Unleashing the Power: Pepper Keenan Remembers His Experience with malcolm Young’s AC/DC Rig
Pepper keenan recently reminisced about the electrifying moment he was granted access to Malcolm Young’s iconic AC/DC guitar rig,an experience he vividly describes as “concussive.”
A Connection Through Craft
during a recent episode of Chris Garza’s podcast, the Corrosion of Conformity guitarist shared how this unique possibility came about through their shared guitar technician, Takumi Suetsugu. Known for his work with legends like Prince, Suetsugu bridged the gap between Keenan’s heavy metal roots adn the classic rock legacy of the Young brothers.
The Invitation to Rock
Thanks to Suetsugu, Keenan received an invitation to an AC/DC concert, where he was thrilled to play through Young’s legendary ‘Beast’ Gretsch guitar, paired with an notable array of Marshall amplifiers.
volume That Hits Hard
Describing the experience, Keenan emphasized that “loud” doesn’t quite capture the intensity; “ear-splitting” is more fitting. He likened the overwhelming sound to receiving a concussion, highlighting the sheer power of the setup.
“[suetsugu] ended up working for AC/DC, and that’s when he called me up. I went to a show and, yes, I got to play Malcolm’s rig,” he recalls with excitement.
The Raw Power of Young’s Setup
Keenan elaborated on Young’s setup, noting that the Marshalls were “improperly biased” and “microphonic,” creating a hot and insane sound. “It scared the hell out of me,” he admitted, reflecting on the raw power that defined AC/DC’s music.
Experiencing the Beast
In addition to the amps,Keenan had the chance to play the Beast,Young’s 1963 Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird,which accompanied the guitarist throughout his career. This guitar was part of a streamlined rig that delivered a raw, sledgehammer-like rock tone, which, on paper, seemed daunting to play.
“The action’s high. Its an animal,dude,” Keenan described. “It’s a monster. [But] I loved it. I usually have high action too.That was a fun thing.”
Contrasting Tones
Keenan also discussed the differences in tone between the Young brothers, stating, “Angus’ tone is kind of spongy. Malcolm’s tone is not. It’s almost closer to a Fender Twin. It’s concussive.” this distinction highlights the unique sound that Malcolm brought to the band, setting the foundation for angus’s lead guitar work.
reflecting on Past Auditions
In related news, earlier this year, Keenan opened up about his unsuccessful audition with Metallica, pinpointing the exact moment he realized he had missed his chance to join the iconic band.
