LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Livewire - The AC:DC Tribute Show @ The Waterfront Norwich
Over the years, I have seen quite a few AC/DC tribute bands, but never have I seen such a spectacular performance as what Livewire put on. Upon arrival at the venue, the crowd was already heaving, with more people arriving by the second. When I got to the Photographer’s pit, I was welcomed by Crew Member Paul, who kindly told me I was welcome to shoot as images as I liked throughout the entire performance. Then Livewire entered the stage, with Podge on Vocals, Dan on Rhythm Guitar, Cliff on Bass, Paul on Drums.
Livewire kicked things off the first set with “Riff Raff” and immediately the crowd were already cheering and singing along, they followed up with “You Shook Me”, “Long Way”, and one of my all time favourites “Back In Black”. Every song was banger after banger, with other songs such as “Ball Breaker” & “Bad Boy Boogie” which included a brilliant solo rift from the guitarist , during which Dan done a cheeky strip tease. Then at the end of the set you heard the dong sound, and you just knew that “Hells Bells” was going to start. That was the end of set one, but to my amazement, without even a break, they started set 2.
They kicked off set 2 with the brilliant Livewire and played other brilliant tracks such as “Dirty Deeds”, “Whole Lotta Rosie”, which got an already energetic crowd, even more pumping, and Thunderstruck. They finished off the set with “Let There Be Rock”, during the final song, Crew Member Paul, Hoisted the Guitarist onto his shoulders and then walked through a crowd of over 600 people, while the Guitarist was still playing, before heading back to the stage for the final few minutes. Then to everyones delight, Livewire reentered the stage for a 3 song encore, which consisted of the ballad “The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomond”, “Highway To Hell”, “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)”.
I have been to endless gigs over the years, but Livewire have to be at the top of the list, every song was exceptional, the mannerisms & vocals from Podge, were an exact replica of Brian Johnson. The energy & Schoolboy antics from Dan was absolutely mind-blowing, being able to dart up and down the stage, layed on his back whilst still playing and then more running up and down the stage, not to mention a jump at ever final beat of the drum, for 22 songs straight, made me question where does he get that amount of adrenaline from. Throughout the entire performance from Livewire you felt that you were actually watching and listening to AC/DC live. The 600+ crowd of people of all ages, it is great to see people in their Teens, singalong to all the sounds as well, it goes to show how iconic AC/DC is, and you couldn’t ask for a better tribute act to, than from Livewire. It is no wonder they have been touring for over 20 years. If you ever get as chance to see them perform, then do so, as you are in for one of the best nights of your life.
