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AC/DC UK to rock Dubai in memory of Malcolm Young

Prepare for a spectacular night of ferocious onslaught of hard rock music when one of UK's finest AC/DC tribute bands take to the stage tomorrow (Saturday) at Hard Rock Café, Dubai Festival City.
During their Dubai gig, AC/DC UK  will pay homage to Malcolm Young - co-founder and guitarist of the original AC/DC who died in November last year.

The band will wow music lovers  as they take you on a journey through AC/DC's catalogue from 1976's High Voltage to 2014's Rock or Bust, as well as some later material. Known for their high-energy performances, AC/DC UK will play classics like Thunderstruck, Back In Black, Highway to Hell, Dirty Deeds, and more. Ahead of the concert, City Times spoke to the band to know more.

This is your second time in Dubai, what brings you back here - the venue or the audience?
Both, it's a lovely country, we feel very comfortable here and we like playing the venues with a receptive crowd.

How does it feel emulating the legendary AC/DC ?     
It's difficult at first, we try to make the show as authentic as possible and I think we achieve that with our passion and professionalism. We've been together a long time, so it gets easier, but we never forget that people pay to see a great show and that's what we deliver.

How has the journey as a tribute band been so far?
It surely has its ups and downs. But mainly, it has been a great experience. We have travelled to places we would not have gone to otherwise.

Who are the members of the band and who do they represent from AC/DC?
We have Gareth Tookey as Brian Johnson. Danny Curran as Cliff Williams, Graham Harker as Angus Young, Tristan Gaskell as Malcolm Young and Daz Ward as Phil Rudd.

How has the response for your music been so far?
Since the band's inception 14 years ago, we've had some fantastic reviews and played at festivals and venues all over Europe and other parts of the world.

Do fans draw comparisons with the original AC/DC or do they accept you for who you are?
Some people draw comparisons, but not often. We prefer to be in our (AC/DC) character on stage, and ourselves off stage.

Does the band improvise on AC/DC songs or stick to original compositions?
We stick to the original tracks, mostly live versions. We want to give the paying public an experience as close to the real thing as possible.

Have you guys ever opened for the real AC/DC?
No, never. They're a very private band. We only play their songs so there's no point (in opening for them).

How long has the band been performing? What's the secret behind AC/DC UK's success?
We started performing in 2004. We have put a lot of energy and effort into each show and play it like it's our last (show).

Did AC/DC UK ever feel like quitting tribute shows to perform original material?
No. We all love AC/DC and through that love we will only play AC/DC songs. But we have all been members of 'original' bands earlier and have vast experience.

Most of the original members of AC/DC are either gone or retired, do you think the band will carry on?
Angus (Young) is the only original member in AC/DC. If he wants to carry on, it (the band) will.  

Do you think AC/DC's music appeals to today's youth?
Yes, definitely. The band transcends the generation gap. We get a lot of parents bringing their children to our shows and some of them even get up on stage to play air guitar.
michael@khaleejtimes.com