What Brian once told us about Axl Rose...

AC/DC's new lineup (and it's not photoshop) from Blitz.sapo.pt

It has been a painful month for many AC/DC fans. First the cancellation of the final shows of the US tour, the shocking news of Brian's health issues and AC/DC's willingness to get a "guest singer". Then, the announcement of Axl Rose as vocalist, a surprising decision which is still difficult to accept for many, especially for some hard core fans.

Brian has been the respected vocalist of AC/DC for 36 years, since Back in Black, one of AC/DC's masterpieces and most successful albums. Many think he hasn't been treated fairly by the band who replaced him in a matter of weeks after a couple of unfriendly press releases on acdc.com.

After reading Brian's "official" announcement (and unofficial comments by his friend Jim Breuer) it has become a possibility that the relationship with Angus and the other decision makers in AC/DC got damaged irreversibly, in some way.

Today, after Angus and Cliff just released a short interview explaining Brian clarifying the situation.



Probably we will never know the whole truth. But these are some of the elements of this equation that we know for sure.

Brian's hearing

Brian had a serious hearing problem on his left hear. We had noticed this since Coachella when we met him for the first time last year. He confirmed it to us in Paris and Zurich, last year. Many fans complained that Brian was very reserved and often avoided meeting fans during this tour (unlike in the past). We always said that for us Brian was a hero during the Rock or Bust Tour considering this health issue which was making his performing on stage more challenging for him.

Brian wanted to stop

Well, we were almost sure the tour would end in Australia. At least we were told so and it sounded reasonable, considering Malcolm was not there and Brian was not in ideal shape. Plus there was the "Phil Rudd" situation...

Brian had been mentioning the "40 concerts ONLY for the next tour" well before the announcement of Rock or Bust. During the Black Ice Tour he had complained a lot about the stress and the fatigue of being on stage every two night for 2 hours, doing things a 30-year old singer does. We never took him too seriously because we know he loves to complain about work, just like Italians do.

We didn't pay too much attention when he told us in Zurich that that "the boys can continue with someone else, if they want to continue. I am quitting after this tour". How could AC/DC continue without Brian? We just laughed.

Angus didn't want to stop

This was also clear during the tour. Angus has been unbelievably energetic on stage and off stage. Without Malcolm next to him he had to fill in for him and for his charisma, and we are sure this has been pretty challenging and stressful. He confirmed to us several times, including during our cigarette with him in Zurich that he would keep playing but the future of the tour was up to Brian and his voice... After this tour, well that's probably the end of AC/DC.

Axl Rose's Voice

From the latest G'N'R concerts in America and the audio recordings of the studio rehearsals of AC/DC in Lisbon it appears that Axl's voice could fit perfectly in AC/DC's music. Vocally and musically, it has been said that it can reach the same tone/high pitch that Brian used to have in the 1980's. Never underestimate Angus as a musician!

According to BBC, Axl supposedly volunteered for the position as soon as he knew that Brian could not continue. From our sources he was eager and honored to play for one of his heroes, Angus Young and always behaved very professionally with AC/DC.

Maybe the voice will fit in but his persona, culture and style... not really. Worst case scenario we will just close our eyes and listen.

What Brian once told us about Axl Rose...

In Brian's statement Axl's name is not mentioned, and we think it was not by chance. Brian is a real gentleman and classy person, always kind and available to fans. Humble but always professional, on stage and off stage. Those who have met him know how much he can make you feel important and leave you with memories that would last forever.

Not exactly the same can be said about Axl Rose. In Stockholm in 2009 we spent 2 hours drinking with Brian and Cliff. After all the usual stories about rock'n'roll, sports cars, food and girls, the name of Axl came out during one of Brian's stories. Brian was telling us about Steven Tyler, a friend of his (and of AC/DC's) who had relapsed in that period (2007-2009) plus he had fallen off stage during a show. After speaking in very good terms about Steven, Brian told us about an incident backstage with AXL when they got into a fight (apparently physical) saying that he had an aggressive and dislikable attitude, completely different from a nice guy like Steven or Slash, another friend of his. Despite the drinks we clearly recall this "fight incident" story and now, after 6 years we suspect that seeing Axl in AC/DC would not even be the most pleasant thing to remember for Brian.

With Brian in Stockholm

We will miss Brian

No doubt here. But nothing we can do, as fans. We grew up with Brian and for us Brian was AC/DC, as much as Angus and Malcolm. Irreplaceable. But for those who have been closer to the band, especially in the last tours the idea that Brian could be replaced one day was not an impossibility or a contradiction in terms. We will miss Brian.


1 day to the Lisbon show

Angus must know what he is doing and we are still willing to support him as we trust him, despite the fact that there are many things we didn't like in this whole story. It's a big leap of faith. One more day and we'll see...

New AC/DC Official Photo published yesterday

UPDATE FROM LISBON

The band inspected the stage yesterday as you can see in our exclusive video below. Axl can walk but most probably he will sit on a chair (apparently not the Dave Grohl's throne).

Two days ago the band rehearsed in a Lisbon studio for several hours. According to our sources, beside the usual setlist (minus Playball and Baptism By Fire) they rehearsed also these songs, among others:

If You Want Blood
What's Next to the Moon
Gimme a Bullet
Touch Too Much (!!!)

IN ANGUS WE TRUST

Is this the end of AC/DC?

Almost 4 days have passed since this surreal announcement: Axl Rose will be touring with AC/DC for the remaining 22 shows of the Rock or Bust tour.

For us, as fans, it was like a punch in the stomach, a real powerful punch. And it took us 4 days to start "breathing" well again, calm down and reflect on this situation rationally. We didn't want our judgment to be clouded by the anger and hate that we have felt deep inside so we had to wait.

Honestly, we never believed the Axl-AC/DC rumors in the last 5 weeks. Not even after the TMZ picture appeared online. It was too much. It was against the history and the values of AC/DC. It was against common sense. It was just impossible. But we were proven wrong. Life can be unpredictable. Or maybe we were too naive.

TMZ  photos

For many fans like us Angus' choice is just too difficult to understand. Axl represents a different music culture, different style, different work ethics, different career. Beside that, there are too many infamous "psycho acts", on stage and offstage in Mr. Rose's CV which prevent us from agreeing with this choice.

Most hard core AC/DC fans are prejudiced against Axl Rose. And we have the right to be for what he has done in the past. Axl Rose is the guy who destroyed Guns'n'Roses, picked up fights with fans and photographers, arrived late for shows, cancelled concerts with no reasons, published only one album in 20 year of "activity". How could he deserve to become the lead singer of the greatest rock band in the world??

AC/DC fans have all the rights to be prejudiced against Axl and question Angus' choice, including his decision to join Guns'n'Roses on stage in Coachella just after the official announcement to play Riff Raff and Rosie. Many hard core fans already sold their tickets. Some of them are so upset and disappointed they consider AC/DC as officially "dead". AC/DC Italia, which has been online for 13 years, officially stopped its activity on the same day the announcement was made.We don't blame them and we respect their choice.

"What would Malcolm and Bon think of Axl?" - Question asked by all fans

What about us in AC/DC Abruzzo? Our history as AC/DC fans does not go back to the 70's or to the early '80s like many hard core fans. However, who followed us in the last 8 years on this blog know that our relationship with AC/DC has been pretty intense. During the Black Ice tour we lived the "rock'n'roll" AC/DC lifestyle following the band almost everywhere. We saw over 100 shows combined, traveled the world, spent time with hard core fans, with the band, with their families etc. We managed this tour blog and published two photobooks .

Despite our prejudices against Axl and against Sony/Angus' decision, it is basically impossible for us to deny our love and loyalty for AC/DC now, especially in this difficult time.  It would not be fair, for what AC/DC has represented for us and for how it changed and enriched our lives. We must give Angus the benefit of the doubt.

And at the moment Angus is AC/DC. And we will support Angus in this decision, although we don't understand it and we don't agree with it... We will do it because of his 40+ year history of successes that AC/DC has had, including when they had to overcome major challenges. Besides, from the way we know Angus, and we must trust him, even beyond rationality. It would not be fair and honest to him.

It will be a leap of faith. And we are willing to take it.

Of course, it is clear that we all miss important pieces of information in this story. About Sony's role, the dollars involved, about the fines to pay in case of cancellation, about what Malcolm really told Angus when discussing the future of the band before being hospitalized, about Axl Rose himself (who maybe want to use this opportunity to redeem himself as a rocker). About "Brian's situation" (who has proven to be a real gentleman with fans and Angus/Cliff with his official statement, and about whom we will make a separate post).

We are sure the legal agreement between Axl and AC/DC must be made up of hundreds of pages, as the risks involved in such a partnership are huge. Even if Axl behaves professionally, he will likely receive insults from angry AC/DC fans onstage and offstage. The way he will respond to such hostile behaviour and the way he will behave will also determine whether Angus was right or wrong.

This is a bet. A risky bet for Angus and AC/DC, and like all bets you can win or lose. Everybody knows Angus is taking a big chance. If he fails, AC/DC's reputation and legacy will be affected irreversibly. If he succeeds then it was another challenge faced successfully for him and for AC/DC. If he makes Axl Rose accepted by AC/DC fans, then "the almighty Angus" would make the impossible possible.

How? Maybe... Taming Axl Rose's personality and getting the best of his voice, changing setlists every night with lots of old gems (Money Talks, If You Want Blood, Riff Raff etc), giving 110% on stage every single concert...

What else? We don't know. We are not Angus Young, we are just fans....

But we will stand next to Angus in Lisbon. Time will tell the rest.

IN ANGUS WE TRUST

THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO BRIAN JOHNSON

Thank you Brian!

While most of the fans are still in shock for AC/DC's decision to hire Axl Rose for the rest of the tour (including our friends of AC/DC Italia who decide to stop their website as a form of protest against this controversial decision) and for Angus' appearance at Coachella Festival on stage with Guns'n'Roses, Brian Johnson has just issued an official statement (Source: Ultimate Classic Rock website).
 

Here's the full text:

As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer.  I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness.  While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.  I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised.  In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow.  Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC.  I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond.  That was the darkest day of my professional life.

Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness.  Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine.  The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before.  Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work.  I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice.  The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years.  Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC.  My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring.  My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that.  For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing.  I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances.  While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.  Only time will tell.

Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding.

Love,
Brian

ITALIANO

Come molti fan degli AC / DC sanno già, i concerti rimanenti del 2016 del tour Rock or Bust, compresi i 10 concerti statunitensi rinviati, verranno riprogrammati con la presenza di un cantante ospite. Voglio personalmente spiegare le motivazioni di tutto ciò, perché non credo che i comunicati stampa precedenti chiariscano bene quello che avevo intenzione di dire ai nostri fan o cosa pensavo di come è stata presentata questa notizia.

Il 7 marzo, dopo una serie di esami medici eseguiti da importanti luminari esperti in perdita dell’udito, mi è stato detto che se continuo a cantare in grandi spazi, rischio la sordità totale. Sebbene inorridito da tale notizia quel giorno, avevo già capito che la mia sordità parziale cominciava a interferire con la mia performance sul palco. Avevo difficoltà a sentire le chitarre e siccome non ero in grado di ascoltare gli altri strumenti in modo chiaro, temevo che la qualità della mia performance potesse essere compromessa. In tutta onestà, questo non potevo permetterlo. I nostri fan meritano performance al più alto livello, e se per qualsiasi motivo non riesco a fornire quel livello di eccellenza non voglio assolutamente deludere i fan o mettere in imbarazzo gli altri membri degli AC / DC. Io non sono uno che molla e mi piace finire quello che ho iniziato, tuttavia, i medici hanno fatto capire chiaramente a me e ai miei compagni che l’unica scelta possibile era di smettere di esibirmi dal vivo per i rimanenti concerti e forse anche oltre. Quello è stato il giorno più buio della mia vita professionale.

Da quel giorno, ho avuto una serie di consultazioni con i miei medici e sembra che, per il prossimo futuro, non potrò cantare in stadi e in luoghi dove i livelli sonori sono oltre la mia soglia di tolleranza attuale, senza il rischio di perdita dell’udito e possibile sordità totale. Fino a quel momento, avevo fatto del mio meglio per continuare, nonostante il dolore e la perdita di udito, ma tutto è diventato troppo difficile da sopportare e troppo rischioso.

Mi sento distrutto a causa di questa situazione, più di quanto si possa immaginare. Quello che provo ora è peggio di qualsiasi altra cosa spiacevole io abbia mai provato in vita mia. Fare parte degli AC / DC, incidere dischi e esibirsi per milioni di fan devoti negli ultimi 36 anni è stato il lavoro della mia vita. Non riesco a immaginare di andare avanti senza essere parte di tutto ciò, ma per ora non ho scelta. L'unica cosa certa è che io sarò sempre con gli AC / DC ad ogni show nello spirito, se non posso esserlo di persona.

Inoltre sto davvero male per aver dato questa delusione ai fan che hanno acquistato i biglietti per gli show annullati e che mi hanno fermamente sostenuto tutti questi anni. Non ci sono parole per esprimere la mia gratitudine, dal profondo del mio cuore, non solo per le gentili parole e gli auguri rivoltimi direttamente, ma anche per tutti gli anni di fedeltà agli AC / DC. I miei ringraziamenti vanno anche a Angus e Cliff per il loro sostegno.

Infine, voglio assicurare ai fan che non mi ritirerò ora. I miei medici mi hanno detto che posso continuare a registrare in studio e ho intenzione di farlo. Per il momento, il mio obiettivo è quello di continuare il trattamento medico per migliorare il mio udito e spero che nel tempo migliorerà e mi permetterà di tornare a esibirmi dal vivo. Anche se l’esito è incerto rimango ottimista. Sarà il tempo a parlare.

Ancora una volta, i miei più affettuosi saluti e grazie a tutti per il sostegno e la comprensione.

Con affetto

 

AC/DC confirms AXL ROSE as new lead singer

This unbelievable rumour has been just confirmed on the bands official website acdc.com. Axl Rose will front AC/DC in Europe and the remaining US shows. This is the end of AC/DC as we knew it and maybe a new beginning for the band/Angus Young.

For most hardcore AC/DC fans like us this particular choice is difficult to understand as Axl doesn't have much in common with AC/DC, with its history, with what the band has stood for throughout the years, its music style, rock'n'roll values etc. It could be interpreted only as a commercial move, with some (calculated) risks implied. Or maybe there is something we are missing here.

See you in Lisbon.

Thank you Brian! You will surely be missed.

AC/DC NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2016

Here's the rumoured concert dates for the AC/DC 2016 North American Tour!

Shows will probably be confirmed in the next few hours.

02/02 – Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA

05/02 – MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV

08/02 – Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
11/02 – Fargo Dome, Fargo, ND
14/02 – Xcel Energy Center, Paul, MN
17/02 – United Center, Chicago, IL
20/02 – Scottrade Center, St Louis, MO
23/02 – American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
26/02 – Toyota Center, Houston, TX
29/02 – Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
08/03 – Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
11/03 – BB&T Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
14/03 – Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
17/03 – Verizon Center, Washington, DC
20/03 – The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
23/03 – Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
26/03 – Quincken Loans Center, Cleveland, OH
29/03 – First Niagara Center, Buffalo, NY
01/04 – Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
04/04 – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

WE ARE BACK!!! + ORANGUS' 100th SHOW|

Up to my neck in AC/DC - Spurky and Abruzzo

We are finally back!! Sorry to our readers for the black out!!

Matteo Abruzzo has been out of the game for a while due to the consequences of a pretty bad neck injury after the Canadian tour (but now things are going well). Stefano was stopped in London dealing with some Gordon Ramsey wine issues and Orangus was too busy traveling from a city to another in North America (he is not able to update a blog anyway!). Hence, the absence of posts for more than a month. We will publish his travel diary while waiting for Australia!

And speaking of Orangus:

CONGRATULATIONS TO HIM FOR HIS 100th AC/DC CONCERT! And Los Angeles 28 September 2015 was his 42nd consecutive AC/DC gigs!

Orangus - Now a member of the Elite club of +100 AC/DC show fans! (c) photo Gayte85.net

Stade Olympique, Montreal, Canada 31 August 2015 - ON THE ROAD REPORT

Stoic Brian 

1. Rock or Bust
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
4. Back in Black
5. Play Ball
6. Dirty Deeds
7. Thunderstruck
8. High Voltage
9. Rock 'n' Roll Train
10. Hells Bells
11. Baptism By Fire
12. Shook Me
13. Sin City
14. Have a Drink on Me
15. Shot Down in Flames
16. TNT
17. Rosie
18. Let There Be rock
19. Highway to Hell
20. For Those About to Rock

Montreal Stade Olympique was probably one of the worst venues of the entire tour. An indoor stadium with terrible acoustics. (Some of our Canadian friends actually said it was much better than in the past... )Again, the show was all reserved seating, another contradiction in terms for a rock'n'roll show, especially when you think that there are 60-70 year old rockers on stage jumping like crazy on stage while the crowd is standing religiously in their spot with security nagging at you constantly. The crowd was pretty loud though.

The performance was again excellent. Angus (back in his blue suit) was maybe a bit tired in the first half. Brian was very professional and accurate. Apparently, he had some technical problems (as usual).

We are getting late for the Ottawa show so for the moment enjoy our exclusive AC/DC photos. Life on the road in North America has been quite challenging :)

Canada - Abruzzo - Switzerland 

Thoughtful Orangus (90 AC/DC shows under his belt)

Canada - Abruzzo - Switzerland Part 2

Plains of Abraham, Quebec City, Canada 28 August 2015

Angus in trance

1. Rock or Bust
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
4. Back in Black
5. Play Ball
6. Dirty Deeds
7. Thunderstruck
8. High Voltage
9. Rock 'n' Roll Train
10. Hells Bells
11. Baptism By Fire
12. Shook Me
13. Sin City
14. Have a Drink on Me
15. Shot Down in Flames
16. TNT
17. Rosie
18. Let There Be rock
19. Highway to Hell
20. For Those About to Rock

First Canadian show and back to the GA, European style with another great audience and another great performance of AC/DC.

Plains of Abraham is a huge historic park in the middle of Quebec City, the French speaking capital of Quebec. Great venue for an open air concert (apparently its capacity can go up to 300,000 people like for the free McCartney concert a couple of years ago). The front of stage section was the biggest one of the whole tour (15,000 people out of 65,000). The Quebecois crowd was pretty cool and disciplined (it was the first time that we saw beer sold in aluminum cans at an ACDC concert). Nice shiny moon in the sky.

Angus was wearing the brown suit with green tie and green hat. He was pretty playful during the show, especially when he decided to wear the AC/DC's devils horns which were thrown on stage by fans. However, he never loses his concentration and it's difficult to spot any mistake in his performance. He is also very passionate and intense. We just love when he sings lines of songs while duckwalking (especially the Sin City line "Bring on the dancin' girls and put the Champagne on ice"). High Voltage, which was slightly changed by Brian, together with Sin City and Have a Drink of Me are still our favorite songs in the setlist.

Brian is actually getting better show by show. He was also quite playful, very energetic, he mentioned Malcolm again and also replaced the words "Sin City" with "Quebec City".

The intro to Highway to Hell was much longer than usual as the elevator didn't work and Angus could not come out from hell as usual. :)

For the record, "Uncensored" hard core fan Carole from Canada got on the big screens during You Shook Me All Night Long just like she used to do during The Jack in the Black Ice Tour. The audience loved it!

Next stop MONTREAL!

Playful Angus

Happy Angus

Spinning Angus 1

Running Angus

Spinning Angus 2

Live at Metlife Stadium East Rutherford 26 Aug 2015 - FULL REPORT

Back in New Jersey!

During this tour Ac/Dc sold out the biggest stadiums and concert venues in the world and the majestic Metlife Stadium, one of the biggest stadiums in North America, was no exception. For some unknown reason the promoter decided to have a GA front of stage section which was quite unusual for the US. Obviously the American audience didn't know how to make the best use of a GA section at an Ac/Dc concert and everybody stood pretty still and quite. At least it was possible to move around and always be pretty close to the stage or change position, unlike Foxboro where it seemed to be at a theatre with everybody having a reserved seat.

Sound was not as good as in Foxboro but still it was much better than many venues in Europe.  The band was in great shape after 4 days of rest. Play Ball was again played faster than usual and now it really sounds great. Angus was unstoppable, as usual. Brian's performance was also excellent although we could see he was a bit fatigued, looking at the teleprompter also during old songs. We think we should all be extremely grateful for his efforts as it shouldn't be east to jump like crazy every night at his age. We are not sure the tour is going to continue in 2016 but we are very happy for all we got so far.

Angus, again in a red suit, two nights in a row, changed his guitar before High Voltage. We got the impression his second guitar sound was even louder... Pure bliss for our ears! Chris Slade sounds much better than before and many of his Donington 91 moves and faces have come back. Stevie also looks and sounds very precise and accurate, a great tribute to his uncle Malcolm whose name was mentioned again during High Voltage (check out our video here).

After the show, again, we were impressed by the efficiency of the traffic management. After only 30 minutes we were back on the highway to NYC. Another thing that struck us, beside the unbelievably high security levels which included metal detectors, "no backpack policy" and police in uniforms handcuffing people during the shows (which we had never seen before) was the improvised barbecues that American organized in the parking lots before the show with grilled meat and beers... When in Rome.... :O

Today first Canadian show in Quebec City! A bientot!

Unstoppable Angus

There were 15 million fingers 

Thunderstruck

The stiff upper lip

"I'm doing it for my uncle" - Stevie told us

Brian's new magical beverage

For Those About to Eat

Metlife Stadium

Porterhouse Steak

Abruzzo Friends

Live at Metlife Stadium East Rutherford 26 Aug 2015 - NIGHT REPORT

1. Rock or Bust
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
4. Back in Black
5. Play Ball
6. Dirty Deeds
7. Thunderstruck
8. High Voltage
9. Rock 'n' Roll Train
10. Hells Bells
11. Baptism By Fire
12. Shook Me
13. Sin City
14. Have a Drink on Me
15. Shot Down in Flames
16. TNT
17. Rosie
18. Let There Be rock
19. Highway to Hell
20. For Those About to Rock

We just came back from the Metlife Stadium! What a fantastic show! Much bigger crowd than the Gillette Stadium. Excellent performance by the band. We'll write a full report tomorrow on our way to Canada. In the meantime enjoy our exclusive videos!

Gillette Stadium, Live in Foxboro, USA 22 August 2015 - NIGHT REPORT

1. Rock or Bust
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
4. Back in Black
5. Play Ball
6. Dirty Deeds
7. Thunderstruck
8. High Voltage
9. Rock 'n' Roll Train
10. Hells Bells
11. Baptism By Fire
12. Shook Me
13. Sin City
14. Have a Drink on Me
15. Shot Down in Flames
16. TNT
17. Rosie
18. Let There Be rock
19. Highway to Hell
20. For Those About to Rock

AC/DC are back in the USA! And they started their with their first killer show in Foxboro, MA!

The biggest surprise of then night was the acoustics in the stadium. The sound was probably the best of the entire tour maybe because of the fact that the Stadium was opened at the back, opposite the stage. Another surprise was the audience. Despite the reserved seating policy in the entire stadium, including the floor, the crowd was extremely loud, especially from TNT until the end. To us being forced to remain in your seat/spot for the entire show seems to be a contradiction in terms for a rock show. However, the American crowd seemed to be ok with it and everybody was very disciplined. But they screamed pretty loud for the entire show.

The organization was also surprisingly good. Almost impeccable. Just like the traffic management system after the show, which didn't leave stuck in the traffic for hours as it happened in several countries in Europe. We noticed this in Coachella. We experienced it again in Foxboro.

What was no surprise was the setlist and the excellent performance of the band. In particular, Angus. From Play Ball onwards the band really changed pace. High Voltage, Sin City, TNT were the highlights of the night. LTBR solo was changed a bit. Brian seemed to be in much better shape than Europe, probably thanks to the one month break!

Next stop, new Jersey. Salute!

EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS HERE

AC/DC BACK IN THE USA!

Foxboro Stadium yesterday (pic from Facebook)

AC/DC will start their 2015 North American tour tonight at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. AC/DC Abruzzo will be there tonight together with other friends from Italy, including special envoy Orangus, who was reportedly seen in Boston Common at about 10pm yesterday...

The band went to the Gillette Stadium yesterday for soundcheck around 1pm and came back to Boston at around 5pm. We briefly met Angus who looked in great shape.

We'll see if the band will change the setlist. Our guess is there will be at least one change...

ARE YOU READY!?

URGENT Orangus just texted us today saying he needs a ride back to Boston after show? If you can help us pls email us at acdcabruzzo@gmail.com

Foxboro Stadium backstage yesterday (pic from Facebook)

Gillette Stadium outside yesterday

A CIGARETTE WITH ANGUS YOUNG IN ZURICH!

Angus Young with fans (talking about Imola and the 2016 tour)

After attending 30 shows out of 30 played by AC/DC during their Rock or Bust World Tour), travelling for tens of thousand of miles, from Coachella to Europe and while waiting for the kickoff of the North American Tour on 22 August, we want to share the story of one of our last meetings with legendary Angus Young...

Despite the huge success of the last AC/DC tours, Angus Young has remained humble, very kind and (almost) always available and accessible to fans, especially those who showed loyalty to the band and to AC/DC in the past. And believe us, he's got an amazing memory to remember fans and small details!

We witnessed his extremely friendly attitude with all fans asking for a photo or an autograph on many occasions. Every meeting with him is unforgettable but hat happened in Zurich was unique, even for us who met him several times, from Brussels to Sydney, from London to Imola.

After the cigarette in Perth in 2010 and in London in 2014 we were blessed with another incredible opportunity to spend time with this Rock’n’Roll legend, during one of his frequent "cigarette breaks".

Special gift to Abruzzo

A CIGARETTE WITH ANGUS IN ZURICH! 4 June 2015

Angus spent more than 30 minutes outside his hotel, signing autographs and chatting with us and another half dozen fans. He was very cool, true rocker attitude and seemed to enjoy talking about life, music, food, AC/DC. Everything! What was even more striking was his asking many questions to us!

(After signing and chatting the cigarette was lit…)

Matteo Abruzzo: Angus, thanks again for this tour. It’s been amazing so far. We started in Coachella and came all the way to Zurich. We cannot stop!

Angus Young: Yes, Coachella. I think I saw your flag there too…

Matteo Abruzzo: LOL It was important for us to be there on your official come back, after 5 years and after all the challenges you and AC/DC had to overcome… In may case I had to fly for 16 hours but it was totally worth…

Angus Young: 16 hours?!

Matteo Abruzzo: By the way Italy is waiting for you! Apparently the concert in Imola will be the biggest AC/DC concert in Italy ever. They claim they have sold more than 90,000 tickets…

Angus Young: That's good! (Angus puffs on his cigarette) But I wanted to ask you, what is Imola? Is it a racetrack?

Matteo Abruzzo: Yes, it is! Just like Hockenheim.

Angus Young: I wonder... Is it long or wide?

Matteo Abruzzo: It should be long. Generally it’s long, it’s not very wide. But they change the venue. They sold out all tickets in one week and there are lots of people still looking for tickets. You should play two concerts… ... Maybe next year…

Angus Young: (Everybody laughs. Angus giggles) You should talk to Brian… You know I play the guitar but Brian has his voice as musical instrument… And he likes it is at its best…

Matteo Abruzzo: Brian already said no! He told us several times he’s too old and can’t go on. He started in Stockholm in 2009! But maybe he will change his mind... He likes to complain and be dramatic. It must be his Italian DNA...

Angus Young: (giggles)

Matteo Abruzzo: But this tour my impression is that even his voice is great. Not as good as at the beginning of the Black Ice Tour but still excellent.

Angus Young: Yes, its very good!

Matteo Abruzzo: Angus, it’s important that you explain to him that he has to go on because it’s important to us, as fans. Not only for AC/DC and for the music, but also for the fans!

Angus Young: Absolutely.

Matteo Abruzzo: We will tell him later on. We have a bottle of one of his favorite wines from his selection of wines (pointing his finger at Stefano)

Stefano d’Abruzzo:Yes! Barolo from my personal cellar!

Angus Young: Barolo... But tell him “don’t drink it on work day! Not before singing” (Angus giggles)

(everybody laughs)

Another cigarette with Angus

German fan: What do you think of playing stadiums? Do you feel the energy of such large crowds?

Angus Young: Of course! And when I don’t feel it enough I do like this (Angus does the typical “I can’t hear” gesture)

(everybody laughs)

Matteo Abruzzo: I think one of the best crowds was in Paris.

Angus Young: It was very big on the Saturday night (23 May) And the last show in Madrid too. It was very powerful! Even before we came on stage!

Matteo Abruzzo: But we also need you to go in Argentina again. So we have the excuse to go there! We missed Argentina during the Black Ice tour!

Angus Young: Oh, you missed Argentina?! (Angus giggles)

Matteo Abruzzo: Oh yes, we were already in Sydney preparing the Australian tour. We did 11 shows in Australia! All of them!

Angus Young: I would play everywhere they tell me to play. I would love to go back to Argentina...

Matteo Abruzzo: Yes, the audience is crazy there. They jump like crazy during the show. In Europe is different, especially in countries such as Germany...

Angus Young: Yes, and they hold their phones. I was talking to Ellen about all those lights I can see from the stage while playing. What are they? Are they glowsticks? And she told me, no Angus, they are mobile phones... (Angus giggles) ... There were many in Paris and I see all these lights... (Angus giggles) ... In Madrid there were less...  It's actually a great sight from the stage...

Matteo Abruzzo: And maybe after you can come to Abruzzo and play a show there too (playfully said)

(everybody laughs)

Angus Young: Abruzzo is in the South of Italy, isn't it? Do you have the sea?

Matteo Abruzzo: Of course! We have the Adriatic sea there! Lots of beautiful beaches!

Angus Young: Well, that's a plus. I like water... After this tour is over... I might go...

Matteo Abruzzo: We have great food. Nature, people. Also some mafia and crooked politicians...

(everybody laughs)

Angus Young: eh eh... I stay away from them... (he puffs on his cigarette)... I always wanted to play the guitar. I never got involved in any politics... .... ...

At this point Angus starts talking about politics, rock'n'roll and the early days... Honestly, we get distracted by looking at this minute man talking and smoking realizing he happens to be one of the greatest living legends in the history of rock'n'roll.... Despite playing in front of hundreds of thousands of people he still remains humble and down to earth making feel each fan special. A great man!

After other photos, signatures etc. Angus lights another cigarette and spends more time with us talking about everything, from the Champions League final to next Australian tour. He thens joins his wife and says bye bye. We cheer him clapping hands. Another memorable story to remember!

 Sons of a devil

Our photo book signed by Angus
BUY YOUR COPY HERE:
 www.acdcphotobook.com