Thunder will roll in on August 10th at Del Crary Park — but you can leave your umbrella at home.
On that Saturday night, Peterborough Musicfest patrons won’t have to worry about what’s over their heads. Instead their ears will be pounded by the guitar-driven, bass-thumping signature sound of Australian rock band AC/DC as served up by Thunderstruck — the third and final tribute act presented by the summer concert series as part of its 33rd season.
Admission to the 8 p.m concert is free, thanks to the support of sponsors.
Formed in 2001 “from the ashes of other AC/DC tribute bands,” Toronto-based Thunderstruck captures the over-the-top energy that is the trademark of the Young brothers-founded band that has sold more than 200 million records.
What started out as a weekend gig close to band members’ homes is still going strong as a part-time gig close to 20 years later — a period which has seen Thunderstruck tour across Canada and the United States as well as on entertain on cruise ships.
“The power of Thunderstruck mirrors the pure strength, energy, and sound of a live AC/DC show,” says lead vocalist Blair Briceland in an interview with Glenda Fordham of Fordham PR. “We formed in 2001 and have been touring for almost 16 years. We perform as detailed impersonations of each band member which includes the authentic guitars, amps, drums, and the trademark school boy outfit.”
The band — whose other members are Rich Trevor on lead guitar, Chris Newman on rhythm guitar, Pete Stewart on bass guitar, and Niall Mellors on drums — has even toured with AC/DC’s very first vocalist Dave Evans, who sang with the band for one year in 1973, appearing on their debut single, before being fired and replaced with Bon Scott.
VIDEO: “If You Want Blood” by AC/DC performed by Thunderstruck
VIDEO: “TNT” by AC/DC performed by Thunderstruck
VIDEO: “Let There Be Rock” by AC/DC performed by Thunderstruck
Fans of AC/DC — there remains millions worldwide — can expect the straight ahead, no-holds-barred sound the Australian rock band has brought around the globe since 1973 via signature hits such as “Highway To Hell”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, “TNT”, “Back In Black”, “Hell’s Bells” and, of course, “Thunderstruck”, to name but a few song choices.
In choosing Thunderstruck as its name, the quintet selected a rock anthem that, via its hypnotic “thunder” chant and guitarist Angus Young’s trademark song-opening riff, solidified AC/DC’s rightful place as the ultimate good time party band. Those looking for something deep both lyrically and musically, be warned: this is all about rock music for the sheer fun of it.
The lead single from AC/DC’s 1990 album The Razors Edge, “Thunderstruck” peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks listing and was platinum certified in Canada. Since being made available via digital download, the track has sold more than a million copies.
“It started off from a little trick I had on guitar,” recalls Young in the liner notes for the 2003 re-release of The Razors Edge.
“I played it to Mal (his brother Malcolm Young) and he said ‘Oh, I’ve got a good rhythm idea that will sit well in the back.’ We built the song up from that. We fiddled about with it for a few months before everything fell into place. Lyrically, it was really just a case of finding a good title. We came up with this thunder thing, based on our favorite childhood toy ThunderStreak and it seemed to have a good ring to it. AC/DC equals power. That’s the basic idea.”
Since the AC/DC’s 1973 inception, Angus Young has made wearing a school uniform, complete with a backpack, a very cool thing. While that visual has been and remains entertaining, there’s a lot of substance here, as evidenced by the band’s enduring success and corresponding tributes from around the world, including the band’s 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
VIDEO: “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC
VIDEO: “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
VIDEO: “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC
AC/DC, which has recorded 17 studio albums to date, survived the 1980 death of lead singer Bon Scott, who died of acute alcohol poisoning. The band didn’t miss a beat, enlisting Brian Johnson as its front man and subsequently enjoying continued recording and touring success.
Since the 2016 departure of Johnson and the death of Malcolm Young the following year following a lengthy illness, the band has been comprised of brothers Angus and Stevie Young along with Chris Slade and, having joined them to finish out a 2016 tour, Guns ‘n’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose.
At present, there is talk of a new album being recorded followed by a tour — perhaps with Johnson back in the mix.
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission, sponsor-supported concerts featuring a total of 21 acts during its 33rd season — each concert staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the entire 2019 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
