AC/DC: BONFIRE by David McCain, Outpost contributor On the Web CD Now Tower Records For more than 20 years, AC/DC has rocked crowds with their thunderously loud music. In today's world, where musicians wear their grandparents clothes and complain about life, AC/DC has never altered their style. Their longevity and a string of plantinum albums are proof that AC/DC is pure rock and no b.s. The band first formed with rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young. His brother Angus and numerous musicians joined later. The band's first album, "High Voltage," was released in 1974. The album did not sell well. But it was the group's live shows that left people breathless and begging for more. The band's well-known lineup (Bon Scott, vocals; Angus and Malcolm Young, guitar; Phil Rudd, drums; Cliff Williams,bass) continued from their first album to the band's 1979 album, "Highway to Hell." This record became the band's most successful at the time. Although the late seventies was a period of disco infatuation, AC/DC proved that rock and roll was here to stay til doomsday. Unfortunately, lead singer Scott died in 1979. After a heavy night of drinking and partying with friends, Scott passed out. A friend helped Scott to the back seat of a car. The result was Scott eventually choked on his own vomit. But not even death could stop the unearthly and ferocious AC/DC. Hungry for more success, the band went forward with new singer Brian Johnson. The band created even more mayhem with Johnson, selling out concert halls across the world. Their albums achieved similar success. Bon Scott is gone. But his music is still here. In celebration of Scott's life and memory, AC/DC recently released an awesome 5 CD box set containing rare and unavailable tracks featuring Scott. The title: BONFIRE.   The cover for AC/DC's new CD.   If there are doubts about AC/DC and their music, BONFIRE will obliterate those doubts. Three CDs are rare concerts of the band. One of the concerts is the unreleased soundtrack to the band's 1979 movie, "Let There Be Rock." The show was only available as a bootleg. But fans now have the luxury of hearing the concert soundtrack presented in a CD format. In addition, the concert was remixed and remastered by the band. Another concert CD is a rare 1974 performance from Atlantic studios in New York. But wait. . . . there's more! "Back In Black," the band's 1980 masterpiece and follow up to "Highway to Hell," is included in the set. As a bonus, the last CD in the set features rare performances. Fans can hear AC/DC crank out a cool version of Chuck Berry's "School Days" or an early demo version of "Dirty Eyes." This song changed form over the years, resulting in the now famous song, "Whole Lotta Rosie." If all this weren't enough, the set includes an AC/DC keychain, an peel-on tattoo, a poster of the box set cover, a CD sticker, and a guitar pick. I have a feeling AC/DC wanted fans to get their money's worth. If that's the case, I'm happy with this set. To some people, this set may be an overload of music. But I'm convinced that giving the listener too much music was the band's plan all along. This act was the best way of honoring Bon Scott. In addition, the band titled the set in Bon's own words. In an interview shortly before his death, Bon said that he when he became a big star, he would call his solo record "Bonfire." All of the band's classics are in the set too. Of course, no AC/DC set would be complete without "Highway to Hell," "Back in Black," "Whole Lotta Rosie," and "Let There Be Rock." But why take my word for it? Just go out and buy "BONFIRE." Don't hesitate, just buy it. It's powerful, exhilarating and worth your money. So bang thy head. Rating out of 100:120! You can purchase AC/DC's latest or thier previous records at CD Now and Tower Records Posted Apr. 12, 1998 Copyright 1998 Nevada Outpost TOP Outpost | Metro | Lifestyle | Travel | Dining | Outdoors Specials | Links | About us | Mail us