Highway To Hell, first stop Redfern, then Lidcombe

Emily says:

03:55am | 21/02/10

You do realise that many of AC/DC’s fans (me included) are teenagers, right? It’s not all “old people”. A huge portion of their fan base has been following the band for decades, but they’re picking up plenty of new fans too. And I’m sure they’ll continue doing that because they’re the best band on earth.

Pete says:

12:19am | 20/02/10

They last played Australia in 2001, not 2003… no?

This is just a really bad article. That’s it.

Stephen says:

10:43pm | 19/02/10

Sensitive things these accadaccas are aren’t they Will?
Look, I wasn’t born too late (1963) but I thought this parody of rock music had been finished off by Spinal Tap and yet, now, apparently it’s all the go with the over 50s.
Each to their own, I suppose. I never liked them then (I was strictly late 70s-early 80s punk, new wave) so it’s no surprise I don’t like them now but reading this review, I find it hard to believe everyone in the audience isn’t laughing so much they missed the music.

WoolyOldSheep says:

06:03pm | 19/02/10

I like accadacca to and who are you to tell us what we should and should not do, you weren’t even born probably when we listened to them. You kids think you own the world..we owned it before you were a twinkle in your old mans eye. Keep rocking AC/DC..we lov ya

Rod J'That says:

05:31pm | 19/02/10

I don’t…who let…what the…*deep breath*...okay. Let me try to compose myself. Okay. Okay, I’m okay.

The merits of AC/DC and their music are open to debate. Everyone is entitled to have a view about any particular performance, any piece of music, any artist, any piece of art, anything at all. I think we can all accept that proposition.

What I can’t accept - and I think I’m speaking for the majority here - is why the f*** this particular ‘word-maker’ was allowed to subject the rest of us to these particular ‘made words’. I’m stuggling to make words myself that are sufficient to convey how inane, how ill-conceived, how banal, how incoherent, how, how cute (in a really, really, bad f***ing way), how uncreative this piece is. ‘Uncreative’ is insufficient, but the language has its limits.

Now, Will. Here’s what you do next. Take the $30 Sanity voucher they paid you to write this piece and buy something gloomy but clever, something that only you and your knowing friends really appreciate and understand. Then have a night out smoking cloves and drinking absinthe and making knowing little comments to one another about the world and generally bask in the glory of your really controversial Punch piece. Then have a good night’s sleep. Then finally, the next morning, well rested, by the clear light of a new day, you can sit down and carefully reflect on how much of a d***head you’ve made out of yourself with this.

Good luck with your studies and your music. I think your days of making words have come to an end.

watchdog says:

05:02pm | 19/02/10

ah youth. you invented it all, didnt you? and it’s all a bit boring. one day you too will be commenting on some smartarse spotty youth’s smarmy know-it-all bullshit and saying much the same thing. grow up, dear.

Hawkan says:

04:12pm | 19/02/10

Will is obviously out to make a name of himself as a columnist and what quicker way is there than to slash one of the untouchables? I think that regardless of how the artist had performed, their age, the audience age and the like.. any Band with a similar cult following and legendary status would have been slashed in the name of pure self promotional interest of Will. You know, one creates a massive influx of hits to one’s own article and than you have some negotiation power and “recognition”.. see, My Article was read by X people, therefor I’m Worth Y…  (never mind that it was a controversial article written in this way purely to be controversial)..  Personally, I found this type of “journalism” extremely poor and a waste time for everyone involved.. readers for having read it and spent time on it doing so.. me, for writing this comment, and the author is the only one that Might stand something to gain from it (unless the chief editor reads it and see it for what it is, and than he’s likely to either be told off for it or fired)...

LES PATTERSON says:

04:05pm | 19/02/10

+I’m too old, too grumpy, don’t like it, And I’m not playing.  Yes - guilty as charged.

Sadhbh says:

03:37pm | 19/02/10

I don’t agree with you on old men who continue to rock being “sad”, I’m a woman in my early thirties and I think it’s fecking awesome that they (and their many varied fans) haven’t packed in the fun and sat at home waiting for death and watching Idol on TV. Rock has had many incarnations, but it’s been a hell of a lot longer than 20 years since it was built to shock like a , that was the early nineties and as far as I recall we were all panicing about young ‘uns going to raves and The Shamen singing “E’s are good”.

I’ve just spent an hour writing notes on the set list for someone who has never seen a rock gig so they can appreciate where and when the songs came from and get more out of the gig that the show, but I have heard the show is AWESOME. I’m going to see them tomorrow, and I can’t wait. (Set list here, if you’re wondering - http://bit.ly/bYeZGL )

BTS says:

03:13pm | 19/02/10

Will,

I had to look up Barbara Windsor and the fact that you know who she is…frightens me.

BTS says:

03:01pm | 19/02/10

THE greatest band Australia has ever produced, hands down, no argument.  It’s not about the fluffy dice over the dashboard, it’s about the music - hard, solid, metal.

Dave says:

02:57pm | 19/02/10

The writer is only doing it to get a rise out of the reader(s), and it’s working!!

David C says:

02:43pm | 19/02/10

Actually a good article, problem is that is written by someone who will never “get it”. Sorry buddy you just werent around then. You didnt get to go to the great venues of those days (my locals were Manly Vale Braynts and Narrabeen Antler), you didnt experience first hand the “sharpies” (Manly Wharf was very different then), and Bon Scott didnt go out with your mate’s older sister for a while.
Things were very simple then but I guess we must have really appreciated them because we still do now.
It was a great concert last night enough said.

Martin G says:

01:31pm | 19/02/10

I’m still a young’un myself. Why’d you even bother going, Will? Face it mate, much of ‘our generation’‘s music (generous term for a lot of the crap being spruiked lately) pales in comparison.

AC/DC is the greatest band in Australian history. You can’t deny their energy, some elder statesmen of rock look miserable today, while these guys keep rocking and selling out stadiums all over the world. I’m no fanboy, but Long live AC/DC.

Oh BTW, I’ve noticed a distinct lack of decent political articles lately on The Punch. What is going on here??? I want some proper KRUDD articles to comment on, not some stupid golfer or what some tart would take to a desert island!!

JB says:

12:35pm | 19/02/10

As the giver of the ticket, I’m confused by your response to the night? I saw exactly what I expected, a incredibly entertaining night. meh

Mark says:

12:29pm | 19/02/10

One day we may be listening to easy listening radio with “Coldplay on endless loop” watch out it can happen to YOU too.

stiffy says:

11:56am | 19/02/10

Will, I am one of those fat businessmen going to my third acadaca concert tomorrow night. you can catch me tapping my foot way up in aisle 261. Last time i saw them was the Back in Black concert in ‘81. before that saw them in Victoria Park in ‘74. i tell you no lies. It was organised by 2SM and was one of the DJ’s Mad Mel and his ‘giant stirs’ No 3 from memory. ACDC were just arriving on the scene then and were not all that well known. Were mostly playing late at the checkers nightclub in Goulbourn st. But the Young Bros pedigree was well known. Free concert. Headliner was Stevie Wright and his song ‘Evie’. Bit before Gen X. I’m talkin Baby Boomers. Black Ice is a great ACDC album based on their usual 3 chord rock. Gotta go now and by a Black T shirt that fits me.
Oh Will grow up!

Felonius Twink says:

11:56am | 19/02/10

What the Hell does that even mean, first Redfern, next stop Lidcombe? Why does the Punch repeatedly forget there are people outside of NSW who read? It’s really annoying!

Changa says:

11:51am | 19/02/10

Dear Will,
Just read your other post on The Punch (http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/unsocial-commentary-the-art-of-mindless-online-abuse/) and it seems to me you’re trying very hard to cast yourself as the angry young man.
The angry young man is a well-worn schtick, Will, and many have done it far better than you. The difference between a magnetic angry young man and a try-hard angry young man like yourself is that the try-hards don’t actually try that hard. They’re lazy in thought and lazy in their writing. Having read your posts, I think you’re lazy, Will. It’s easy to have an opinion. It’s not so easy to have insight; to at least attempt to make sense of your opinion and search beyond the rant. All we’ve got from your posts so far is this: “I hate people who comment on blogs” and “I reckon AC/DC and their fans are crap.” That’s it. Nothing more. No insights, no social context, no new and exciting ideas or thought-lines — just a whine. It’s boring and it’s lazy. I suppose it might be mitigated by the fact you’re young and don’t have the benefit of much wisdom. If you’re to become a magnetic angry young man, Will, you’ll need to work a lot harder, perhaps read a bit wider.

Vicki PS says:

11:43am | 19/02/10

When did rock and roll start to take itself so damned seriously?  The article is bloody funny, and really quite kind in its way.  Mind you, I never much cared for Ackerdacca, I was more of a Pogues-type girl—which might explain why I enjoy Will’s humour.

acker says:

11:34am | 19/02/10

I saw Angus Young and Brian Johnson doing some media, my thoughts were 2 guys between 55-60 yo who didn’t look like they had facelifts. What exactly did they overpromise or not deliver on in their performance ? That’s the heart of why I strongly disagree with this pre-meditated story.

Symon says:

11:22am | 19/02/10

(From one Gen Y to another):

Article Fail. Epic Article Fail.

Not only do I not know what your point is, but to add insult to injury it seems you typed the whole thing on your iPhone while being pushed around by said Drunken Businessmen, then uploaded without a second read.

Your bio says, ‘musician’ - the first thing to learn before you throw that title around is to respect what gives others pleasure, no matter your personal taste. Music is all about the impact it has on its listener. If it gets your shoes tapping, body moving or head nodding, then it’s win all round.

And to deny and disregard the influence of AC/DC, no matter your view, is just naive.

From one Gen Y, Musician and ‘work-maker’ (or is it ‘word arranger’? Unless you have a penchant for etymology), I fear you’ve done us a disservice.

Conan Swain says:

11:21am | 19/02/10

file under banal nonsense. what relevance does packed to the rafters and kerry armstrong have to said article. i would much rather read sir penbo’s critique of the event.

6clegs says:

11:09am | 19/02/10

Bugga.
You mean Ackerdacca got together last night????? mumble-mumble-mutter-mutter
that darn rocknroll period in my life finished my political carreer before it even started…

ROCK AND ROLLLLL!

Yer can’t blame the poor genXers for being bitter. What, have they got?
Bwhaaaahaaa

Carl Palmer says:

10:53am | 19/02/10

Hi Will, I would have loved to have gone but unfortunately I couldn’t and yes I would have been more than happy to be another “drunken businessman dancing” and having a cracker of a time. They are far more talented that most modern day bands.

Another thing, aren’t these old men at the very top of the rich list here in Australia, that would explain why a few of them drive Rolls Royce. What do you drive? You know, you could probably learn from these guys because they are doing something right.

David Wood says:

10:49am | 19/02/10

Will, they talk about thin skinned journos and then there is this over reaction of anger and hate because some wrote something they did not agree with and suddenly a piece stating an opinion becomes to much of a threat to deal with rationally. And sudde
If I was around, I would have gone to an ACDC concert like I did in the early 90s but I’m not sure there would be the same pile of knives, other weapons and studded belts in piles as we were frisked as we went in. I had overlooked actually bringing a knife and a studded belt was not something I wore on the farm. I was not cool enough then but suspect I would be too cool now. A lot of people who have come on a wave of AC DC being “cool” again or at least popular, it is like joining Facebook now. AC DC are not even the same band they were in the 1970s, not a wish for the glory days comment but it stacks up in their blues/rock, dirty, sleaze music. Now they make music, not in that angst, anger, misunderstood by everyone is new way that rock relies. Not many make good albums for too long. My undeveloped premise is that being rich makes you not rock and roll anymore. A bit like most comedians. Musically AC DC are a parody of itself. Though I do remember - be it almost 20 years ago - they did rock on stage.

TNT says:

10:48am | 19/02/10

PS who is danger coolidge? i don’t agree with his opinion but he sounds hot.

Kim says:

10:42am | 19/02/10

You call that a review?  It’s not a very good one is it?  (this is said in the voice of Hermoine Grainger - only because it seems to be the one thing that you did recognise at the concert - Hogwarts Express).  Will, did you actually go?

Aitch says:

10:36am | 19/02/10

Dear Will Colvin, I see you describe yourself as a “film-student, musician and word maker”.
A musician, eh? That’s exciting, Will. Hey, why don’t you thrill us all and post a link to your latest composition? Y’know, show us all how it’s done these days. Maybe you have a demo, or an mpeg of you practicing scales in your bedroom. Pleeeease share it with us.  But of course you won’t, will you?
Will, you’ve done yourself no favours today. You’ve outed yourself as poor “word maker” and a couple of thousand people at least thinking you’re a git.

TNT says:

10:09am | 19/02/10

i’m 31 and i saw a wide group of ACDC fans represented, including a whole lot of cute kids with their parents. the show’s production, including the train and bunch of other elements was really world class and the band’s performance - and energy - was incredible.

Sorry, will, but I think that your review of the show will was pretty weak, your opinion about what constitutes rock ‘n’roll was the real ‘sad’ element here… rock ‘n’roll doesn’t sgive a s**t how old you are, it’s an attitude. the cheap remarks about people waving to fat husbands and underwire bras were offensive and shallow. if you wanna hang out with beautiful people and listen to crappy house music, go to the ivy, buddy, and leave the rockin’to the rest of us.

Sanchy says:

10:00am | 19/02/10

I guess by going and rattling out a few paragraphs poo-pooing the whole thing, at least you could claim the ticket as a business expense.

However, your concept of reanimating reanimating Bon Scott is not rock’n'roll - it’s just disrespectful.

I read your article again to see if I could find more depth to it, and thankfully I did, but I personally disagree. I reckon they put on a decent show.

Everyone there knows the obvious flaws you stated as if they were something new.

The only difference was they went there with the right attitude and had a good night.

Next time Will, stay at home and wathc Packed to the rafters, then piss and moan about that!

ChrisD says:

09:57am | 19/02/10

Colvin. How dare you disrespect a band famous for not giving a flying f—- what anyone else thinks. Don’t you know rock n roll is a fragile puppy that might actually die unless it gets lots of tender love and affection? Shame on you sir, shame.

For those about to mock, I salute you.

munroe says:

09:53am | 19/02/10

“But tonight, they saw themselves on two-hundred foot high digital screens and giggled and shook their underwire bras, and waved to their fat husbands in the first row.”

Ageism, fattism, sexism, all rolled into one sad sentence.
What a bunch of narcissistic garbage. I guess “old” people are supposed to listen to Gilbert and Sullivan.

geezer says:

09:18am | 19/02/10

ha ha!  funny article but what this emo kid fails to realise is that 20 years ago that same businessman bopping at the front probably was a long haired sweaty grease monkey getting blind on a warm bag of goon…  just because your life moves on doesn’t mean you love the music any less.

Munroe says:

09:02am | 19/02/10

To summarise: “I despise old people and worship at the cult of youth.”
That’s so boomer.

Pete from Sydney says:

09:01am | 19/02/10

Will,nice try….I think you probably enjoyed it and just needed to feel important so you wrote that tripe…you and I both know that AC/Dc are what they are, and that’s why we love them…unpretentious pub rockers who put on a great show…trying to start an age war ain’t going to cut it….everyone from kids to grand dads had a sensational time

now pull your pants up above your bum cheeks and totter off to bed Little Willy

Nick says:

08:33am | 19/02/10

The sentence “Rock and roll meant something. It shouted like a rabid otter into the face of the world” is possibly the worst sentence yet written by a Punch contributor. I mean, really. What is this, Hunter S Python?
If you’d watched the extraordinary series Seven Ages of Rock, you’d have seen a much more coherent argument that rock has grown up and stayed young at the same time. It’s a style of music, not a dress code.

Adam says:

08:27am | 19/02/10

What ignorance. Anyone that goes down the “rock is dead” path does not deserve to write a column about it. Stop pining after bands from 20-50 years ago and realise how much great music is all around you.

The Jack says:

08:24am | 19/02/10

Who else thinks Wil wrote this article BEFORE the concert just so he could get the jump on all the other cynical/smug wannabe critics? Hell, he didn’t even review the concert so much as write an ageist assault against the audience and a band that obviously still resonates with so many punters - young and old. So how did the band actually sound Wil?
Not that there aren’t plenty of great young bands around today, but I was only wondering yesterday just how many of them will be around in 30 years, and if so will they pull a crowd of 600,000 across Australia alone? Food for thought….

Jaydubs says:

08:21am | 19/02/10

What a seriously sad unit you are, Will.

My music of choice is electro and house, but I went…same as I did when they last toured. These guys are the consumate entertainers. And entertain they did.

Too a far more mixed crowd than even I expected. I saw Dad’s taking teir boys to the gig. I saw bogans. I saw bikies. I saw a few suits. I saw people I would have more likely expected to see at a music festival.

I saw a lot of people going nuts and enjoying themselves to old school rock’n'roll and having a brilliant time. And they got every cent of their money’s worth out of it. As did I.

Shame you are so myopic and conceited.

And if the Punch appoint you as their style guru, then the Punch will show that they have no style either.

I’d call up your psychologist and make a looong appointment. You really need to work on those bitterness issues

matt says:

08:09am | 19/02/10

@Nathan M says “I saw a cross section of Australia. Young and old, professionals and tradies, the healthy and the ill, the drunk and the sober. “

You saw sober people? Which concert were you at?

Tim says:

08:08am | 19/02/10

I give this article Two Thumbs Up.

The barrage of “hey, i used to be cool/ you don’t know what real music is.” has begun.

Troll on Will, Troll on.

acker says:

08:01am | 19/02/10

Scary thought is if the very wealthy Angus Young became a Liberal politician they would probably win in a landslide…Angus could become Minister for Senior Australian.

Gareth says:

07:35am | 19/02/10

Ahh the young..lol
know it all fun police

soultrader says:

07:33am | 19/02/10

My comments obviously offended you - typical thin skinned peudo-journo wannabes. You think you influence people. You are there for our cheap entertainment. Get over it. Your opinion is worth nothing.

This should get me on the don’t publish list.

nw says:

07:33am | 19/02/10

You twirp. Re-connecting with your youth through music is age-old. You may even do it one day - if you’re able to take that lemon out of your mouth. Or is that what scares you? That you’ll end up as the fat drunken businessman?

Diamantina Dick says:

07:33am | 19/02/10

I knew there would be some wanna be elitist come out this morning to try and rain on the parade, didn’t take long.

T.Chong says:

07:31am | 19/02/10

FO Will !!!! If you are lucky, you may one day be “old”(er)
Rock and Roll aint Noise pollution, Rock and Roll is here to stay, along with the fans .
Bon was / is The Best, and his vocals and lyrics dont need reanimating.
The Man is always present in spirit whenever two or more old westies get together and sing along to all AC/DC , upto and including Back In Black.
Go back to lying in your bath and dwelling on penguins , and leave the music to those who know how to appreciate it.

iansand says:

07:21am | 19/02/10

Damn.  How dare people have fun in their own way.  Are you auditioning to be a door bitch?

Lachlan Smith says:

06:39am | 19/02/10

Twenty years ago these “old fat’ people you so dismiss were young self-involved children like yourself. And in twenty years you will be them listening to someone half your age insulting you.

Enjoy.