by Glen Screeton
THE 22nd December 2023 saw this long-time, first generation Mod turn to a Rocker ( well, for one night at least ) with a Christmas present from my editor ‘The Rock God’ himself @Gary Skentelbery, as he desperately continued his personal crusade to convert me with a ticket to see ‘Livewire-The AC DC Show’ at the Parr Hall.
Before commenting on the sell-out concert however, why not start with a 2023 refresher of how I got here in the first place. In June Gary, editor and owner of the Warrington Worldwide Magazine asked me if I fancied writing the local music column……………………………are you kidding!!
What an opportunity for a musician who loves to write, take a few photos and talk to people. I suppose landing the voluntary gig in Summer was perfect as I had to quickly review six local festivals, watch many bands of all genres including some big names (Starsailor,Crawlers) and have met many artists, writers, photographers and some wonderful people along the way, all on the back of a quick conversation in a park on a blustery Saturday morning. So before I move on, massive thanks to Gary for giving me the chance to write and more importantly allowing me to continue!! It really is a fantastic job and even 23 articles later I don’t class something as work if you love doing it and I’m certain I wouldn’t have visited so many gigs without his help and approval. Furthermore, thanks to all the readers for liking ,commenting and keeping music live and there is lots more to come for 2024.
So, what about my evening of ‘conversion therapy’ ( Gary’s own words )? Following a Christmas meal and drinks at Vandal restaurant with the local ‘Healthwatch’ team we descended on Parr Hall at about 7.30pm and joined the queue for this sellout event. My Fred Perry Shirt and Chelsea boots raised a few eyebrows but despite a few inquisitive looks the long haired ,leather jacket army clad in obligatory AC DC t-shirts made me feel more than welcome in the queue for the bar and I was the butt of some good humored banter – especially from the reveller who mentioned that Ocean Colour Scene were probably playing in Birmingham that night and perhaps I was lost? Very witty indeed and before long I was back in the hall with a pint and a front row position for the FU Fighters support act. Now readers, I don’t normally report on Tribute bands, there are lots of them and many of my fellow writers do the same work so I generally focus on new music, up and coming bands and young local bands in particular (see unsignedhub.com) .
However, the Tribute bands I have seen in my own time are usually excellent, they have spent a long time rehearsing the material and deliver ‘vocal, chord and fill’ performances to a very high standard and if they go the extra mile by looking and acting the same as the band they can make a very good living out of it, such is the demand. People want the experience of a live performance and like to hear their favourite songs in the absence of the originals .FU fighters were no exception, they delivered a very polished performance and knowing all the songs myself I thoroughly enjoyed it, although the overall sound is often a bit ‘muddy’ at this venue which can affect the clarity of the vocals at times. The crowd seemed delighted by the energetic warm up act and it wasn’t long before the Livewire rhythm section was ready to go and Angus Young (Simon) strutted in familiar ‘duck-fashion’ across the stage. The band’s own website describes Simon as being ‘meticulous in appearance’ and he really is, every action is well honed and it’s very easy to be convinced. It is extremely entertaining, even more so when Brian Johnson (Podge) appears and delivers that searing vocal just like the man himself and with education in my ear from Gary on the songs being played the Mod is actually enjoying it!! Although I know more than I think about AC DC, courtesy of his Classic Rock Show every Saturday night (10pm till 12) on Radio Warrington!
There are several highlights throughout the show, too many to mention in a short review but I was particularly impressed by the Showsec guard carrying Angus on his shoulders all around the hall (including upstairs) much to the delight of the younger fans who had been jumping up and down all night ,what a great way to introduce them to live music. Engagement is key at this concert and Livewire certainly get the crowd going with visits to all the familiar hits – Whole Lotta Rosie, Back in Black, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long, For Those About to Rock and many more from a huge selection available and they just kept on coming for over 2 hours before the show culminated with mini cannons firing blanks over the crowd in a crescendo of booming noise.
If you are thinking about watching the show next time it comes around, be warned it is loud!!, I counted 13 Marshall Cabs on stage, but to be honest I don’t think it would sound the same without them. Overall it was a magnificent display and a very professional show that left the crowd baying for more but I wasn’t surprised it was the end, they must have been exhausted and the revellers had been well rewarded for Christmas. Even the Mod was impressed!!
LiveWire AC’DC at Warrington Parr Hall
@warringtonworldwide #livewireacdc tribute at a sell-out show at #warrington Parr Hall #classicrock #acdc #rock @AC/DC ♬ original sound – warringtonworldwide
