Brandweek mentioned today that Jack Black will host the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards on March 29. To hype the event patrons at 102 malls across the country will hear his fancy fretwork on AC/DC's classic riff, Back In Black, as part of what's called a digital out-of-home ad. (Whatever the hell, oops I mean heck, that is.)
A lot of critics have given Jack guff over his work for Nickelodeon over the years but I think he should be given a golden Gibson SG for all the things he's done to help spread the word on how great a band AC/DC really is. After all, who can forget "Long Way To The Top" from "The School of Rock"?
Btw, apparently YouTube still hasn't totally recovered from that Pakistani denial of service attack but, if you wait it out, here's the final scene from School of Rock.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Jack Is Back!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Cliff Williams at The House of Blues
AC/DC's Cliff Williams recently performed at the House of Blues as part of the Hollywood Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. A few photos from that show can be found here.
Check out the comment below from Bill Lonero for more details on his time spent with Cliff.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Unofficial Whole Lotta Rosie video
I have to salute the fan who put together all these AC/DC clips to make an unofficial video for "Whole Lotta Rosie." Check it out and see if it deserves your praise, too.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Is AC/DC Ready to Rock Again?
Very interesting post on Spinner today by Steve Baltin. If true, it would sure be good news coming on a day when many of us are feeling sad over the loss of Bon. - Jon
Australian hard rock icons AC/DC are getting closer to ending an eight-year drought of new music. "God, I'm ready," bassist Cliff Williams, who was in L.A. to participate at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, tells Spinner. To that end, the group will hit the studio March 1.
Almost as long as the wait for new music is the band's absence from the stage. Tour plans, however, aren't as firm. "If we go out again or when we go out again," Williams said. "You just never know. We've been around a long time, so we're going to get together and get in the studio and I fully expect we will [tour.]. I don't mean to be so negative about that. [When] the last tour ended in early '01, you'd see kids on their dads' shoulders. And these kids were like 10, 12 years old. It will be tremendous to see that again. And it's very cool -- younger kids getting into older music."
Williams admits that he doesn't listen to his own stuff very often, but on hand at the Rock Camp, the bassist did get a new perspective on some of the band's classics. And what's standing out for him lately? "'Down Payment Blues,' 'Live Wire' -- I dig a lot of the old stuff," he says. "It's amazing. We look back on old albums -- look at tracks -- and I don't remember the tracks from the title. But those two songs I would love to play."
From Spinner.
Get Powerage
R.I.P. Bon Scott
It's Tuesday, February 19, 2008, which is exactly 28 years since the late, great Bon Scott tragically passed from this earth. Coincidentally, Bon died on a Tuesday all those years ago.
What I like about Bon besides him having the best, most distinctive voice in rock 'n' roll was that he always seemed to stand up to anybody who tried to steamroll him in any way, shape or form.
Even when he was a kid, a fresh faced immigrant from Scotland in the wide open land of Australia, the homegrown lads tried to make him adopt an Aussie accent and he said no.
According to Bon, because he wouldn't bend to the will of the others, that's how he got his nickname, 'The Bonny Scott.'
People say Bon's lyrics weren't political and he himself said he never had a message for anyone except for maybe giving them his room number (lol) but I disagree.
His defiant attitude is political in the sense that he taught us all you have to stand up for yourself against anyone or any system that tries to force bullshit down your throat. Like these classic lines from "Rock 'n' Roll Singer."
well you can stick your nine to five livin'
and your collar and your tie
you can stick your moral standards
'cause it's all a dirty lie
you can stick your golden handshake
and you can stick your silly rules
and all the other shit
that you teach to kids in school
'cause I ain't no fool
gonna be a rock 'n' roll singer"
Even further, Bon laid down his code to living in "Bad Boy Boogie." I know he always said this song was about Angus but these lyrics seem like the heart and soul of Bon Scott to me.
on the day I was born the rain fell down
there was trouble brewin' in my home town
it was the seventh day I was the seventh son
and it scared the hell out of every one
they said stop
I said go
they said fast
I said slow
they said lost
I said no
I do the bad boy boogie
Later on in the song, he adds these immortal lines...
they said down
they said straight
I said round
they said lost
I said found
I said free
they said bound
bad boy boogie
do the bad boy
bad boy boogie
I don't know how others feel but I take these lyrics to mean that no matter what people try to force you to do, you have to resist and go your own way. The rest of society would have you conform to their rules but Bon shows you how to be different and truly free in this life. If people want to call you a bad boy, well 'bein' a bad boy ain't that bad' in all reality.
What I also like about Bon was the passion he showed for the things he cared about in his life. Like Irene Thornton, his wife, for instance.
Even though they split up when he decided his music was more important than their relationship, you can tell that she was always on his mind, never far from his heart. "Overdose" is particularly poignant.
I never smoked me no cigarettes
I never drank much booze
but I'm only a man don't ya understand
and a man can sometimes lose
you gave me somethin' I never had
pulled me down with you
hit me up with a big hunka love
hope you can pull me through
I overdosed on you
I overdosed on you
crazy but it's true
ain't nothin' I can do
I overdosed on you
woman you give to me
more 'n I can take
but listen honey
I don't mind
you're a habit I don't wanna break
don't want me none of the harder stuff
don't need it anymore
I'm in hell
and I'm sinkin' fast
and I don't need no cure
I overdosed on you
I overdosed on you
crazy but it's true
ain't nothin' I can do
I overdosed on you
I'm as happy as a man can be
too far gone to save
died of love
and plenty of
just write on my grave
I overdosed on you
I overdosed on you
crazy but it's true
there's nothin' I can do
I overdosed on you
on you
on you
all over you
all over you
all over
I overdosed
overdosed
overdosed
on you
overdosed
Somehow he couldn't have this magnificent woman he passionately loved and his music too. I believe that was part of the reason he drank so much. That was the tragedy and it's a lesson for all of us in that you have to find a way to balance your life before it all slips away in an instant.
The exact cause of Bon's death may be a mystery up until this very day but whatever truly occurred that cold night was most likely the type of thing that could have happened to anyone who'd been out drinking.
It was a tragic accident that happened to a young man who had everything to live for and who was dreaming of settling down as soon as he had finally made it, obviously hoping to rekindle the relationship with his other true love.
I don't know why Bon felt he had to prove so much to world but I'm certainly glad he gave it his all when it came to rock 'n' roll. His songs have touched millions of fans and will go on reaching new generations of kids for as long as mankind still has ears to hear with and hearts to feel with.
Rest In Peace, Bon.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Bon Scott mentioned in NY Times poetry piece
Maybe the upper crusties of this world are starting to realize what we AC/DC fans knew all along; that Bon Scott was a great street poet. - Jon
Dream Logic
“We poets in our youth begin in gladness,” wrote Wordsworth, who might have felt otherwise had he spent his own youth as an adjunct assistant professor of creative writing. If he’d done so, as many younger writers do nowadays, he’d probably have thought twice about pairing “gladness” with a job that often involves $50,000 in student loans and no health insurance. To be fair, it’s never been easy to be a young poet, and teaching creative writing is certainly safer than working as a roofer. Yet because most are neither wealthy (like the young James Merrill) nor constantly in jeopardy (like Villon), writers in their early careers today face a peculiar and sometimes unenviable set of circumstances. On the one hand, the proliferation of M.F.A. programs gives a poet the chance to make a sort-of living from his art; on the other hand, the insularity of that world can tax both an artist’s social skills and his resistance to fashion. Given these difficulties, it’s tempting to replace Wordsworth’s salute to youthful vitality with the 29-year-old Bon Scott’s less optimistic observation: “If you wanna be a star of stage and screen / Look out, it’s rough and mean.”
Continued at the NY Times.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Bon Scott Forever - Part 9
Hi all,
Part 8 isn't available just now so we have to skip to Part 9. Download it here. Hope you enjoy!
Sorry, no track listing is available.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Bon Scott Forever - Part 7
Update: Sorry folks, the link is wrong again. Hang on for a fix for Part 7 soon. In the meantime, here's the corrected link to Bon Scott Forever - Part 1.
Bon Scott Forever - Part 7 features a classic 1977 show at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco and marks the first time that AC/DC played the tunes "Kicked In The Teeth" and "Up To My Neck In You" live in public.
As you'll hear, the lyrics that Bon sings aren't quite the same as what will appear on their upcoming album, Powerage, which was released in 1978.
The track list is below. Go here to download this great bootleg!
Intro 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Live Wire 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Up To My Neck In You 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Kicked In The Teeth 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
The Jack 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Whole Lotta Rosie 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
High Voltage 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Baby Please Don't Go 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
Problem Child 03.09.1977; San Francisco, Old Waldorf
She's Got Balls 29.04.1977; Offenbach, Stadthalle
Down Payment Blues 05.05.1978; Newcastle, Mayfair
Interview Bon Scott, Detroit 1978
Shot Down In Flames 08.09.1979; Fresno, Warners Theatre
Powerage Radio Spot US Radio 1978
Bon Spot ordering a wiskey cola, 1979
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Bon Scott Forever - Part 6
Okay folks, we're up to Part 6 now. I hope many of you are enjoying this series of AC/DC boots that highlight Bon Scott's great years with the band.
Btw, I've been informed that the link to the first album actually contained a zip file of the 2nd album instead. So, we're working on fixing that problem for you all a.s.a.p..
Anyway, here's Part 6. Please let me know if you encounter any problems with the download.
You'll find the complete track listing at Bad Boy Boogie, of course.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of AC/DC
Folks, I think I've seen it all now when it comes to AC/DC merchandise...
Rockabye Baby Music is set to release their lullaby renditions of some of AC/DC's most classic songs on March 4th. What better way to bring up a rock loving monster, um, youngster, I guess?
I have to admit I'm feeling much calmer already after listening to the one they did for Who Made Who for the last 20 minutes. Anyway, here's what their site has to say about the album including some song samples.
| Rockabye Baby! transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. The soothing sounds of the glockenspiel, vibraphone, melltoron and other instruments will lull your baby into a sweet slumber. Do you have a problem child? Rock and roll ain’t noise pollution, but unwanted cries are. When you’re up to your neck in exhaustion and dirty diapers, AC/DC’s primordial anthems are just the ticket to ride on. Your little live wire will be rocked to sleep by these gentle instrumentals. For those about to nap, we salute you. Songs: |
Order it at Amazon! Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Rendition of AC/DC
Bon Scott Forever - Part 5
I don't have the album cover for you today so I've just included one of my favorite pics of Bon instead. Anybody know where it was taken?
Btw, here's the track listing according Bad Boy Boogie.
Live Wire 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Problem Child 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Sin City 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Gone Shootin' 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Bad Boy Boogie 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Rock'N'Roll Damnation 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
The Jack 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Dog Eat Dog 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Rocker 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
Let There Be Rock 10.09.1978; Columbus, Veterans Memorial
It's A Long Way To The Top Dec 1975; Melbourne, Countdown TV-show
Baby Please Don't Go Apr 1975; Melbourne, Countdown TV-show
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 30.01.1977; Sydney, The Haymarket
You'll find the download here. Hope you enjoy it!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Bon Scott Forever - Part 4
Hey everybody,
Here's Bon Scott Forever - Part 4 from our buddy, Graham. Hope you enjoy it! Check back tomorrow for Part 5.
Track Listing:
Let There Be Rock 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green Hippodrome
Problem Child 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green Hippodrome
Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green
Whole Lotta Rosie 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green Hippodrome
Bad Boy Boogie 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green Hippodrome
Rocker 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green Hippodrome
T.N.T. 27.10.1977; London, Golders Green Hippodrome
Live Wire 13.07.1976; London, Wimbledon Theatre
Can I Sit Next To You Girl 13.07.1976; London, Wimbledon Theatre
Jailbreak 13.07.1976; London, Wimbledon Theatre
Dog Eat Dog 30.04.1978; Glasgow, Apollo Theatre
Fling Thing 30.04.1978; Glasgow, Apollo Theatre
Rocker 30.04.1978; Glasgow, Apollo Theatre
Highway To Hell 08.07.1979; Munich, ZDF Studio "Rock Pop" TV Show
Live Wire 02.11.1979; London, Hammersmith Odeon
Shot Down In Flames 02.11.1979; London, Hammersmith Odeon
Saturday, February 9, 2008
New AC/DC Wallpapers by Claudia!
Long time AC/DC fan and friend of mine, Claudia, just sent me some new AC/DC wallpapers she created this week.
The one she made in remembrance of Bon Scott is a truly fitting tribute to rock 'n' roll's greatest front man.
Fans can download all of Claudia's AC/DC wallpapers here, by the way. They'd be great to use on MySpace, I think. As a matter of fact, I use one of her Angus Young walls on my YouTube page.
If you like Claudia's work she'd be thrilled to know it. Leave her a comment below if you like.
If you want to see one of her special projects, please check out Claudia's site for the crystal visions of Stevie Nicks. Definitely an award winner in my book!
Bon Scott Forever - Part 3
As promised, here is Bon Scott Forever 3. Enjoy!
R.I.P. Bon!
Track Listing.
Live Wire 26.07.1976; London, Marquee
It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock'n'Roll) 26.07.1976; London, Marquee
Soul Stripper 26.07.1976; London, Marquee
High Voltage 26.07.1976; London, Marquee
Live Wire 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
She's Got Balls 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
Problem Child 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
The Jack 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
High Voltage 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
Baby Please Don't Go 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
Rocker 22.08.1977; Cleveland, Agora Ballroom
Johnny B. Goode 07.07.1979; Sioux Falls, Arena - with Cheap Trick
(TV Story About Bon's Death) Feb 1980 Count Down TV-Show
Friday, February 8, 2008
Bon Scott Forever - Part 2
Bon Scott Forever - Part 2 can be downloaded here courtesy of our AC/DC lovin' brother, Graham Farrell.
The track list according to Bad Boy Boogie.
R.I.P Bon!
1-1 Jailbreak 12/1976; Sydney, local radio station show
1-2 The Jack 12/1976; Sydney, local radio station show
1-3 Can I Sit Next To You Girl 12/1976; Sydney, local radio station show
1-4 High Voltage 12/1976; Sydney, local radio station show
1-5 Rocker 12/1976; Sydney, local radio station show
1-6 It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock'n'Roll) 12/1976; Sydney, local radio station show
1-7 Intro 13.07.1979; Arnheim, Rijnhall
1-8 Highway To Hell 13.07.1979; Arnheim, Rijnhall
1-9 Bad Boy Boogie 13.07.1979; Arnheim, Rijnhall
1-10 The Jack 13.07.1979; Arnheim, Rijnhall
1-11 Rocker 13.07.1979; Arnheim, Rijnhall
1-12 Whole Lotta Rosie 13.07.1979; Arnheim, Rijnhall
1-13 Ride On 13.02.1980; London, Scorpio Studio, Bon with Trust
1-14 (Radio Story About Bon's Death) 19.02.1980, BBC
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Bon Scott Forever!
It's that time of year when AC/DC fans especially pause to reflect on the loss of the great AC/DC frontman, Bon Scott. This time around, it's been 28 years since Bon last prowled amongst the living.
To honor Bon, a man we'll call Graham Farrell (to protect the guilty) wants to share the bootleg series called Bon Scott Forever with his fellow AC/DC fanatics.
Download it here.
More to come soon...
The tracklist according to Bad Boy Boogie.
1-1 Live Wire 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-2 Problem Child 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-3 Sin City 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-4 Gone Shootin' 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-5 High Voltage 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-6 The Jack 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-7 Whole Lotta Rosie 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-8 Rocker 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-9 Rock'N'Roll Damnation 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-10 Let There Be Rock 23.10.1978, Nijmegen, De Vereeniging
1-11 Highway To Hell 12.11.1979; Amsterdam, Jaap Edenhal
1-12 High Voltage 12.11.1979; Amsterdam, Jaap Edenhal
1-13 Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 05.12.1976; "Cap Down" Australian TV Show
1-14 Ride On 13.02.1980; London, Scorpio Studio
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