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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > November > 06 > Entry
Live review: AC/DC at the Erwin Center
“Thunderstruck” whimpered where it once roared, the set sagged badly in the middle half hour, the four new songs were plain awful and “You Shook Me All Night Long” sounded warped, like someone left it out in the sun at the last Yellow Rose picnic. Friday night’s concert at the Erwin Center was far from being the best AC/DC show I’ve ever seen.
And yet it succeeded as a tribute to the awesome power of good, hard, rock n’ roll. The capacity audience of over 13,000 (staging took out about six seating sections) made the show; in fact during the “T.N.T” and “Highway To Hell” chant-alongs, it sure felt like seeing the band in metal-crazed San Antonio. When the two-hour set ended with “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You),” with cannons, of course, the band seemed genuinely appreciative of the energy they got back.
AC/DC hadn’t played Austin in 13 years, but much of the set was unchanged since then. Besides the aforementioned cannons, there’s still the drawn out strip tease by guitarist Angus Young during “The Jack.” Singer Brian Johnson once again took a running leap to ring the bell during “Hell’s Bells” and “Let There Be Rock” ended with the most self-indulgent guitar solo of all time.
But AC/DC is a band you don’t want to change. The show was as much a thanks and celebration of all the great music through the years, as it was a high dollar, two-hour show that found a veteran band proving that they can still do what made them beloved. AC/DC is a memory machine, KISS with talent instead of makeup, taking fans back to their discovery of rock. Where were you when you first heard “Whole Lotta Rosie”?
With the three-piece rhythm engine of guitarist Malcolm Young, drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams clustered together in the back, like they were playing the Continental Club, the throb was relentless on “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place To Be” and “Rosie,” probably the band’s two best songs.
But as Angus and Brian, “the new singer,” worked the crowd shamelessly I had to ask myself if I could actually be this bored during a show by the world’s greatest hard rock band, I couldn’t control the yawns that stretched out during “Dog Eat Dog,” which has no place in a career-spanning AC/DC concert.
Much of the set seemed programmed by the concessionaires, whose favorite words were “Here’s another one from the new album.” The new “War Machine” is quite possibly the dullest song ever played at the Erwin Center during a sold out concert.
Part of the reason I couldn’t get fully into the show is because my seat in section 20, row 16, was separated from a 20-foot drop over an exit by a railing that went up to my knee. I get shoved and I’m dead. (Dying during a concert by my alltime favorite band would’ve made for some nice “at least he died happy” talk, but I’m kinda holding out for the 25-year anniversary show of Them Crooked Vultures.) Even though my seated view was unobstructed, sitting down during AC/DC is like standing up during a lap dance.
It would be a shame if it took the death of a fan for the Erwin Center to rectify this blatant safety hazard. How about some webbing below the rail to catch clumsy fans? Then us 20/ 16 folks can rock out like everybody else.
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By Rosie
November 7, 2009 1:20 AM | Link to this
It would be great if they changed the setlist. They don’t need to stop playing the crowd favourites, they just need to do something different. They, like their diehard fans, are starting to get bored with the same songs every night.
By TXn
November 7, 2009 2:11 AM | Link to this
I blame ERWIN Center IT SUCKS, we all know it. AC/DC is great even if they were 100, I would still go, stop betchin’.
By Ruckdog96
November 7, 2009 5:59 AM | Link to this
Does anyone have the set list for last night?
By Rich
November 7, 2009 7:50 AM | Link to this
Let’s understand why we go to see ACDC - recognizable, head thrashing, hard-nosed rock and roll AND the show. Were not there to score their musical/acoustic/vocal performance - if we were it certainly would not be at the Frank Erwin Center (it’s terrible). The show…they captured the audience and dragged them along for 2 hours - chanting, head banging and cheering. For a band that’s over 30 years old…WELL DONE.
By Oscar
November 7, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this
Wow did you even attend the same concert that we did last night? We saw energy, excitement and a lot of raw rock power. From where we were there were a lot of fans that felt exactly the same way. Of course the show was a lot of the same stuff they’ve always done. If you have any understanding at all of what AC/DC does you know what the set list is and what you’re going to get every time you go. It’s a celebration of raw straight forward rock. We enjoyed it and we didn’t let the Erwin Center be a reason for not appreciating a good rock show. By the way “War Machine” and “Dog eat Dog” where two of the more powerful songs in the set. To get to hear something new and something that hasn’t been played in years live was a real treat.
By Suz
November 7, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
Have to say, the seating at Erwin Sucks! Got tickets in the first three minutes and for best available ended up in section 75 looking sideways at the band all night. Too far back to see the stage or the moniter. Won’t even mention all the drunk idiots who nearly pushed us over that knee high rail all night. Wanted to stand but my fear of death was much greater. My l3 year olds first concert and the huge breaks between songs really ruined the momentum. We’re huge fans but have to say I was very disappointed in the show.
By Brandon
November 7, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
I thought the show was awesome. I don’t know why people are complaining. These guys are in my opinion the greatest classic rock band of all-time. ACDC’s whole purpose for being there was to promote the new album, which is kick ***. You have to remember that these guys aren’t spring chickens anymore, but they certainly put there heart and soul into what they do, and that is be showmen, and entertain the fine folks who love their music. I feel that the show was the best concert that I have ever gone to. Give the boys lots of credit, to be their age and still sound that good goes a long way. Come on they are legends!!
By mikky
November 7, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
well michael, you donīt seem to have much fun in life to be honest, or maybe just change the pills, might help!
it is clear you didnīt understand a single thing what this and maybe life is all about!
Irie Mikky
By Brian
November 7, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
Michael Corcoran is easily the most self-absorbed, and pompous, know-nothing to ever write about music (especially ROCK). I have no idea why this newspaper keeps him around, but stuff like this does (to some degree) explain why the public and advertisers are abandoning newspapers in droves.
By Kat
November 7, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
We were there last night, Section 3, Row 5, seats 1, 2 and 3….it was AMAZING. Loved seeing my little girl watching one of her favorite bands ever. Yes, I turned her around so she didn’t see the strip-tease…but PLEASE…AC/DC was AWESOME!!!! I’ve been to a bunch of concerts in the past few years and this has to be THE BEST ONE YET. Micheal, maybe you aren’t a fan of AC/DC and that’s why you were so disappointed or is it because you didn’t get passes to be right up front? AC/DC has been around for most of my life, they are legends and you want to rag on them?! SHAME ON YOU….I don’t see you up on the stage in front of thousands of people.!
By Michael
November 7, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
thank the powers that be that critics are almost irrelevant these days. I was in section 63 row 15 and I had an awesome time. AC/DC = Rock Gods! And I am not even that big of a fan, this was one of the best shows i have ever seen.
By indigocrush
November 7, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
My husband and I really enjoyed the show last night and the crowd around us (section 42 row 31) was really into it, which made it more fun. The Spnial Tapesque theatrics and over the top antics of Angus Young were good fun. For big arena rockers, AD/DC still packs a punch!
By Samantha
November 7, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
I disagree totally with your review. It was one hard rocking great energy concert from a band that still knows how to ROCK! It was a treat to say the least. To hear all your favorites and done right! The energy of the crowd was as powerful as the band itself. Again, it was a sweet sweet TREAT! AC/DC still has it!!!!!!!
By Samantha
November 7, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
AC/DC put on a great great show. Totally disagree with your review. Wonder if you were at the same concert? They rocked! and the energy was unbelievable. Worth every penny! They still have it!!
By Jenny
November 7, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
My brother and I were at the VERY TOP ROW and we were still blown away by this concert. One of the best I’ve been to. Brian Johnson’s voice still packs a punch and the band still has incredible energy, especially for their age. This show was definitely worth the money.
By mig
November 8, 2009 1:53 AM | Link to this
michael, you’re not writing for rollingstone mag and you never will, so why do you have to be suck a harsh critic. the show kicked ***, angus played his *** off, the crowd loved it and jammed their ***** off; and as for sitting down during an ac/dc concert, you should have been slapped and thrown out of the erwin center and barred from all rock n roll show for life. i can’t believe you claim to be a fan and didn’t appreciate the raw rock show that no longer exist in young rock bands. this was old school and fun to jam to. hope you never get another comp ticket to another show in austin.
By Tom Ballin
November 8, 2009 7:22 AM | Link to this
AC/DC Rocked! ! ! Incredible show. Once again Michael Corcoran is a complete ignorant fool
By Fritz
November 8, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this
They didn’t play Dog Eat Dog.
By Rob
November 9, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
Wow, I suppose to get a job at a newspaper these days all you have to do is print controversial rants. I’m with the other folks, you must have either been at another concert, or you went there thinking about what you wanted to write and missed the show. It was awesome seeing my 17 year old son rock to one of my favorite bands. Great show, good venue, Mike—get a real job.
By Barney777
November 9, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
Fritz, yes, they did play Dog Eat Dog. I remember it clearly. As for the concert, I’d last seen AC/DC in 1983 and they were even better this time around. Truly one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to.
By Frank M
November 13, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this
Typical Corky review-luckily, he’s wrong again. This was a great show!! Lot’s of dads & sons-good parenting!
By Joe John
November 13, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
This concert was one of the all time classic great shows! I don’t think this review gives it justice, ACDC is untouchable. The LIVE performance is never supposed to sound like the tracks they recorded 20-30 years ago. They just take you back to the good fun times you had listening to them growing up. Stop raining our the parade, Michael. ACDC lives on…
By Natalie
November 14, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
Oh my goodness, this guy has it all wrong. The show was fantastic. So what if it’s the same thing from 13 years ago? That’s what I wanted! These guys are in their 50’s, give ‘em a break….I got more than my money’s worth. On the other hand, was totally ripped off at the U2 concert at the new Cowboys stadium. Talk about pitiful sound - would rather see Sesame Street Live than have to go to another show at that venue!
By Keithwparker
November 14, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Saw them In San Antino And Little Rock This was the tightest show these guys are superfreaks totally awsome
By Tracie Wyatt
November 15, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
Michael- Who the hell are you? We saw AC\DC at the Ford Center Wednesday night in OKC and They ROCKED!!Saw in in 1978 for the first time at the King Dome in Seattle have seen them numerous time since, twice in 2009 and the energy and the love of the performance is still there. Maybe you prefer the BLack Eye Peas which, in my opinion, is an embarassment to Rock and Roll. Maybe Austin need a new venue, maybe a new music reviewer.
By DMc
November 15, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this
Whats wrong with you! bored at AC/DC!
By dlf
November 17, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
saw them in san antonio & yes the sound was better than erwin, but there’s nothing wrong with AC/DC… this was the 8th time I’ve seen them and they are still the best… I will continue to go see them until they quit…and I’ve NEVER not stood through the entire concert… even when in the nosebleed section!!! what a wimp.
By tim
November 17, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
The Austin show was my sixth and final show this year to see the GREATEST band ever. Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, Atlanta, and D.C. being the others. I shed a tear in Memphis because I finally had a dream come true and I shed one in Austin because the dream was now over. It was worth every penny to travel around to see the boys and for those who think the show was lame, needs to check their pulse because I think your dead. ROCK ON AC/DC!!!!
By Renetta
November 17, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
I went to San Antonio last December to see them and again in El Paso this past Sunday and I had not seen them since I was 16, it was the best concert I have ever been to. AC/DC is my favorite band ever and always will be. I had a great time at both concerts. I hope they rock till they drop and I will be there till I drop. I only hope I can see them again. Making plans for the show in Vegas next New Years Eve. This time I want to be able to reach out and touch them.
By RollTide
November 17, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this
Terrible review. This guy’s an idiot.
By TJ
November 18, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
This was one of the best shows I have ever seen.
Michael Corcoran is easily the most self-absorbed, and pompous, know-nothing to ever write about music (especially ROCK). I have no idea why this newspaper keeps him around, but stuff like this does (to some degree) explain why the public and advertisers are abandoning newspapers in droves.
I agree he is a bone head and missed the point of one of the best rock shows ever.
By Hector Miranda
November 23, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
maaaan, the authors comments and the whole column is totally saaaaad, bad rap bad rap unnecesary rap. It was AC/dc s night and it was a great rock n roll night. period. i saw them also abroad in Mexico City the week after, cool, young and crazy enthusiastic crowd. 60thousand strong outdoor venue. I amtotally disappointed an ACDC link brought to this sorry sorry review. the author lost focus. sad.