AB/CD go out in style

Heavy guitar riffs had the audience in a frenzy as AB/CD whipped up an evening of roaring rock and roll.

Queuing at the bar among fans wearing AC/DC T-shirts, you could feel the excitement building. It may not have been the real deal but it didn’t take long for the audience to cut loose and enjoy the music.

It was just as well they did as the Friday night gig was the last the band will perform in Shetland after seven trips to the isles. Lead singer Allan Moore said the group was disbanding after the current tour following 23 years of performing.

With the Marshall stacks cranked up, the band delivered hit after hit. Guitarist Howie Jarrett, complete with a Gibson SG and signature school uniform, took off Angus Young perfectly. 

Jarrett, clearly a master of his instrument, strutted his stuff on the stage, much to the delight of the audience, who were headbanging away in appreciation. 

He worked the crowd brilliantly and punters’ inhibitions were soon thrown aside.

Sadly Moore and the stand-in rhythm guitarist could not match his enthusiasm and tended to stay in one place – lacking interaction with the crowd. 

Moore’s vocals had an impressive likeness and collectively the band sounded pretty close to the real thing. But it was Jarrett who brought the rock and roll arrogance and flair.

Bluesy number She’s Got the Jack was a highlight of the night and Jarrett put plenty of feeling into his guitar solos.

Highway to Hell brought out many an air guitar and the blistering rock riffs and pounding drums made the dancing infectious, as many more began strutting about with their imaginary instruments.

There were even women who were hoisted onto shoulders to dance along to the catchy rock numbers.

And if there was any doubt over a big finale, worries disappeared when the band returned for a very special Shetland encore.

Local piper Iain Morrison joined the band on stage with his raven banner hanging from the pipes and rocked out to Long Way to the Top. The surprise appearance was met with cheers from the crowd as Morrison burst into an impressive solo on the bagpipes.

Moore, who had swapped his stage attire in the break, opting for a Christmas jumper thrown from the crowd, complete with flashing fairy lights which brought a very festive feel as the gig came to a close. 

Leaving the stage with the crowd’s ears ringing, and plenty of smiling faces, AB/CD made sure they went out in style.