AC/DC About to Rock Acrisure; Roxian Hosts Shakey Graves (Thurs., 5/8/25)

1) The rock intro that kicks off AC/DC’s song “Back in Black” is an iconic one. It’s not the most technical intro, but the melody and rhythm of the hard rock riffs and heavy drumming are soon joined by the distinctive, growling vocals of Brian Johnson to make it a song to be reckoned with. It let’s you know this is kick ass rock and roll. Back in Black was the first album with Johnson as lead vocalist. He replaced Bon Scott as lead vocalist after Scott’s untimely death in 1980. Back in Black is reported to be the second best selling album of all time. Co-founder and lead guitarist Angus Young is the only band member remaining from the beginning of the group. Angus’ nephew, Steve Young, replaced Angus’s brother Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar and backing vocals after Malcolm left the band due to a serious illness. Other top rock songs in the AC/DC cannon are “Highway to Hell,” “Have a Drink on Me,” “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution,” “Thunderstruck,” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” The latter song has cannon fire in it. AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Their most recent LP is 2020’s Power Up. Special guest is The Pretty Reckless. 7 p.m. Acrisure Stadium, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore. (R.H.)

2) You may recognize a young Alejandro Rose-Garcia from “Friday Night Lights” and the Spy Kids franchise. He later pivoted to music and adopted the name Shakey Graves. Rising out of his hometown of Austin, Texas, and playing a mix of folk, country, blues, and rock and roll, he first started playing music festivals. During his early one-man-band days he used a modified suitcase as a kick drum and tambourine stand. His performance of “Roll the Bones,” the eponymous track from his 2011 debut studio album, is a marvel. Graves would go on to release three more albums, with the latest being 2023’s Movie of the Week. This year he’s traveling the land on his And the War Came 10th Anniversary Tour—which is somewhat extended in time, since the album of that title was released in 2014, 11 years ago. But who cares about picky-picky details when it’s Shakeytown here in our town at the Roxian Theatre. Special guest is Ruby Waters. Doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m., and this is an all-ages show. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (C.M., M.V.)

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