Kevin Bronson on April 14th, 2015

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Who: AC/DC at the Outdoor Stage
In 3 or Fewer Words: Rock or bust!
Memorable Because: “I hope you guys like rock ’n’ roll, because that’s all we do!” singer Brian Johnson squealed as legendary hard rock band AC/DC took the Main Stage. He wasn’t lying. AC/DC’s electrifying set felt like a middle-finger to the EDM zeitgeist, even if the Aussie rockers would be nobody’s first pick (or second or 12th) to defend the honor of rock ’n’ roll — AC/DC was not the rock band Coachella deserved, but perhaps the one it needed right now. Following fellow Australians and young hotshots Tame Impala on the festival’s big stage, Johnson and Angus Young gave it all they had, and it was more than enough. Half the classic lineup was absent, now either demented or in court, but that didn’t matter to the huge raucous crowd that came to party — aged roadies and electric daisies alike. There was a monstrous bell onstage for “Hells Bells;” the world’s largest (and possibly most well-endowed) blowup doll for “Whole Lotta Rosie;” and fireworks at the finish. After about an hour of their set, though, the crowd thinned as the curiosity factor surely wore off (or fans were racing to the start of Alesso). AC/DC, which played a bunch of songs from their new album “Rock or Bust,” lost current over the second half of their set, too, but for a brief hour in time … Coachella really rocked. A festival highlight.
— B.M. (Photos by David Brendan Hall)