This last Sunday, NewSpring Church started its Easter service with a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” After watching the video of the service, it didn’t feel right to me. Instead, it felt tacked on to the beginning of a more typical church service.
I’m sure I come to this issue with biases. I grew up in a conservative denomination that’s still debating “music style.” My congregation now debates drums and electric guitars; acoustic guitars, electric bass, and the occasional conga or djembe are now “blessed.” I also play electric guitar and I appreciate loud, raucous music.
Somehow, though, I don’t expect to see my church’s praise team covering “Highway to Hell” anytime soon. Not even (especially?) on Easter.
Was this just an attention-grabbing gimmick? Maybe. If so, it succeeded. After all, I am writing about it. But it still feels like a gimmick to me. Maybe if I read the lyrics one more time…
Update. Pastor Perry Noble says he wouldn’t do it again. ;-)