Monday, November 11, 2013

AC/DC live in Deurne 1978

On this important day of 11 November, it is important to remember.  Armistice day.  No more war.  Ever.


But this day off is actually a great occasion to update this website, and to remember also another passage of AC/DC in Belgium.  On 26 October 1978, one day earlier as planned, AC/DC played in the Arena hal in Deurne, close to Antwerp.  

We have told you the story behind Bedlam in Belgium but this concert was at least as wild: the Arena Hall was well packed with a bigger crowd than the year before in Kontich. There were also small fights, but at least no large scale riot, and without the police officers pulling the plug like in 1977.

The motorclub Outlaws was doing security for the show and they were reported to be a little over active, calming the crowd down with wooden bats.  This caused the band to intervene and to stop playing during High Voltage.  Coming to sound: the band became really known for their ear blowing loudness. Look at that wall of sound with stacks of cabinets and Marshal heads on the pictures!

Ac/dc must have been well trained for this concert, after having played already more than 100 shows in the US and Europe earlier that year.

Supporting band that night was St. Paradise (according to www.ac-dc.net), a US hard rock group formed in the same year by ex-Ted Nugent band members Derek St. Holmes (vocals & guitar) and Rob Grange (vocals & bass).  With Denny Carmassi (Montrose) on drums, they released an album the year after and then split soon after.
Thanks again to Danny for the beautiful pictures! It is important to help us remember.  And never forget!  So if you were there, don't hesitate to leave a comment and share your memories.