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Guitarist Malcolm Young formed AC/DC with fifteen year-old younger brother and lead guitarist Angus Young in 1973. With the addition of vocalist Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans and drummer Philip Rudd, the band’s first four albums established AC/DC as a solid hard-rock act across the U.S. Known for their huge riffs and macho lyricism over simple yet rowdy and aggressive power chords, the band earned a hardy and devoted following early on, but didn’t break into the charts until the 1979 platinum album “Highway to Hell”.
In 1980 lead singer Bon Scott died after choking on his own vomit following a night of all-out drinking and was replaced by the ex-Geordie vocalist Brian Johnson two months later. Johnson’s vocal debut came on “Back in Black” which enjoyed a year-long run in the U.S. chart, selling over 22 million copies, which made in the fifth best-selling album in U.S. history.
Throughout the ‘80s and ’90s AC/DC released a solid stream of albums that earned the band their highly revered and seminal status. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”, a reissue of their 1976 “Australian” LP arrived in 1981, followed by the group’s first No. 1 album “For Those About to Rock, We Salute You” the same year, “Flick of the Switch” appeared in 1983 and “Fly on the Wall” in 1985. These made way for the multi-platinum “Maximum Overdrive” soundtrack album “Who Made Who” and “The Razor’s Edge” in 1990, a five-times certified platinum album featuring the singles “Thunderstuck” and “Moneytalks”.
The release of the band’s twelfth studio album “Ballbreaker” in 1995 saw the return of drummer Phil Rudd to the mix, and was succeeded by the five-CD box set “Bonfire” (1997) featuring a selection of live tracks and a remastered version of “Back in Black”. “Stiff Upper Lip” arrived in 2000 reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart, followed by the usual extensive and elaborately designed tour schedule.
After an eight year wait for fans, AC/DC returned with the release of “Black Ice” in 2008. The album attempted to recapture the sound and feel of the band’s early material and quickly became a commercial success, finding the top of the charts in 29 countries including the U.S. In 2009 with the release of the nostalgic box set “Backtracks” came an announcement from the Recording Industry of America that AC/DC were the ninth-best selling artist in U.S. history.
“Rock or Bust”, AC/DC’s fifteenth studio album was released in 2014 on Sony Records. The release brought a 40 year anniversary tour and marked the departure of original member Malcolm Young who suffering from dementia was replaced by his nephew Stevie Young.
Best known for her role in the TV series "Gossip Girl," Taylor Momsen also formed The Pretty Reckless in 2009, playing alongside Mark Damon (bass), Jamie Perkins (drums) and Ben Phillips (lead guitar, backing vocals). The band play a brand of hard rock influenced by the likes of Nirvana, Joan Jett Hole that is very accessible.
Their debut album "Light Me Up" (released August 27, 2010) achieved moderate success, most notably with the single "Make Me Wanna Die." Following this album release they embarked on an international tour, also featuring as part of the line up for the Vans Warped Tour. Following this success, they were invited to perform as the support act for Marilyn Manson and Evanescence, which helped to establish new fans and grow The Pretty Reckless' popularity.
Their second studio album "Going to Hell" released in 2014 saw the band achieve a new level of success. The singles "Kill Me," "Going to Hell" and "Heaven Knows" were well received, with "Heaven Knows" topping both the UK and US rock charts. The Pretty Reckless achieved a number one spot with two of their first hit singles "Heaven Knows" and "Messed Up World," the first time a female-fronted band has done so. The band also had a song featured on the "Kick-Ass" soundtrack, with the single, "Make Me Wanna Die."
AC/DC has been around just about forever, sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, and won a dozen awards, so your expectations for a live show should be high. I first saw them at the Tacoma Dome in June, 1988, and wasn't disappointed.
Seeing AC/DC live back then was like being hit by a steamroller. And it's the same if you see them today – the crowd at an AC/DC show these days is a mix of young and older fans, but we're all rocking out together. Once they start, they blast through hit after hit, and you know when they play "Let There Be Rock" it sets the tone for the rest of the show.
The floor ends up just being a mass of bodies, cheering and jumping up and down with fists in the air, gaining more energy with every word sung by Brian Johnson - a little guy with a lot of voice. The best songs are always: "Back in Black," "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "Whole Lotta Rosie," and "It's a Long Way to the Top," all of which I can safely say are awesome live - and they really are.
AC/DC may be getting older but they aren't mellowing. They still put on a great show and sound as good as they did 25 years ago. Their live show is perfect for new and longtime fans alike, so if you get the chance to see them, do yourself a favor and go.
Somebody mixed my medicine.' Guess whose 'in my head again'? Pretty Reckless--the world's greatest American rock band of this generation. These days in the 21st century, rock artists are mixing with soul country or mainstream pop, trying to be something they're not. But Pretty Reckless doesn't swing like that. They allow real, hardcore, bloody rock and roll to live on in their own twisted, addicting ways.
Their 'Light Me Up' album did more than just set my passion on fire for these talented members. Ben Phillips stellar guitar skills ignited my inner rock (I still pretend to do mini guitar solos alone in my bedroom) and Taylor Momsen's raspy, edgy voice sends thrilling chills up my spine that I crave for everyday. You can never forget the heart pumping bass from Mark Damon and the mad drumming from Jamie Perkins. When they work together to create such masterpieces like 'F*cked Up World' and 'Medicine' that are dubbed into my iPod, I fangirl enough to 'Make Me Wanna Die'.
When they had their first chart-topping single, 'Heaven Knows', I would seriously be surprised if heaven DIDN'T know Pretty Reckless. 'Going To Hell', their newest album, is glued on repeat to this day. In the album, the way that the band adds good old rock, blends of heavy metal and even some slower songs that show the ability of Momesen to produce a successful combination that conveys both emotion and adrenaline is mind blowing.
Which is exactly what Pretty Reckless is. Mind blowing.
And to think, what are their concerts like exactly? It makes you feel like you're living the impossible, whether it be a 'Zombie' or breathing 'Under the Water', seeing them live will make you question yourself--can this century still offer REAL rock and roll at a concert? The answer is yes. It's The Pretty Reckless, a badass band that I've fallen hard in love with. Flashing lights, surrounding smoke, rock lovers swarming like a sea around you, the floor shaking with bouncing feet, ears ringing from the smashing beats, and the chills up your arm because of Momsen's voice--the perfect concert.
Now if you still don't believe that The Pretty Reckless is one of the greatest American rock bands of the century, why not give them a shot. Plug in your headphones, lean back, close your eyes and sink into The Pretty Reckless's world of madness. Listen to their lyrics. Feel the beat. Take a minute for the spell to take over. Besides, you have 'Nothing Left To Lose'.
just-so-azia
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