Aussie rockers, AC/DC invade Chicago’s Friendly Confines to ‘Play Ball’
Every Chicago Cubs fan in the world is hoping new skipper, Joe Maddon, will give baseball fans plenty to cheer about in Wrigley Field this upcoming season. But just in case the Northsiders are in the basement of the standings come late summer, you can still bet the Friendly Confines will explode with thunderous jocundity when decibel dealers AC/DC roll into town on September 15th.
The still energetic, not quite geriatric hard rock dynamo announced a stadium tour Wednesday that will open at Gillette Stadium near Boston in August and run through the end of September capping of in LA’s Dodger Stadium.
Like all iconic franchises in sports and entertainment, AC/DC has seen it’s share of heartbreaking loss and unexpected change. Malcom Young has left the band due to dementia and drummer Phil Rudd is out after a dubious drug charge/death threat combo a few months ago.
Though down two key players, the meat of the band’s line-up is still prime. The heartbeat and mascot of the group, guitar shredding, duck walking, rock and roll demon, Angus Young, will keep his fret board masterfully covered while his wiry frame may not be.
Lead-singer, Brian Johnson will confidently and scratchily call out the tunes from the devil’s playbook. Bass playing stalwart, Cliff Williams will maintain the bottom on the beat, while drummer Chris Slade helms the throne behind the kit. On rhythm guitar will be Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young.
The 13 date tour is in support of the band’s new album, Rock or Bust, which is led off with the appropriately titled hit single “Play Ball.”
I now humbly submit to the band my Chicago themed set list:
- “Shake Your Foundations” (a perfect track for the reconstruction of ancient Wrigley)
- “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (an ode to politics in the Windy City)
- “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” (for the whining residents of Wrigleyville who inexplicably expect a quiet ‘hood)
- “You Ain’t Got a Hold on Me” (pitcher Jeff Samardzija to Cubs brass who now plays for the Sox)
- “She’s Got Balls” (nothing about Chicago here, but always good to stay up with current events and Bruce Jenner)
- “Kicked in the Teeth” (for the Bears fans who had to endure this past NFL season)
- “It’s a Long Way to the Top/If you Wanna Rock & Roll (it’s a long way to the top for the Cubs every season)
- “Problem Child” (thanks for the memories and you’re welcome for the paycheck Carlos Zambrano)
- “Jailbreak” (Sup, Blago. Wishful thinking, eh?)
- “Down Payment Blues” (for Jay Cutler, waiting for you to pay off buddy)
- “Highway to Hell” (weekend traffic on the Dan Ryan)
Rock or Bust is the AC/DC’s fifteenth internationally released studio album. The album has peaked at number #1 in 11 countries and the top 5 in 12 others including the US. Since forming in Australia in 1973, AC/DC has sold over 200 million albums worldwide.
While the Cubs have crushed many a Chicago soul in Wrigley Field over the years, the historic ball park has been also been host to some of the biggest bands in the world. Most recently The Police, Billy Joel and Pearl Jam.
This will be AC/DC’s first time to ever rock Wrigley. It will more than likely also be their last as time marches on. No matter your team affiliation in Major League Baseball, come September 15th all voices in Wrigley Field will join in to salute those about to rock.
Tickets go on sale Monday Feb. 16th at 10am. They can be purchased online at www.Tickets.com or www.Cubs.com/acdc. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 800-THE-CUBS.
We’ll see you there.
H/T Chicago Trib
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