by Lisa Pickering

Created on: January 23, 2009

I have loved ACDC ever since I was in middle school; ever since I stole Back In Black from my sister and listened to it repeatedly for days on end. I remember wondering why I had never heard music like that before. I couldn't understand why the radio played Hanson and The Spice girl instead of You Shook Me All Night Long or Shoot To Thrill. Then I realized I was listening to the wrong stations. Back In Black inspired me not only to explore all the music of ACDC I could get my hands on, but also all classic rock in general. I decided to start with High Voltage and work my way up to the present. I never was able to procure all of their albums but I had enough to know that this was my number one band of all time.

Let's move up to the present, 2009. ACDC finally came out with a new album, Black Ice, and decided to tour again. I was waiting eight years for such a thing to happen. I blew my first chance to see them live after Stiff Upper Lip came out when I was in high school (damn SATS prevented me from going). I wasn't about to miss my chance this time. I went with my sister to the show they were playing in Boston. Hands down best show I've ever seen and I've been to quite a few. I got teary eyed when Angus first took the stage in his standard school boy uniform. Then when they opened up with their new hit single Rock and Roll Train it was like the whole arena exploded. It was one of the most entertaining and enjoyable environments for a concert I have ever been in. The band sounded amazing and every song rocked the arena. They had awesome lighting and amusing props and a fabulous stage presence.

One of the reasons I love ACDC so much is that there are no mysteries about them. All of their music is straight up, blues based, rock and roll. Every song is pretty obviously an ode to sex, partying, and playing good hard-rocking music. It's hard rock that the masses can enjoy because it is so relatable. My sister never really cared much for them but after the concert she was definitely converted claiming it was her top two favorite show just behind The Foo Fighters.

To me great musicianship is the key to a great band. I've never seen anyone play the guitar with so much enthusiasm and passion as Angus and you can tell he is enjoying every minute of it. Before I went to see ACDC live I preferred Bon Scott's voice to Brian Johnsons. He sounded more rhythmic and melodic. Now however, I can't really decide. Brian Johnson's voice, while not quite like Bon Scotts, is a perfect fit and he sounds better than ever. He can belt out a song like few I've ever seen. The rest of the band doesn't get much play but I think that's how they prefer it. Just as talented but not much of the limelight.

I love music in general. I listen to all forms of music and am open to pretty much anything. That being said, nothing is quite like ACDC. I can't even explain my devotion to this band except that I think it is rock in its purest form. It is rock that is fun and I can listen to it in my car, on TV, at a concert, in a bar, pretty much anywhere. It makes me want to bang my head, drink like a rock star, start a fight, and take over the world. In my opinion there isn't much more you can ask for from any band.

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