It's a Long Way

I’ve noticed that I have not posted anything beyond 8th May so should really make the effort.
 
Today was supposedly the day the we drew a line under the AC/DC story after nearly 40 years of watching them on tour. Even last year Angus was the only remaining original member but this time around ‘new boy’ Brian Johnson was side-lined due to hearing loss.
 
We had known from early May that Brian was to be replaced by Axl Rose and refunds had been offered which many people had taken up. Even with the refunds, the touts were awash with spare tickets around the stadium. I had held on to my ticket because I’ve been a fan of GNR for a long time and thought that this just, might, work.
 
Of course, matters weren’t helped initially because Axl had broken his foot so did the first few gigs sitting down. Even so, there were signs that this was going to be good.
 
By the time tonight’s Manchester show came around, he was back on his feet so we were all set. So, pre-match drinks, hot-dogs and support act dispensed with, we were ready for the main event. This show was part of the same tour that we witnessed last year so there were no real surprises about the pre-amble or even the set-list. I’m delighted to say, however, that right from the off, the new new boy absolutely smashed it. This wasn’t AC/DC karaoke, this was AC/DC as good as I have ever seen them. Axl is much closer to the raconteur style of Bon Scott than BJ ever was and really makes his mark on lots of the old numbers with great phrasing and tone. Highway to Hell, Riff Raff, High Voltage, Dirty Deeds, Shot Down in Flames all sounded great and it was obvious that the whole band were having a blast.
 

Yes, we thought it might be the last time but now I’m not so sure. Those that went to these shows have certainly witnessed a classic line-up. It can’t last the because the die hards will want BJ back and GNR seem to be about to re-emerge too but it’s great to have been there.