Live/Wire the AC/DC Show
Skegness Embassy
Friday 22 July 2022
This was an unusual assignment for me as I am not a fan of heavy rock music. I grew up with an older brother who loved it and this would have been right up his street. I decided that personal preferences, Review Culture should still seek to accept the invitation to review the show and to view it from a neutral perspective. I have an awareness of AC/DC - who wouldn't if they have been music lover for the last few decades? But it was interesting to view the concert from an objective viewpoint and to enjoy the show and the spectacle presented this evening.
Live/Wire is a five piece band that only plays covers of AC/DC and they are really dedicated to doing the originators justice. The stage looked magnificent with an array of Marshall cabs flanking the drum podium and mounted above the speakers were two rows of three canons which were to feature at the end of the show. On either side of the stage, two giant-sized schoolboy caps sat atop the PA speakers with flashing devil horns on each. The lighting is always impressive at the Embassy and the audience was clearly ready for a loud night of pure hard rock.
The show opened dramatically with O Fortuna from Carmina Burana blasting from the speakers and for those of us of a certain age, images of The Omen. But this was not what was in the minds of the real fans present. The band took to the stage and the crowd roared with approval and anticipation. And from that moment they never let up. Podge Blacksmith looking every inch a ringer for Brian Johnson and as soundalike he is really impressive too. The ever-active Simon Davies takes on the role of iconic guitarist Angus Young within the show and he rocks so hard it hurts throughout the show. He is a ball of energy and plays note for note as the band cover the best known works of their inspiration. Between these two, they cover every inch of the stage and in Simon's case... a lot of the Auditorium too.
The line-up also consists of Dan Mosely, Eddie Clark and Paul Alwin who provide rock solid rhythm throughout. There is no doubting the musicality of every member of the band. Such is is their capability, I have no doubt they could each have a career beyond this tribute show if they so wished. The sound is tight and energetic. The audience was treated to all of AC/DCs hits as you would expect.
The show was split in two and the first half drew to a close with a fabulous rendition of Thunderstruck, which had the audience rising from their seats as one and the Auditorium staff fighting a losing battle to prevent the crowd from filming the number on their phones and it seemed as if every other attendee was doing so at this point. The number shook the house and the applause was richly deserved as the first half came to a close.
The second half continued much like the first half. I am told that the band used to divide the sets between a tribute to Bon Scott and to Brian Johnson in the second half though it didn't seem to be the case this evening. Nevertheless, the crowd loved it. We heard hit after hit recreated with loving accuracy as the band burned through their set sounding hotter than this week's heatwave. One audience member said to me, "That guitarist is never going to get fat running about like that is he?"
Even as someone with no real awareness of the band's back catalogue, I was surprised at how many songs were lodged in my brain as deep dark memories from the past, and I enjoyed Back in Black, Highway to Hell and Whole Lotta Rosie.
Its clear that these guys absolutely love what they do and respect to them for bringing the music they love to the fans who can no longer get to see the real thing on stage as the rock 'n' roll lifestyle has sadly taken its toll on AC/DC's members. I am told this is as close as you can hope to get to seeing the originals in their prime and I would not be surprised if that was true. All of the band's signature moves are replicated beautifully and even the stunts such as the lead singer carrying the lead guitarist in stage as he continues to rock out blasting licks like there is no tomorrow are performed meticulously.
Live/Wire provide a fantastic show and for the purists, there will never be another AC/DC but this is damn close. The band continue to tour the UK and you can find out more from the band's new website https://www.livewireacdcshow.com/ and if you are going to see the band live.. to those about to rock, we salute you!
Andy Evans 23 July 2022
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