On paper, marrying the bluesy, no-frills hard rock of AC/DC with an orchestra may seem like a bizarre concept.
Despite this, former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright has a “good feeling” about the Let There Be Rock - Orchestrated show, which launches in Australia.
“These will be our first shows, so it will be interesting,” Wright said from his home in Los Angeles.
“James Morley from The Angels is the guy who has put all of this together. And he did some mock-ups, put some orchestra on top of some AC/DC songs, and it sounds amazing, just so powerful.”
The show features AC/DC songs performed by an international band, backed by a 30-piece symphony orchestra.
“A lot of different bands have dabbled with orchestras, like Metallica and Kiss... It definitely brings a whole new light and shade to the songs that we already know,” Wright said.
“With the AC/DC stuff, it's the same thing. They sound so massive.”
The band also includes Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Steve Balbi (Noiseworks/Mi-Sex), Joel McDonald (Rose Tattoo), Paul Christie (Mondo Rock) and rock vocalist Cynthia Gallie.
Wright joined AC/DC after the departure of Phil Rudd in 1983, before leaving the group in 1989 to join Dio, fronted by legendary, late singer Ronnie James Dio.
He said being the only musician involved in Let There Be Rock to have actually been a member of AC/DC afforded him a unique perspective.
“One thing I did come away from AC/DC (with) is that it's about the feel,” the drummer said.
“It sounds simple, but it's not about the technicality of it. It's about the swing and the feel of it.
“I do it to the best of my ability, but I'm no Phil Rudd.”
AC/DC’s long-time core - guitarist Angus Young and his late brother Malcolm - had a reputation for being tight-lipped, and running a closed-off camp that didn’t welcome outsiders.
Although Wright doesn’t keep in touch with the remaining band members, he caught up with them backstage at a show several years ago.
“It was fine - there was no animosity,” he said.
“It was just great to see them and talk to them, and they sounded awesome.”
After a period of uncertainty following Malcolm Young's death and Guns N’ Roses front-man Axl Rose filling in, AC/DC are rumoured to be working on new music with former vocalist Brian Johnson and the formerly estranged Rudd.
“I’m hoping they'll be back with another album and a tour - that would be awesome," Wright said.
“With all the problems they've had, obviously with Mal leaving us, and all that crazy stuff with Phil Rudd. I guess they've patched that up, but I don’t know anything other than what we all see on the internet.
“I think it would be nice if they came back and they did an album for Mal, just to kind of put a dot behind that conversation. Because Mal was just the engine room and creator of that band. It’s such a tragedy."
In addition to the upcoming AC/DC-themed tour, Wright has also performed in the band Dio Disciples.
That group have on several occasions performed live with a hologram of the legendary metal vocalist.
The move has been met with its share of detractors. However, does Wright think a hologram of late, beloved AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott could happen one day?
“I don’t know," he said. “It takes a lot of working out; you've got to work (it) out with the family and the band members, and everything.
“It would be cool I guess. We took the one of Ronnie into the shop last year and it got worked on. I saw it the other day, and it looks incredible.”
Let There Be Rock - Orchestrated heads to Anita's Theatre, Thirroul on December 7.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
