It says a lot about Angus Young’s generosity of spirit that on the day AC / DC released his new single, Shot In The Dark, the guitarist took the time to praise of his colleague Eddie Van Halen, who died yesterday
Posting on AC / DC’s social media accounts, Angus released a statement that fits with what so many of us feel and describes Eddie’s unique qualities
« Eddie was a marvel of the guitar, his playing of pure magic To the music world he was a special gift To those lucky enough to have met him, a very special person He leaves a great hole in many hearts To the van Halen family, my sincere condolences – Angus «
Angus is keenly aware of what the loss feels The passing of his brother Malcolm Young on November 18, 2017, following a battle with cancer and then dementia was horribly painful and cruel Like any AC fan / DC self-respecting knows, Malcolm was also their undisputed leader – the heartbeat of the group and a man who instilled discipline in all aspects of what they did.
This is something DC frontman Brian Johnson returned to earlier this week when discussing the recording process that culminated in the band’s 17th album, PWR / UP
« I think everyone in the group still felt, especially Angus, his brother, [that Malcolm] was in everything. We’re still aware of that, that he’s watching, ‘You better do it right You better do it AC / DC or just don’t do it at all, ”he told US radio station Rock 1005 Atlanta
The album itself marks Brian’s return to the fold, alongside Angus, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young and the rhythm section of bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd – in short: a real line- up DC
Shot In The Dark itself was teased earlier this week with a video clip shot in Holland that captures Angus in a full school uniform taking off one of his signature solos, while other pictures show the bonhomie that exists among the other members of the group
The good times promised in the video are delivered entirely on the melody itself, which starts off with a simple guitar motif and two chord punctuations before launching into a familiar DC stomp The immediate impression is that their sound is stripped down rather than muffled, Brendan O’Brien’s production bringing a light touch and clarity to the proceedings
Melodically, there are echoes of every aspect of ‘DC’s career – from the Bon Scott era classic If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) to the 1990 Thunderstruck anthem The latter is reinforced by the learned lyricism of Brian who at first refers to « a rolling thunder truck »
As always, alongside the gang vocals (which actually has a greater lightness of touch), there is an ironic quality to Brian’s pun on The Band’s Ethics « if I scan well, then sing it ”remains decidedly intact, leading to a simple and cheerful strike line:“ A hit in the dark beats a walk in the park! ”
With a time of three minutes and five seconds, Shot In The Dark gives us a much-needed feel-good introduction to one of the most anticipated albums of the year.It suggests that in a year of horrific changes, AC / DC remains constant and true to itself It’s good to get them back…
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Brian Johnson discusses rumors of Malcolm Young riffs appearing on new AC / DC album, as PWR / UP finally gets official release date
A tribute to Eddie Van Halen, the guitar hero who set the musical rules on fire and made the world vibrate…
AC / DC, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young
News from around the world – UK – First reaction to AC / DC’s new single, Shot In The Dark – Kerrang!
