AC/DC is simply one of the most bone-crushing and exhilarating rock experiences to ever grace a stage. Stripped down, back-to basics, yet completely effective. Make it loud, make it fun... make a legend. That's exactly what AC/DC has done, and they demonstrated that simple formula with surgical precision last night and Thursday night at the Allstate Arena. From the moment the atomic schoolboy Angus Young and his partners in crime Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd took the stage, the sold-out crowd of Loyal Loopers were on their feet roaring their approval. Everywhere one looked, huge grins, blinking devil-horns, air-guitars, men and women, young and old alike diving head-first into one of the most satisfying rituals in all of rock. No one, but no one does it quite like AC/DC. Only those who have been baptised in their bombastic, earth-shaking live firepower can ever really, truly understand. The fact that the guys in the band are funny, down-to-earth working class guys with no airs, makes it even better. Even if you've never had the chance to meet them, you can sense it from seeing them live. Regular guys who you could have a pint and a laugh with at the corner pub. Having done just that several times, I can tell you they are exactly what they seem... the real deal. Brian cracking jokes and cackling, Angus giving a wry grin and cracking a few jokes himself while he tries to catch his second wind after expending a week's worth of energy on-stage. Malcolm, Cliff and Phil smiling and chatting about whatever strikes your fancy to whomever is around. Longevity because they're just normal blokes... who happen to have harnessed a monster!

(See AC/DC perform "The Jack" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJGtKSlDl8A)

(See AC/DC perform "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TBdZMqF03A)

(See AC/DC perform "TNT" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBbakvHhlds)

(See AC/DC perform "Back In Black" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3tpfofToMs)

(See AC/DC perform "For Those About To Rock" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWvQQ304u2w)

(See AC/DC perform "Thunderstruck" live at the Allstate Arena live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je_73t5aRmc)

After the show, AC/DC's road manager also gave us an extensive tour of the production behind the show. The sets, the stage, the lights, the sound and visual departments were all covered. Even though there is a massive amount of equipment involved, the basic design is remarkably straight forward. Angus gets that distinctive guitar sound by "daisy-chaining" 5 vintage 100 watt JTM45 Marshall amplifier heads right into his 5 4X12 speaker "stacks." No effects, no funny-business. Just a classic Gibson SG guitar plugged into a classic set-up, cranked up to 11. The same type of set-up that Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townsend of The Who used. Very simple, VERY LOUD!!! How loud? Bassist Cliff Williams has had to have two large Plexiglas shields built on either side of his bass amplifier so he can step back between them to hear what he is playing. (In fact, I have significant hearing damage in my left ear from standing front-row at an AC/DC show unprotected years ago... thanks Angus!)

(See photos from our "tour behind the tour" here: http://www.wlup.com/photo_gallery/acdc_concert_20081030.aspx)

Opening act The Answer delivered a short, but punchy set to start the evening. Loyal Loopers are very familiar with these up-and-comers and gave them a very warm welcome.

(See The Answer's video for "Come Follow Me" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38WCbm0ZCMM)

This week, the Loop brings another band from the "land down-under" back to town. The Australian Pink Floyd hits the Rosemont Theatre Wednesday night performing "The Wall" in it's entirety along with a "greatest hits" set. If you are a Floyd fan, it is a not-to-be-missed event. I will be broadcasting my show live from the concert, so make sure you stop by to say hello.

(See the Australian Pink Floyd perform live here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvqkBzInrD0)