05/16/16 - Werchter, Belgium - Werchter Site

[The Archer]

1 hour ago, Lio said:

I thought there were few people with their phones out, but I was at the other side. On this video they seem out in full force.

My review: Axl:

He looked and sounded so great. Funny how he started the night without glasses, hat or bandana, and then started to dress up in his chair. Scarf, hat, glasses, bandana

He also looked very happy and into it, rocking on his chair. When he got briefly out of the chair, you could see what an amazing frontman he is. I can't wait to see him again, with Guns, and back on his feet.

Also: I saw someone mentioning Axl made a snarky comment about the lame crowd. That's not true, I think. My guess is there was some kind of fight or whatever in the front. I saw Axl looking at it during the song, and then afterwards he asked if they were alright, everyone was just there to have some fun.

I'm not that much of a concert goer, but this was the first time I saw this kind of system with the pit. We got in around 4:30 and I wanted to get near the stage. But then saw there was a pit, checked it out and they were distributing wrist bands. The guy said there were 3000. So we were able to get in the pit, then walk around the site later, have some food and drinks and go pee, and get back to the front when the show started. I liked the system. No need to stay in the same spot for hours. (Unless you wanted front row, maybe.)

When we drove home, traffic was a mess, but a radio station here did a radio aftershow between midnight and 3AM. It was to be all AC/DC, with people calling in who went to the show, requesting their favourite AC/DC songs. For one they were all super excited about the show, and about Axl, even if most weren't Axl fans to start with. Furthermore, they also played SCOM, PC, Patience and Jungle. I thought that was pretty cool, people requesting GNR songs. I hope Axl stays this strong when he gets back to GNR. I'm sure he won over many people yesterday, which can only be a good thing for GNR. The media here have been mocking Axl for... um... probably decades now, but now they're really excited as well, only seen great reviews.

Great, great post. I wish more forum members would give us posts like this one, after attending a show. It's just very cool to know that things were actually better than what we perceived while watching the show on periscope. Axl actually trying to calm some rowdy fans down, sounded different to those who were watching the stream. It seemed that he was upset about the Belgian crowd being inactive but it's good to know that wasn't the case. Also, it's gratifying to see that this really big risk is paying dividends for both AC/DC and Axl - they are winning people over performance by performance and that's just great. While it is only anecdotal evidence, the fact that people are now excited about GN'R too because of AC/DC is a big, big win overall.

Edited May 17, 2016 by The Archer

[action]

yes, I can confirm Axl was pointing to a certain region when he made those remarks. Definatly must have been something going on there, I don't think he was being sneaky at all.

if anything, I got a very friendly vibe from Axl, he seemed really nice and very talkative. Made a fun comment after each song, it was nice.

 

[Lio]

6 minutes ago, action said:

yes, I can confirm Axl was pointing to a certain region when he made those remarks. Definatly must have been something going on there, I don't think he was being sneaky at all.

if anything, I got a very friendly vibe from Axl, he seemed really nice and very talkative. Made a fun comment after each song, it was nice.

 

Indeed. I didn't get the impression Axl wasn't giving it his all, like some here said. He seemed very much into it, even if the crowd was... um... odd.

[BOSSY78]

Thanks for the feedback of those who were there.

I can't wait until they finally give dates for the US reschedule.

[MillionsOfSpiders]

6 hours ago, IncitingChaos said:

 

I've really not liked how Axl has been singing Thunderstruck, but this is so much more improved from the other three. It's like he's starting to make these songs his own now. 

[Bumblefeet]

Had a blast last night! Got there around 4 and went straight to the pit, had a third row view. The first leadin Black Box revelation left me lukewarm but Tyler Bryant got the crowd going. I had no idea the crowd was as passive as described in this thread; In the pit it was very rowdy and we were certainly jumping and screaming during AC/DC. I did see a ton of old people on the way in and lots of father/son father/daughter type combos. Also lots of people were drunk early on.

Where I was standing the crowd exploded once Rock or Bust started and I got the same chills as when I first heard Axl perform it. He was in great form, as was Angus who nailed every note; only the thunderstruck intro was kinda shaky, perhaps he got thrown off by Axl introducing it as a love ballad (lol). Rock n Roll thunder is a show stopper, throw that one out for Baptism by fire. The set was so amazing, highlights for me: Giving the dog a bone, RnR damnation, If you want blood, Sin City (during which a fight broke out and security had to jump the pit). Axl sounded amazing throughout, joking a lot between songs. The Bedlam in Belgium tease was naughty, for a sec there I thought...

But it has to be said, show stealer once again Angus who is ever as dynamic. I reveled at his playing and of course Chris Slade who tore up Let there be Rock; my favorite shot on the video screen was a two shot tele lens of Axl & Chris, side by side in closeup. I need a poster of that

So whatever geriatric crowd stood behind us, I didn't notice it as we were too busy jumping and singing in front.
I checked most Belgian reviews and the papers who usually slam Axl now praise him for getting the job done. Truly a memorable night for me.

[DeadHorseinaComa]

Just came back from Leuven, I was in the pit (still have the wristband) and managed to see everything from a good point of view.

The show was just amazing, and Axl was really in a great mood, cracking jokes and smiling especially in the beginning. I also have to say that live he looks much better than on camera. I specifically remember when he walked in the first time I was amazed by how he reminded me of 90's Axl.

Before the show there were only chants about Angus, after Shoot To Thrill we started doing chants about Axl (he answered with a "what?" and a big grin) and you could see by the end of the show he totally won the AC/DC fans over.

While Rock'N'Roll Train sounded a bit Mickey on my cellphone recording (you don't really notice it live though), Have A Drink on Me and For Those About To Rock sounded like 90's Axl, even with a more high-pitched rasp than the last shows.

As for the fights, there were a couple of idiots who were punching people in the pit, at one point the security caught them but they eventually managed to come back, that's when a bit of turmoil started again. Really sad scene, but to me it didn't seem like Axl noticed it.

Overall a fantastic gig, Angus and Axl were both on fire and I definitely suggest you take your tickets as soon as possible!

EDIT: Oh, and about the crowd, it was definitely the lamest I've ever seen in a concert of this size. I'm pretty much sure me and my friend were the only one jumping like crazy. People just cared about making videos and photos while complaining when someone was starting a moshpit or crowd surfing. Don't go in the fucking pit and don't go to a fucking AC/DC concert if don't want that.

Edited May 17, 2016 by DeadHorseinaComa

[oaka]

16 minutes ago, DeadHorseinaComa said:

 

As for the fights, there were a couple of idiots who were punching people in the pit, at one point the security caught them but they eventually managed to come back, that's when a bit of turmoil started again. Really sad scene, but to me it didn't seem like Axl noticed it.

 

My understanding is that he did notice it because between songs he said something like "is everything OK? We are just trying to have a good time" (not his exact words).

Thanks for sharing your experience. Really happy that the crowd started chanting his name! I didn't listen to it while watching the periscope link. Happy the crowd showed him some love because what we saw was that the people weren't really responsive to Axl. 

[DeadHorseinaComa]

2 minutes ago, oaka said:

My understanding is that he did notice it because between songs he said something like "is everything OK? We are just trying to have a good time" (not his exact words).

Thanks for sharing your experience. Really happy that the crowd started chanting his name! I didn't listen to it while watching the periscope link. Happy the crowd showed him some love because what we saw was that the people weren't really responsive to Axl. 

Yeah, I must have probably missed it 'cause I was trying to figure out what was happening myself

Not really a wonder that it wasn't audible as only part of the people was participating in the cants, be them for Axl or Angus. Lame crowd effect, I guess.

[IncitingChaos]

I don't think anyone is questioning Axl's vocal performance but he jumped into a couple lines too early and missed some lyrics, I found that odd after the first few shows seemed flawless. I was wondering if he wasn't getting good feedback on the audio...I think that would be fascinating considering the way he handled the show and never complained where as 2006 Axl would have lost it on every person he could 

[jpduff]

The full gig: 

 

[jpduff]

The full gig: 

FINAL SETLIST
1- Rock or Bust
2- Shoot to Thrill
3- Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be
4- Back in Black
5- Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder
6- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
7- Rock N’ Roll Damnation
8- Thunderstruck
9- High Voltage
10- Rock N’ Roll Train
11- Hells Bells 
12- Given the Dog a Bone
13- If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
14- Sin City 
15- You Shook Me All Night Long
16- Shot Down in Flames
17- Have a Drink on Me
18- TNT
19- Whole Lotta Rosie
20- Let There Be Rock
Encore
21- Highway to Hell
22- Riff Raff
23- For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

 

Edited May 17, 2016 by jpduff

[GoBucky]

2 hours ago, BOSSY78 said:

Thanks for the feedback of those who were there.

I can't wait until they finally give dates for the US reschedule.

Agreed...I will definetely be making a road trip to the Detroit or Ohio shows.

[LovelessNL]

It was amazing. From the moment the show started Axl nailed it. I only heard a slight hint of Mickey during one song, cant really remember which one though, think 'Got Some RnR Thunder'. But the rasp was back, and he was more friendly than ever.

He noticed something was going on in the pit. I wasnt in the pit but remember him saying that people had to be reasonable (or something like that) and that 'we are all here to have a good time'.

The jokes about the songs were actually pretty funny, and I also noticed Angus did seem to make some slight mistakes on Thunderstruck, just didnt nail every note but seem to slip sometimes.

Axl said he got a remark on his chair 'the other night', it was supposed to be his 'Netflix and Chill' position He seemed genuinly pleased and happy to be there and perform with these guys.

I watched Highway to Hell from a bit further back (AXL's first steps? He walked for about half of the song) and left during Riff Raff. I saw AC/DC with Brian last year, and the whole cannon-thingie during For Those About To Rock... is fun, but already saw that and they are doing that for what? 20 years now? I predicted the traffic was going to be a pain in the ass and wanted to get a head start as I had a 2,5 - 3hr drive ahead of me. Wasnt a bad choice as I was able to leave the parking and Werchter-area pretty painless. 

Really hoping Axl can keep up this performance. He REALLY seemed pleased, so it looks honest. He was on time (show started 21:03, was planned for 21:00), he had a great voice, great charisma, really a 9/10 for me for Axl. Show a 8/10. The Angus solo before the encore was a bit too lengthy, but maybe that's because I saw the whole routine with the rising podium and falling Angus last year.

[MB.]

Funny to hear so many were in the pit. I was as well and with Lio! I had so much fun. It was a great show. The crowd was a bit mellow, but that's how Belgians are basicly. Besides, this crowd was certainly older, lots of people above 50 and I also saw lots of kids. But they were certainly into it. Didn't hear any negative stuff about his singing or performance. He could have done without the changing outfits though, AC/DC fans said it was gay. 

I danced, screamed and was singing along and so were a bunch of others were I was standing. 

I totally lost it on 'you shook me', it fits perfect with his voice. 'For those about to rock' was great as well, he nailed it so good.

There was a fight in the front at one point for a short while. There were some middle aged drunks trying to get infront, pushing everybody and they got punched.

All and all had a great time, it was awesome to have been there and enjoy it with Lio.  <3

Edited May 17, 2016 by MB.

[Lio]

10 minutes ago, MB. said:

Funny to hear so many were in the pit. I was as well and with Lio! I had so much. It was a great show. The crowd was a bit mellow, but that's how Belgians are basicly. Besides, this crowd was certainly older, lots of people above 50 and I also saw lots of kids. But they were certainly into it. Didn't hear any negative stuff about his singing or performance. He could have done without the changing outfits though, AC/DC fans said it was gay. 

I danced, screamed and was singing along and so were a bunch others were I was standing. 

I totally lost it on 'you shook me', it fits perfect with his voice. 'For those about to rock' was great as well, he nailed it so good.

There was a fight in the front at one point for a short while. There were some middle aged drunks trying to get infront, pushing everybody and they got punched.

All and all had a great time, it was awesome to have been there and enjoy it with Lio.  <3

Loved it too. I hope it's the first of many shows we'll go to together

[cheesecake]

I bet he's no longer allergic to the 'daylight' anymore once he's done with this tour with ACDC   LOL

[blackrose87]

Attended last nights show and my own short review.

1st time seeing ACDC and I was completely blown away. I have no idea how a man in his 60's has so much energy. Angus literally doesn't stop running/bouncing/rolling around for the full 2 hours. 
Also whats impressive is the strength of the ACDC back catalogue. There is zero filler in their set. 
As for Axl i can't really say much more than what has already been said since Lisbon. His voice is in great shape. He particularly blew me away with his rendition of Thunderstruck and Highway to Hell. There definitely was a hint of Mickey in one or two songs. Can't remember which exactly.

He was also in great form. Talked a lot and cracked jokes between most songs. Was great to see him on his feet during the encore. It really adds to the show as  we all know he has massive stage presence.

As others have said it seemed to me there was trouble with people fighting up towards the front and Axl made the remark to stop and that "we are here to have a good time" (or soemthing to that effect).

 

 

 

[MB.]

14 hours ago, MrSoftie said:

Can't wait for Axl to be on his feet full time.

Did you film this? Cause must have been filmed really close from were I was standing. We might have been a bit closer to the stage, but not much.

Edited May 17, 2016 by MB.

[LovelessNL]

Also listened to Studio Brussel (radio station) on the way back. Everybody I heard (people called in as they went home) were positive, and on Twitter a lot of jokes were made about how stupid the 7.000 people were who got a refund and thus missed the show

[MrSoftie]

39 minutes ago, MB. said:

Did you film this? Cause must have been filmed really close from were I was standing. We might have been a bit closer to the stage, but not much.

Nah man just found it on Youtube

[agno]

5 hours ago, MillionsOfSpiders said:

I've really not liked how Axl has been singing Thunderstruck, but this is so much more improved from the other three. It's like he's starting to make these songs his own now. 

It's very similar to the other times he sang it. What's the big difference?

[IncitingChaos]

this guy ran into Axl at a gas station haha 

[Italian girl]

why doesn't it ever happen to me???

[blackrose87]

11 minutes ago, IncitingChaos said:

this guy ran into Axl at a gas station haha 

haha what a bizarre place to run into him. Picking up a can of coke and a pack of chewing gum.