I was fortunate to be part of an AC/DC video shoot yesterday. The shoot, for a future release from AC/DC's new album, "Rock Or Bust", was filmed at Black Island Studios in London, Middlesex to be precise.
An email confirming the shoot was sent out on Friday, it was all pretty vague, meet at location in London, hand over ticket and be given a coach ticket to be driven to studio.
It was thought that the 500 or so lucky punters would be part of another song off the album, namely "Play Ball". The video for this song, however, was recorded at Black Island the day before with no fan participation.
After queuing in the rain for what seemed like an eternity, I, and the other fans who had turned up, some from Canada and Argentina, were given coach tickets. A 40 minute drive to the studios with the accompanying "Confidentiality Agreements" to sign saw us arrive and shepherded into a waiting room. When here we all got to hear the track that we would be part of that day. "Rock or Bust", the title track off the new album was played, the acoustics of the room not really giving it justice to breathe.
This was all about to change...
We were each directed to positions in the studio next door, the set was a mini-mock-up of a stadium (see pic)
Pic courtesy of acdcbrasil.net
With phones and camera's being confiscated there wouldn't be much chance of recording the audio or taking photos during the shoot, I'm unsure how the above photo was leaked?
The band were introduced and each member walked down to the small round stage. Unfortunately, AC/DC drummer, Phil Rudd, had been called away at the last minute, his place being filled by Bob Richards (Shogun, Adrian Smith Band The Wild Family, Man)
A huge cheer greeted them all then subsided as Brian took the mic to address the fans. He spoke of Malcolm and the overwhelming wave of support he had received from fans across the world, he then introduced Malcolm's permanent replacement Stevie Young, nephew of both Angus and Malcolm Young.
Myself and some old friends I had met from Sweden were directed to one of the upper tiers and, along with others, were anticipating hearing "Rock Or Bust" and watching the band perform.
The 500 strong crowd needed no direction. The thing is, being an AC/DC fan you pretty much know what you are going to get.
"Rock Or Bust" is a foot-stomping, fist-punching assault to the ears, it's anthemic and was made in mind for the fan. If you are after lyrics that are life-changing, you'll be disappointed. AC/DC don't do lyrics that make you ponder, they write lyrics that make you want to grab your imaginary guitar and lose yourself in simplicity.
Although the song was not performed live (studio version piped in) you could hear that familiar sound, a little bit of Angus before the drums kicking in along with the bass then vocals that may surprise many.
AC/DC's vocalist Brian Johnson, at 67, still knows how to belt out a good tune, most people his age revert to Sinatra or Elvis but Johnson gives it full pelt in this short rock number that will have you throwing fists in the air for many years to come.
AC/DC are back and although the line-up may be different you really can't tell. Stevie Young is an accomplished rhythm guitarist, he's been playing the circuits for many years and he fits perfectly, he's that t-shirt that hides the beer belly, the one that we all feel comfortable wearing.
The shoot was surprisingly short, 4 or 5 takes and we were all done, a far cry from a previous video shoot I was privileged of being part of (Are You Ready)
The masses departed the studio, Rock or Bust still ringing in their ears.
We now await the album release (late Nov, early Dec) and, of course, await to see the release of both videos, Play Ball and Rock or Bust.
Yesterday may be the last time we get to see AC/DC in a video shoot, the release of the album will see them embark on a world tour, it may be their last given that it's been 6 years since their last album (Black Ice) - if we add on 6 years from their tour next year then any future releases will come around 2021, I really can't see AC/DC hitting the road in 2021. I hope I'm wrong as they have been a part of my life since I first heard them back in the late 70's.
If you have never seen AC/DC in concert you have missed out on something, they should be on everyone's bucket list.
AC/DC are legends, it really is as simple as that.
**Special mention to Cameron Sinclair without whom none of this would have been possible.
Get well soon brother.
Bob Fiddaman.
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