All Hail Caesar

I am a sucker – for I had the chance to see AC/DC perform live in Boston – and I missed it. I somehow rationalize by saying that circumstances that prevented me from attending the show were too strong, but I know in the back of my head that I could have overcome them if I had only had the energy and the commitment – that has the potential to lead me into another topic altogether, so let us stick to AC/DC. I’ve become a fan of this local Bostonian classic rock FM station, WZLX 100.7. Since I couldn’t go to the concert, I was home all day not wanting to do anything else – just listening to this station. It didn’t help that they kept talking about the show as well. They were holding a pre-concert party at The Harp and giving away free tickets through a draw. I could have gone, perhaps – seen “Back In Black” (the apparently very popular AC/DC tribute band) perform, and if I didn’t get the tickets, I’d at least have had a beer or two and a reasonably good time. But I didn’t go. I seem to be digressing again. Back to AC/DC.

I was however, probably one of the earliest listeners of the new AC/DC album, “Black Ice”. It thoroughly and undoubtedly rocks. Unlike “sellouts” like Metallica, the riffs are still powerful, the guitar-work is still magnificent, the overall sound still brings it. That’s right – Angus and the boys are still bringing it. But the biggest attention-grabber is Brian Johnson – he is 61 (that’s right SIXTY-ONE) years old now and still sounds exactly the same as he did during “Back In Black”. Let’s just say his “Powerage” hasn’t faded one bit. In the great AC/DC divide of Bon Scott vs. Brian Johnson – I always take Brian Johnson’s side. I listened to the album and went “Oh, man, this guy’s gonna die screaming someday!” (God forbid). AC/DC have not sold out, and will never sell out (read my lips, Metallica) – they will keep the faith. Their album and concert, on the other hand, did sell out!

Anyway, I know missing the show is going to haunt me for some time – but I have Boston to help me get through it. I love this city for it still loves classic rock and metal so much. Where else would you still get to listen to good old classic rock and metal in almost all of the bars? Case in point – a couple of weeks ago I was hanging out at Beantown Pub – and they played Slayer. That’s right – Slayer – in a pub. I love “Beantown Rock City”. As for AC/DC, I have three words: “All Hail Caesar!!”