For Those About To Rock ... A salute.

What happened in Canada, felt like closure to me.  Not an ending.  Nor The End, with caps, as Sharon and Ozzy called it.  But the wrap of a chapter.  A chapter in a book filled with many roads travelled since 2000, 168 articles written for this blog, wonderful people met along the way, and an abundance of unforgettable joy experienced.  And I'd like to think it's not over yet.  That there are more miles to travel, more nights to remember, more riffs to be shared, and more memories waiting somewhere down the road.   But if this is where the chapter rests, I can look back with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude.

As I traveled the world, I came to realize that AC/DC offers something truly unique and increasingly rare: a universal platform for people from all walks of life, bound together by a shared love for pure no-nonsense rock ’n’ roll. Different languages, different cultures, different backgrounds — none of it matters once those first riffs hit. For a few hours, we’re all on the same page, connected by the same thunder, the same rhythm, and that unmistakable sound. When Those About to Rock gather, we salute and we get ready for a night of swinging rock ’n’ roll. No whistles and bells beyond the one hell of a bell itself. Just a stack of roaring Marshall amps, guitars cutting through the air, a rhythm section that hits like a train, and songs that go straight to the gut. AC/DC never needed to dress it up or pretend to be anything other than what it is. That’s the beauty of it. It’s honest, it’s loud, it’s timeless — and wherever you are in the world, when those chords ring out, you’re among your own. For me, that’s always been part of the magic: unlike fake and hollow entertainment, their music brings people together, the night becomes a shared memory, and for a little while, the whole world rocks as one.

The band's deafening silence between tours has sometimes felt uncomfortable.  After Rock Or Bust I thought it was over.  That album and tour was a great salute to Malcolm, when he was still around.  Then again silence.  Until new music hits the airwaves and the evolved AC/DC takes it on tour.  "Like a little devil out of a tiny box" as we say in Belgium.  You just never know what Angus is up to.  Age is not his last name.   I still secretely wish for Angus to lay down a blues track with Keith Richards.  But whatever he decides to do, whatever lies ahead for the iconic b(r)and he created, I'm happy. Even if this was the end.  He has my support and my gratitude.  

 

A big thank you to everyone near and far, whose paths crossed mine along the way, sharing the road, the laughs, the stories, and those unforgettable moments. You know who you are — and we both know what I mean. After all, it’s the people as much as the places that make a journey memorable, and I’m grateful to everyone who played a part in mine. 

I started this Bedlam In Belgium blog nearly 20 years ago. As a kid, I always wanted to become a journalist.  Turning memories into stories, bringing them to life through my pictures and sharing them with you has been as much fun as the journeys themselves. 168 articles later, this blog has kept that childhood dream alive.  There's probably a whole lot more to show and tell about Belgium.  Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the infamous Bedlam in Belgium — perhaps the perfect excuse to revisit a few memories. It’s been quite a ride so far!  Forever Young, thanks for all, all the best.

 A 21 gun salute.

 

 Phil - ACDCBelgium

  Toronto end of the road …bye for now.