Air guitars at the ready (From Western Telegraph)

Air guitars at the ready

Live/Wire. The Queens Hall, Narberth, July 23rd.

They've been in the business for 30 years, they've sold 140 million records world-wide and they have the third best-selling album of all time.

Their lead guitarist is quoted as saying that the reason for their success is that they've 'just stuck to playing rock music.' And they're from Australia.

Of course I'm talking about AC/DC. And last week at the Queens Hall their legions of west Wales fans were able to enjoy the next best thing - top tribute band Live/Wire.

Formed in 1997, Live/Wire gave their all, performing many of the AC/DC classics, which tonight's audience knew inside out. As top notch musicians and consummate professionals, they inhabited the world of AC/DC and in particular the characters of Brian and Angus, for whom they were dead ringers, in mannerisms, spectacular guitar solos, distinctive vocals and, almost, looks.

Rock chicks were in short supply in the audience, for this was lads music, but there were lots of men of a certain age cranking out air-guitar classics as if they were still back in their bedrooms, circa 70s/80s, hearing the songs for the first time. Live/Wire have that effect on their audience.

The Live/Wire show highlighted the fact that AC/DC are essentially a rhythm and blues influenced rock 'n' roll band. The finest examples of this were in the blues-based numbers Whole Lotta Rosie - that famous ode to the more ample woman, The Jack and Bad Boy Boogie, complete with extended guitar solo and strip show from Gary Foster as Angus. The climax of the night was Gary being carried aloft; axe in hand, Angus style, through the adoring crowd to Let There Be Rock. All that was missing really was Rosie, the inflatable lady.

And for fans of those other masters of stadium rock and stage props, another tribute band Hi-On Maiden, will be emulating the obvious at the Queens Hall on Saturday, August 21st.

Pictures: Chris Rees