I am an ABBA fan heading to an AC/DC concert – this is how I am preparing

A self-confessed ABBA fan faces the ultimate midlife challenge – rocking out at AC/DC's Suncorp Stadium show.

AC/DC Power Up Tour concert at the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

When it comes to music, it’s fair to say I’m probably more ABBA than AC/DC.

Years ago, when I was rocking out to the latest hits on Countdown, I was usually lip syncing to Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida rather than any high-voltage band.

But whether Fernando was number one in my books or not – (and boy, was it number one a lot) – who didn’t love listening to a bit of Bon Scott and his bagpipes, as he and the Young boys were making their way to the top of rock’n’roll.

Acca Dacca and their heavy rock were so much a part of my teenage soundtrack, that it’s no surprise I found myself front of the queue buying tickets to their upcoming Suncorp show.

For context, I did miss their last concert – then spent weeks enduring everyone else’s recollections … of being thunderstruck in the crowd.

Call me weak, but I simply refuse to tolerate that level of smugness again.

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But, being Back in Black does present its challenges.

Exactly how does a woman well past her rock’n’roll prime prepare for this hard-core event?

Well, if you read the reviews, that core is a little softer these days. At 68 plus, the AC/DC boys – understandably, like myself – are rocking smarter, not harder.

Still, there’s no denying the band has more staying power than most, and their raw, undeniable talent is very much on display.

So, there I’ll be – fully charged and ready to rock on the night.

Thankfully, I had the good sense to skip the mosh pit and will be taking it all in from the comfort of a plastic grandstand seat … somewhere in the nosebleed section. I’m not entirely sure what my bespectacled eyes will see from there, but I’ve no doubt AC/DC’s powerhouse sound will still find me in Row Z … or the neighbouring suburb of Toowong.

Someone suggested I pack earplugs, just in case, but that would be pointless. Who goes to an AC/DC concert to protect their hearing; surely, you go to test it instead.

Practicalities aside, a more important question is: what on earth do I wear? The obvious place to start has to be the black section of the wardrobe.

Sharyn Ghidella. Picture: Annette Dew

I could buck the trend, channel Ginger Spice and turn up in all white … again … but that would seem downright disrespectful to the band and the crowd.

Acca Dacca has a signature look, and I’d rather fit in than stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Already I’m lacking in the tattoo stakes. As someone who faints at the mere sight of a needle, getting inked is one trend I’ve wisely left to others.

Besides, I prefer more rebellious pursuits like putting whites and colours together in the wash … even if that’s more by accident than a deliberate act of defiance.

Let’s be honest, the wildest thing I’ve done lately is pour a glass of red wine … while wearing white pyjamas. Guess, if disaster strikes, I can just throw those PJs in with the colours. At least then the stains will finally match. Problem solved!

But I digress. Time to refocus and hunt down some leather and studs. That screams midlife rock-goddess energy.

Wearing leather in Queensland’s oppressive summer also screams “call an ambulance – this woman’s got heat stroke”. So, perhaps a black T-shirt and jeans will suffice instead. Can’t go wrong there.

AC/DC Power Up Tour concert at the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

But what do I do with my hair? I know there’ll be plenty of glorious, long flowing manes in the crowd – and that’s just the blokes.

Maybe a top knot’s the answer. Part style, part protection. In fact, that bun could prove very handy as I’m wildly air-guitaring to the heavy-duty music. The last thing I need is concussion … mid solo.

Well, certainly not after all the training I’ve done, learning the lyrics to sing along with the best of them on the night.

Seriously, I’ve streamed so much Acca Dacca lately, Spotify thinks I own a Harley … and the neighbours appear to have moved house.

Yes, I’m committed. And whether I’m past my prime or not, this mum is definitely ready to rock.

And the good news is, I’ll still be home in bed at a reasonable hour.

Thanks to Suncorp’s curfew, rock and roll IS considered noise pollution after 10.30pm, which suits me just fine.

Even on AC/DC’s highway to hell, this retiring wild child knows when to schedule a rest stop … to pull over and take a nap.