AC/DC

Proof positive that geezers can rock, this two-hour video of a single gig recorded in June 2001 at the Olympia Stadium in Munich captures the veteran (and aging -- most of the bandmembers were in their mid- to late forties at the time) Australian rockers in fine fettle. Expertly produced and shot, the band runs through its rousing hits with manic intensity, making most other arena rockers look anemic in comparison. The lead tag-team duo of singer Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young never stops crisscrossing the enormous stage, using a long ramp through the middle of the arena and various elevators to bring the music closer to the audience. A mammoth, nearly comic statue of Young remains center stage throughout the performance, blowing smoke and shooting flames during dramatic moments in the set. Agreeably raucous and good-natured fun, this riff-driven blues-rawk is absolutely riveting live. Sure, all the songs sound about the same and the band isn't exactly breaking new ground, but for a practically 30-year-old collective, AC/DC pounds out its patented hard rock with boozy precision most bands half its age can't muster. A 15-minute version of "Let There Be Rock" and an extended "Bad Boy Boogie" where Young does a crowd-pleasing striptease are just two of the show-stopping moments. Perfect for fans and even those who haven't appreciated AC/DC's brash aesthetic on the band's numerous albums, this caught-in-the-act concert connects just as well on video as it did with about 20,000 other enthusiasts. The numerous camera cuts (few shots last longer than five seconds) make watching this a bit tiring on the eyes, but it is a perfect representation of a typical show. Ten minutes of interviews with the band, full 5.1 surround audio, and subtitles in various languages are added enhancements to the DVD. Sweaty, intense, loud, and unrelentingly energetic, it truly is the next best thing to being there. [In 2002, a version of the album was released that included a second disc of live material.] ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide