgic personal highlight for me.

Musically, there are no surprises with AC/DC, no changes of direction or musical experimentation beyond what they are best known for. Upbeat, feel good, straight talking Rock n’ Roll is served up in a large dose with no frills. Interaction with the fans seemingly doesn’t exist with this band – not that anyone was complaining, they are all about the music and with the set featuring 21 tracks in total they certainly got their moneys worth!

The use of mechanised props and atmospheric effects were reserved for the biggest crowd pleasers and as it happened we did get a bit of ‘Thunder’, accompanied by a lightning storm back drop. A large bell dangled overhead the band for ‘Hells Bells’ but the gigantic, scantily clad blow up woman who usually features during ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ has been shelved on this tour in favour of a video version which, in my opinion, didn’t have quite the same effect…

The extensive set list was a high speed roller-coaster of greatest hits including ‘Back in Black’, ‘TNT’, ‘Have a Drink on Me’ and ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’. An extended version of ‘Let There Be Rock’ featured a lengthy guitar solo which was simply mind blowing. Spiraling towards the end of the set, ‘Highway to Hell’ saw the stage lit up with fire in an amazingly fitting display of pyrotechnics that nearly made you wish you were going there yourself…

The band played two encores, the closing track ‘For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) a fitting finale for the huge sea of fans who showed up to support their idols, and who stood and rocked when they were supposed to be seated – from my personal vantage point, for the entirety of set which concluded with fireworks lighting up the night sky over the stadium.
AC/DC have suffered some devastating personnel changes over the decades, in recent years with the tragic loss of Malcolm Young who has been replaced by his nephew Stevie and the retirement of bassist Cliff Williams. Phil Rudd lookalike Matt Laug proved a worthy substitute for the long term drummer who has had a peppered touring history due to various brushes with the law.
Brian Johnson who superseded iconic singer Bon Scott as the bands frontman in 1980 is firmly established as one of the greatest hard rock singers of all time, his vocals featuring on some of their best known tracks. Back in Black, the first album released with Johnson on lead vocals is currently rated as the second biggest selling album of all time, testament to Johnson’s popularity as a vocalist.

AC/DC have provided us with 51 years of rock, their music has become more mainstream than many other hard rock acts having featured in film soundtracks such as the Iron Man movies and The Avengers, increasing their exposure and popularity and winning them many fans of the younger generation. As with any band of their era, in their older age they will find themselves subject to scrutiny and potential criticism regarding their longevity. At 76, Johnson, who has suffered issues with his hearing in the past has a few years up on Angus and was notably struggling vocally through some of Wednesdays set, but with the support of backing vocals and a break nearing the end this did not detract from the overall brilliance of the show.
The atmosphere was electric throughout the evening, the crowd fully charged to the point of overload upon the mass exodus of Wembley Stadium. I pondered if I would ever see AC/DC again, not convinced that Johnson’s voice could carry off another world tour, but who knows? It seems somewhat late in their career to consider another vocal replacement. Angus, who played exceptionally might just have something up the sleeve of his school shirt. It seems clear that London would eagerly welcome them back in any capacity, if only to get another glimpse of Angus’ knees – they look great considering the battering they have taken with his stage antics. Not bad for 69 years Young!

SETLIST:

If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It),
Back in Black,
Demon Fire,
Shot Down in Flames,
Thunderstruck,
Have a Drink on Me,
Hells Bells,
Shot in the Dark,
Stiff Upper Lip,
Shoot to Thrill,
Sin City,
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train,
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,
High Voltage,
Riff Raff,
You Shook Me All Night Long,
Highway to Hell,
Whole Lotta Rosie,
Let There Be Rock (with Angus guitar solo),
Encore:
T.N.T.,
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

The Current Touring Line-Up Is: 

Angus Young (guitars),

Brian Johnson (vocalist),

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

 Matt Laug (drums),

Chris Chaney (bass guitar)

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