In The NME Office - Behind the scenes at NME -  Behind the scenes at NME

By Alan Woodhouse

Posted on 15/04/09 at 12:43:15 pm

 

Speaking as someone who is generally perceived be the epitome of an "indie boy" (well, that's what my girlfriend calls me) I've, until recently, been a bit sniffy about the kind of rock (rawk?) music which tends to attract fans to the Download Festival and the last day of Reading.

Speaking of Reading, it was long rumoured, in fact generally assumed, that the 'rock day' headliner this year would be AC/DC – they've been trying to get them for years, they are on tour - the planets were aligned on this one.

But it didn't happen, and there isn't even a 'rock day' on the main stage at all. But the organisers should have moved heaven and earth to get them – because their performance at London's O2 Arena last night was without the doubt the best arena show I have ever seen.

continued...

Everything about it was perfect – the punishing volume, the choice of songs (five new album tracks and THE HITS), the audience's frenzied reaction, and the sheer spectacle. You can read about all that in our news story.

But when I was on the way home, I couldn't help thinking that if those boys were to headline a festival, they would make everyone else sound unspeakably lame. Although having said that, if they had done Reading, the organisers would have had to do something about the sound restrictions. Maybe that's what AC/DC were concerned about, as they were in talks, but subsequently chose to do their own summer stadium shows instead.

Anyway, the idea of watching Arctic Monkeys, Kings Of Leon and even the mighty Radiohead doesn't seem quite as exciting now. In fact, I'm worried that whoever I see in the future will just pale in comparison to what I've just witnessed.

To those who rocked, I salute you – including this bloke, who was one of the many middle-aged men wearing schoolboy outfits in homage to Angus Young:

NME.COM blogs contain the opinions of the individual writer and not necessarily those of NME magazine or NME.COM.

14 comments

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Mark Pearce [Visitor] //April 16 2009 at 13:27
I was there Tuesday night as agreed saw one of the classic arena shows and missed one of the classic football matches!!! Still great after more than 35 years!!!
Rob [Visitor] //April 16 2009 at 13:32
Too right. I had high expectations for Reading, but what's the point now? Where have the decent bands gone? Booooring.
Ali [Visitor] //April 16 2009 at 14:11
Glad to see you enjoyed a bit of "rawk" as you put it :) Never underestimate the power of rock n roll ;)
Rick [Visitor] //April 16 2009 at 18:07
ACDC kick everybody elses arse period...... Best gig I've ever seen
MIKE [Visitor] //April 16 2009 at 21:16
As a 16 year old recent convert with thanks to my father, i now have the rest of my life ahead of me with the fear that all gigs in the future will be a disappointment.
rockfan [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 04:40
other than Oasis there isn't much this summer
Fitzy [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 11:59
Two words "FREAKIN' AWESOME"
Phil [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 11:59
Glad you enjoyed it. Third time I've seen them and they are always on form. Totally agree with the other posts here. Once you've seen AD/DC the bar goes several notches higher and everything else seems a little bit watered down. I love the humour about it all as well. The could hardly be accused of taking themselves too seriously - something plently of other bands could learn from.
sean [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 14:47
I've been a fan for 29 years - but I knew Tuesdays gig was special once I started to weep with delight !
mark [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 17:28
first time ive seen them, what a show,brill from first to last
Jane [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 18:42
The O2 gig was totally awesome. I took my 60 year old mum who said it was the best show she had ever seen. Keep on ROCKING!
Kerry [Visitor] //April 17 2009 at 20:56
It's great to see the 'indie loving' NME recognising the quality of a rock band like AC/DC. Thank you, thank you for acknowledging the greatness that this band is!
Lea [Visitor] //April 18 2009 at 00:37
Went on tuesday, i'm only 18 and hae been a life long supporter and 2 finally to be able to see my music idols live i had t jump at the chance, so when i managed to get tickets and also get to the front.....I have to say that i am now scepitcal about all other gigs being as awesome as AC/DC. I mean the energy that they were giving off, the feeding off the crowds energy and vice versa! For those who saw/going to see AC/DC this tour.....WE SALUTE YOU!!!
Neil [Visitor] //April 18 2009 at 20:03
I was there too, AC/DC are simply the best live band in the world and I cant wait til Wembley Stadium, I think it will be even better than th O2. Long live AC/DC !!!!!

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