On May 12, AC/DC brought their electrifying rock and roll to a near-sold-out crowd at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The experience was one long-awaited by fans, including myself.
As my uncle drove us to the concert, I thought of a line from their 1975 hit, “It’s A Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock and Roll).” The lyric perfectly captured the excitement and anticipation of the day.
I have been a longtime fan of AC/DC. I often play their greatest hits loudly while driving or working out. My baseball walk-up song is “Shoot To Thrill,” and at karaoke, I always choose classics by their late frontman Bon Scott, like “Highway To Hell” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” However, I had never seen them live—until that Monday night.
After months of waiting, it finally felt real as I arrived at the stadium. The skies were cloudy with rain nearby, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of the eager fans.
The show began with a powerful performance by The Pretty Reckless. Lead singer Taylor Momsen’s voice filled the stadium as the band played intense guitar and bass. (Fun fact: Momsen is the same actress who played Little Lucie Lu in How The Grinch Stole Christmas.)
Waiting for AC/DC to appear felt like waiting for a big moment in a baseball playoff game. The excitement was electric.
Soon, the lights dimmed, and the crowd roared. A video played on the jumbotrons, showing a red car speeding down highways, signaling the start of a memorable night.
Then, they appeared—AC/DC.
Angus Young, dressed in his classic red schoolboy outfit, ran wildly across the stage with his SG guitar. Brian Johnson, wearing his signature ‘Peaky Blinders’ hat and sleeveless vest, entered from the opposite side. Alongside them were Chris Channey on bass, Matt Laug on drums, and Stevie Young on rhythm guitar.
The band opened with “If You Want Blood (You Got It),” a rare choice that set a powerful tone for the night. Brian Johnson carefully selects songs to honor Bon Scott’s legacy, and this opener was a thrilling surprise.
From that moment, the crowd sang and danced to some of the greatest rock songs ever made. AC/DC’s place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is well deserved.
Singing “Highway To Hell” live with Johnson was more thrilling than any karaoke performance I’ve done. The iconic bell from “Hells Bells” rang out loud and clear, while “You Shook Me All Night Long” brought back memories of countless parties.
Angus Young’s famous “duck walk” across the stage added to the excitement and energy.
The band played many of their biggest hits, but also surprised fans with less common songs like “Stiff Upper Lip” and “Riff Raff.” They included two tracks from their latest 2020 album PWR/UP: “Shot In The Dark” and “Demon Fire.”
Despite Brian Johnson being 77 and Angus Young 70, the band’s energy was that of musicians half their age. Their passion and skill made for a show that fans will remember forever.
The light show was spectacular, but it was the music that truly stood out. The band’s blend of rock and blues, led by the Young brothers’ guitars and supported by a strong rhythm section, delivered a powerful sound. Drummer Matt Laug carried on the legacy of longtime drummer Phil Rudd with a swinging groove that kept the energy high.
AC/DC’s live performance is beyond thrilling. You must experience it to truly understand the iconic sound.
It was an honor to see AC/DC live, and I know this will not be my last time. The memories from this night will stay with me forever.
I look forward to seeing them again soon—in Cleveland, Ohio. Thank you, AC/DC!
Related Topics
