When my roommate and I were drinking our way through
Community College in the early 90’s, our tenement in downtown Rochester became a
hotbed for after hours alcoholism. One
particular Friday what was originally just a couple friends meeting up at our
house turned into a full blown hold your hair back while you puke party. Awaking the next morning (afternoon) said
party had already attained legendary status.
Passed out bodies and empty beer cans throughout our apartment reminded
one of an aftermath scene from a tornado.
The mysterious Schmidt Big Mouth on the floor in my car. (Where the hell did I DRIVE last night?) And phone calls from those who made it
home. Just calling to say “Duuuuuude!”
in that lazy slobber tone that comes with a hangover.
While time would eventually give us the proper perspective
of how improbable such a night was, my roomie and I immediately started
planning to do it again. That
night. But it wasn’t the same. Almost no one was un hungover enough from the
night before to even attend. Those of us
who did give er a go had none of vigor and energy. As awesome as it the previous night was it
couldn’t be replicated. We were young
fools to think it was even attainable.
Recently it was announced the AC/DC guitarist Malcom Young
had suffered a pretty major medical setback and would not be able to perform his
duties in the band. Speculation as to
what AC/DC would and should do flooded the internet shortly after with band
officially announcing they would continue with a new record and tour sans
Angus’ brother. My initial reaction was
largely indifferent. But as I thought
more it reminded of the mess KISS has become and I began to question. When we like something. Why do we feel entitled to more?
I reached this same crossroad with KISS. They were my band. For me a big part of it was not wanting to
let go of something that had been a huge part of most of my life. But as I grew older it was harder to convince
myself it was something worth holding onto.
What was once something that kept me afloat was slowly starting to feel
like it was now pulling me under. The
reality is AC/DC, like many bands, have already given us the best they
got. Instead of comparing it to 1980 why
not compare it to current formations of bands like Judas Priest. Down to
3 original members. Are you really that
excited to hear new music from them? How
about Queensryche. Firing their singer
of 30 years. Also down to 3
members? Ratt? While Judas Priest is one of the greatest
metal bands of all time and Ratt and Queensryche maybe some of the best from
the 80’s, AC/DC is one of the greatest BANDS of all time. If you’re a fan of Judas Priest, Ratt,
Queensryche, KISS, Springsteen, U2 and almost anyone, there’s a good chance you
also like AC/DC. I tried to hate them
for a while but it’s just too hard. They are too fucking awesome. The
point being if Ratt and Queensryche want to make a mockery of their legacy who
fucking cares. It’s not like they’re
AC/DC. And like KISS. Haven’t AC/DC given us enough?
They’ve taken us down the Highway to Hell. They let us know it’s ok to fuck fat chicks
named Rosie. They’ve flicked the switch
and given us a 21 gun salute. They play 2
½ hours knowing that everyone is going to leave not hearing every song they
wanted to. They have played everywhere
multiple times year after year. If you
haven’t found time to see them yet, buy a DVD.
And while people taking their kids to see the band they grew up with may
seem harmless, is that really the role of a parent. Think of the first time you got into
AC/DC. Sitting in a buddy’s older
brothers bedroom smoking pot while he puts on Let There Be Rock. Now imagine your dad in the room with you playing
air guitar. Did that make it
better? (If you’re saying yes then fuck
you.) Discovery was one of the coolest
parts of rock n roll and parents who make things cooler are failing as
parents. AC/DC made it ok for the pretty
girls at school to hang out at the same farm kegger as you. Because of AC/DC I am always about to
rock. And I salute them. I can honestly say that my life is better
because of AC/DC. They don’t owe me
anything more.
So in my expert opinion I don’t think they should go on. Malcolm means too much to their sound and
their song writing. It’s not the same as
when Bon died over 30 years ago. The
band was still very young. Still
relevant. Still current. They aren’t and haven’t been for well over a
decade. It’s just different. They may still be one of the 5 best live
bands on the planet. But even
if they were to write their greatest album it wouldn’t matter. When you’ve been as big as them for as long
as them people put you in a time capsule. And that’s not a bad thing. Also they don’t have to. They have played enough shows. Recorded enough music and made enough
money. Why tarnish it? Why drag it out? For the fans?
But the decision isn’t mine anymore than the million’s
chiming in around the world. The bottom
line is if they want to they are going to.
As a musician I understand the desire to carry on against common
sense. So while I may disagree with it,
who am I to be against it. But to those
of you who feel you need it. Those of
you who want it. I ask why? Because the party will never be as good as last night.
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