Gig review: AC/DC - Hampden Park, Glasgow

AS STADIUM shows become ever more elaborate theatrical extravaganzas, AC/DC cleave to the old ways – just a wall of Marshall amps, some fireworks, a couple of comedy props and a load of primitive rock songs you know they are going to play. “You’re here for the rock’n’roll and that’s all we do,” proclaimed the gnarled vocal wonder that is Brian Johnson.

Angus Young at Hampden Park last night. Picture: Getty

AC/DC - Hampden Park, Glasgow

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Admittedly, guitarist Angus Young kicking up his legs on a podium while being showered in confetti may not feature in the purist’s rock’n’roll handbook but there is something untainted about AC/DC’s caveman approach to rock music which can still strike a (power) chord with so many people.

The classic, economical riffs of Back in Black and Highway to Hell never get old, while the mighty fretwork of Thunderstruck provided plenty air fingering fodder for those brandishing inflatable guitars.

Young and Johnson dominate more than ever since guitarist Malcolm Young’s retirement and drummer Phil Rudd’s enforced departure. The steady Chris Slade has been drafted in to replace the embattled Rudd while Malcolm and Angus’s nephew Stevie Young has taken over the rhythm guitar reins.

It was a family affair out in the crowd too with a heartening number of young girls as well as boys bouncing excitedly to the gleefully naughty You Shook Me All Night Long and Whole Lotta Rosie. As For Those About To Rock went out in a blaze of cannon fire and pyrotechnics,

Johnson’s throaty “we salute you” rang out to this next generation of fans.