AC/DC 'Black Ice Tour'

8 years after the last AC/DC album 'Stiff Upper Lip', and they're back with new album 'Black Ice', and a global tour to accompany it. So there was definite anticipation and excitement of what was to come as we entered the O2 Arena.

The arena was only part full whilst The Answer played with many people more interested in buying merchandise, drinks, and food, first, and around us huge rolling banners advertise forthcoming shows, and multi-national products like Nestle. Then, as the lights were turned off and the first guitar riff started, an anime film of Angus driving an out of control ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Train’ was played, and suddenly the train crashed through the giant screen and out above the stage.



The band came on stage, in front of a sea of fans, many wearing flashing devil's horns, and opened with 'Rock 'n' Roll Train' the first track from the new album, and it was clear this was still the same AC/DC of old, note perfect, and towering over us on the four giant screens.

Singer Brian Johnson hollered, "They're going to do some mixing and matching-some old, some new, and the party starts right here." Cue a roaring rendition of 'Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be'. Angus struts along the runway and does the trademark duck walk. The crowd are all singing along, and the favourites continue with 'Back in Black'.

Then a return to the new album with 'Big Jack', which seems to fit perfectly with the old material, and the crowd although less vocal are taking well to the new material. Brian introduced 'Dirty Deeds' as a special song for 'London Town', and again, it had the whole crowd singing along.



Next up 'Shot Down In Flames' and then 'Thunderstruck' with everyone singing along again, the sound and view of the stage from our seats are both excellent. 'Black Ice' the title track off the new album gets an airing, before 'The Jack' where Angus strips and shows his famous AC/DC boxers, followed by some frantic frenetic riffage, and remaining shirtless for the rest of the gig. A giant bell is lowered in for 'Hells Bells'. And another classic 'Shoot to Thrill', and the whole audience were head banging along.

These two classics are followed by a brace of new songs - more anime graphics for 'War Machine', and the rather flat blues tinged 'Anything Goes' with its Brian Adams/Bruce Springsteen feel and surely played to give Angus a breather.

The band go back into overdrive for 'You Shook Me All Night Long' and 'TNT', which replete with explosive pyrotechnics. Then a giant inflatable 'Rosie' was lowered in, to rock along to 'Whole Lotta Rosie'.

Crowd favourite 'Let There Be Rock' which was followed by Angus riffing, at the end of the runway, within a rising platform where he played the guitar one handed, spinning around on the floor and on his head, then they went off stage and the crowed called for an encore, and amazingly there's a steady stream of people already leaving the venue.



Angus rose red lit through the floor and a cheer erupts to 'Highway To Hell', which has the crowed jumping around and singing along. Then the closing song 'For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)'; complete with a huge 6 cannon salute and again the whole crowed was jumping around singing along.

It was a truly amazing gig, and the 02 arena has proved itself to be a great venue, playing host to one of the legends of rock'n'roll, who deliver a faultless performance.

Amazingly, as this is London, it's easy to leave afterwards with no massive crushes. Food and drink are rather expensive, but that's to be expected at most venues these days, my first visit to the O2 and it's an impressive indoor venue to showcase large acts.

FUTURE GIGS

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