Dirty DC clean up in Brighton! 1

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

CONCORDE 2, BRIGHTON 28 May 2021: Dirty DC

Black Rabbit Productions had pulled out all the stops for this sold out show, Dirty DC. An AC/DC tribute outfit who had to reschedule due to the pandemic, but tonight it looked to be all systems go. It was really hot outside the venue, and passers by and some event attendees were sitting outside having a pre gig pint or bite to eat outside on the splendid new area outside Concorde 2.

Stepping into Concorde 2 one was greeted by the socially distanced layout in the venue and the cool air. Strict guidelines were in place, and well done to the C2 crew who managed the restrictions with courtesy and professionalism. The bar staff did a super job in delivering table service drinks which were all ordered online. It all just worked perfectly.

Hells Bells – Its Dirty DC!

Don’t you dare underestimate this lot, just because these boys are a tribute band. They do the job, and do it well! Welcome to Brighton Dirty DC.

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The stage on Concorde 2 looked big and full. Amp cabinets and heads stamped Marshall could not fail to impress. Anyone who has ever attended a real AC/DC concert knows that if anything the stage is important, these guys don’t save on the stage presence and even special effects. Dirty DC had filled the stage with the furniture for a set of rock and roll.

Now, if you’re going to replicate a musical rock outfit with a global fan base, then firstly you better know the material, and then you have to put on the actual performance. And you better make sure you do it well. Top tribute act Dirty DC? Well, I can confirm they did and carried it off perfectly with total style, authenticity and amps set to 11. Here’s how!

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The lights dimmed with the Dirty DC banner glowing red. Drums, guitar and bass players got into position as opening chords Shot In The Dark, from the new AC/DC album, Power Up. This album was released during one of the lockdowns and so fair play to Dirty DC to have this ready to unleash on a live audience. The stage erupts with piercing white light as Brian Johnson (Chris Hill) and Angus Young (James Gould) took to the stage to a massive, albeit seated, welcome from the crowd. And we were off, a 1hour 30 minute set of the AC/DC classics.

Up to 11!

Back In Black and Shot Down In Flames were next. ‘Back in Black’, from the classic 1980 album of the same name, is delivered early in the set. That gut wrenching riff sends the Concorde 2 crowd wild.This had all the makings of a really good show even in at three songs, the sound quality was top notch and loud!. Dirty DC were playing really tight, and all generating all of the energy one could expect was there as well as the sheer joy of the crowd and musicians.

Dirty DC – James Gould photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Angus Young/James Gould — argued as possibly as the spirit of AC/DC and a wikipedia definition of a rock n’ roll guitarist. Gould was going supernova tonight. He handles everything authentically from lengthy solo breaks to those riffs all the while cavorting over the Concorde 2 stage, running, jumping, and donning the trademark schoolboy uniform. He seemed unstoppable was really a breathtaking performance to watch. Even after the battery pack failed, plugged in with a cable, it didn’t stop him.

We had some vintage material up next, great to hear those live. Before we got hit in the face with to blistering renditions of Hell Aint a Bad Place To Be and Shoot To Thrill. The audience were soaking this up, and not being able to get up and dance and sing was tough. We all sat, but the restrictions didnt stop the feet from tapping!

Brian Johnson/Chris Hill — Authentic? Oh yes! This guy hits it at full tilt. With the trademark flat cap, he was also running around the stage, screaming out those the songs. And his voice is on point. I think he sounded exactly as Brian does. Does he sing? I think more accurately the best way to describe it is that he really screams it out. An awesome vocal display.

Dirty DC – Chris Hill photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Hells Bells

The set was storming along now. Bad Boy Boogie, led us into Hells Bells. Hells Bells saw the brilliant lighting at Concorde 2 light up a bell above the stage. It was somewhat smaller than the bell used by AC/DC, it really didn’t matter! It had the desired effect on the crowd and fired up the track perfectly. Nice!

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Dirty DC: The rest of the Dirty DC band were rock solid, but not really getting into the stage spotlights, or lost in the smoke. You could feel Matty Bircher as his percussion pounded out. The other Dirty DC players — included top bass player Colin Broadhead, and a super guitarist Danny Stretton. Sadly they were almost non visible during the set, unless they came forward to deliver the backing vocals.

Dirty DC – Danny Stretton photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Nevertheless all three men in the Dirty DC delivered a power driven, non-stop solid background for James’s/Angus and his guitar antics, and Chris’/Johnson’s athletic vocal tirade.

Dirty DC – Colin Broadhead photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

I feel good for some of these tribute bands who play the music well and can bring so much intensity, authenticity and quality to their shows. If you have never seen AC/DC live, these guys will take you close to it.

Dirty DC – Matty Bircher photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The setlist tonight was filled with all the AC/DC classics and some of the maybe less well known tracks from the archives.  And so Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and the monster that is Thunder Struck blasted out. The crowd reacted perfectly with the chants for thunder! Chris leaned forward and whispered “Let me tell you a story about a woman I know…” Whole Lotta Rosie! Perfectly delivered. It’s hit after hit and riff after riff. Thunderstruck elicited a massive roar from the crowd, and so did You Shook Me All Night Long as the riff started.

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

A quick look at the clock confirmed we must be heading towards the end of the set. James Gould, now after a striptease removing his jacket hammered out the opening riff for Let There Be Rock, the drums licking as Chris then fired up the vocals. James nailed a super guitar solo slot, nearly 10 minutes of astonishing guitar. That was the end of the set! Hells Bells what a way to finish!!

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Encore!

A brief break and the silence was deafening! But a couple of minutes passed and Dirty DC in true AC/DC style finished with the same two songs – Highway to Hell and For Those About to Rock. Highway to Hell was just incredible, and the guys rolled this one up neatly. And, God! It was loud! Live music, live rock and roll music has been missing from our lives for so long, these guys helped to satiate the thirst for live music.

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

We Salute You

For Those About to Rock was fired in a massive salvo of Concorde 2’s finest creative lighting and lots of smoke. These two songs have been a staple part of an AC/DC gig for more years than I care to remember, what an encore! No cannons tonight, but two smoke machines blasted out streams of the stuff in time with the music.

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Many of the well known songs were played and with a huge catalogue to choose from, these guys did a great job. I would of loved to hear Heatseeker, The Jack or even Big Gun. Maybe next time, I can assure you I will be there.

Dirty DC – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Dirty DC delivered tonight. They had a great time, and chatting with Colin and Danny after the show that fact was confirmed. They had as much of a blast as we did, and both agreed it was fabulous to be back in front of a live audience.

Its great to see that these guys can strike a chord (power) with so many people and deliver a great power charged night. A lot of happy smiling faces left Concorde 2 tonight!

Dirty DC – “we salute you” 

Dirty DC are on the web: here

Black Rabbit Productions hosted the evening. They work hard promoting live music on the south coast. They are a promotion company with years of experience putting on music shows. Tonight was superb. They have some great gigs lined up. You can find Black Rabbit Productions on the WWW 

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