How many bands can say they've legitimately inspired a whole sub-genre of imitators in this thing we call rock 'n' roll? A sound that is so recognizable and unique that merely mentioning the band's name becomes musical shorthand for a sound that every rocker instantly understands? The list is short: Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Van Halen, the Beatles, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd... and AC/DC. Of course, all of the aforementioned bands sounds were rooted in their inspirations (Angus Young has described AC/DC's sound as nothing more than Chuck Berry riffs on steroids), but what each band on "the list" did was take those early inspirations and develop a whole new and distinct sound from them. The AC/DC sound is a stripped down, primal experience delivered with punishing volume and precision. A sound that instantly elicits uncontrollable fist pumping, head nodding and devilish grins. Add in wildly unique innovations such as making the guitarist essentially the front man, hero and comic relief all rolled into one, it's a sound and approach that is inextricably linked to their legacy. This past Friday night at the United Center, AC/DC delivered a master class in front of another rabid, sold out crowd with the Loop. Better with each tour, they were simply awe inspiring.

(See AC/DC perform "Rock 'N' Roll Train" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y8BfJCyR3s)

(See AC/DC perform "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMaGp9WGWdE)

(See AC/DC perform "Shoot To Thrill" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z46LN3L6vUI)

(See AC/DC perform "Whole Lotta Rosie" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRJl5lEfbxk)

(See AC/DC perform "Back In Black" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_e8vk8Tgo)

Opening for AC/DC's latest tour is a baby band out of Belfast, Ireland who show a great deal of promise. Called The Answer, the Loop was the very first station in the US to play their music, debuting on my show several years ago. Although the band didn't even have a American record deal at the time, they have made impressive strides since then. After winning over crowds at the three AC/DC shows in Chicago on this tour, the Answer performed their first ever headline gig in town Saturday night at the Beat Kitchen. Packed to the brim with enthusiastic Loyal Loopers, the guys put on a show that will become legendary years from now. "You saw the Answer at that tiny club?!? Wow!" Yup, you can say you were there.

(See The Answer perform "Under The Sky" live at the Beat Kitchen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lpp4FV1ewg)

(See The Answer's latest video for "On And On" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6FSenxt9LA)

Joe Perry of Aerosmith's visit with me last week to give the scoop on Steven Tyler's condition after injuring himself falling off stage caused quite a stir. Press coverage of the event went worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, MSNBC, Huffington Post, Forbes, NY Times, People magazine and approximately 2,500 other TV, radio and newspaper outlets.

(See the Associated Press article on my interview with Joe Perry of Aerosmith here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQ52qaLSvIACj_E2JpA6uMr0012AD99UBT000)


(See the People magazine article on my interview with Joe Perry of Aerosmith here: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20297512,00.html)

(Hear my interview with Joe Perry of Aerosmith here: http://www.wlup.com/checkitout/byrdJoePerry.aspx)

This week on my show from 10am -3pm on 97.9 the Loop in Chicago or www.wlup.com, win Creed tickets at 10:05am and 2:05pm daily as well as Dream Theatre tickets. Guests this week include Tony Iommi of Heaven & Hell this Tuesday at 12:30pm and George Thorogood on Thursday at 1:30pm. First listens to new music from KISS, Creed and George Thorogood, too!