Time stands still for AC/DC

Brian Johnson and Angus Young perform during AC/DC's appearance Monday, Nov. 3, at Conseco Fieldhouse. (Credit: Matt Detrich / Metromix)

AC/DC played old songs with fresh energy Monday night at Conseco Fieldhouse, where a sell-out audience of 14,000 rallied around 2008’s biggest comeback in rock ’n’ roll.

Guitarist Angus Young thrived in the feel-good atmosphere, executing a reverse duckwalk and modified moonwalk during a rendition of "Back in Black."

Slow-burn classic "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" elevated the intensity, thanks to the song’s tribal beat and menacing message.

"Back in Black" and "Dirty Deeds" were paired as the third and fourth songs of the show, although they could have served as a pulverizing encore.

Young starred throughout the two-hour performance.

His blues solo during "The Jack" was authentic enough to be enshrined. More impressively, he played it moments after an over-the-top striptease routine.

At age 53, Young ditched his velour schoolboy gear to the point of flashing boxer shorts decorated with a large "AC/DC" logo across the back.

In the arena’s balcony, "The Jack’s" various phases played well as a communal experience defined by plenty of fun.

Pre-concert attention focused on this part of the room, as every ticket in the house sold for $91.50. Seats in the balcony customarily are priced at a fraction of what’s closest to the stage.

Visually, video screens and a light-colored stage made it easy for people in the rafters to follow the action.

Regarding sound, the decelerated pace of "The Jack" cut into any echo. The crisp striking of drummer Phil Rudd was somewhat muddied, and there was no chance to understand the between-song banter of vocalist Brian Johnson.

At 61, Johnson continues to portray the ultimate pub rocker. A driver’s hat tops his slouched profile, and a smile punctuates every lyric.

From new album "Black Ice," "Big Jack" featured a two-word chorus that Johnson mocked as an easy sing-along.

"War Machine" delivered a grittier payoff complete with blood heard in Johnson’s voice, and the melodic pop of "Anything Goes" makes it the best of "Black Ice."

This tour, however, will be remembered for its revival of long-established tunes. "Shoot to Thrill" and "You Shook Me All Night Long," two highlights of 1980’s "Back in Black" album, found Young and Johnson flaunting their remarkable staying power.

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