A lifelong AC/DC fan's long-awaited night at the legendary rock band's Sydney concert turned into a frightening ordeal after he was allegedly attacked from behind in what he describes as a 'coward punch'. The incident, which led to his arrest, has left a family heartbroken and sparked a debate about safety and self-defence at major events.
Dream Night Shattered by Sudden Violence
Troy Saxby, 51, from Cessnock, New South Wales, had dreamed for a decade of taking his family to see the iconic rockers. That dream came true on November 25 at Sydney's packed Accor Stadium, the second of the band's two-night stint in the city. The evening took a dark turn, however, during one of the band's most famous anthems.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Saxby explained he was in a seated section with his family when AC/DC launched into 'Hell's Bells', a song accompanied by a giant bell descending from the rafters. "I saw that bell come down and stood up, my family stood up and the bloke behind me sort of said: 'sit down, you b***ard,' although he didn't use those words," he recounted. Mr Saxby said he turned and responded, "C'mon, bro. We're at an AC/DC concert," encouraging the man to join in the celebration.
Alleged Assault and Claim of Self-Defence
What happened next was a brutal shock. "And the next thing, I turned around and he smashed me in the back of my head three times and cut my head," Mr Saxby claimed. Fearing for the safety of his children, he says he acted instinctively. "He's hitting down on my head and I just turned around and I just cracked him – I hit him twice and put him in his chair," he stated, emphasising he was acting in self-defence.
The altercation was witnessed by police, who swiftly intervened. "I hit him and put him back in his seat and the cops saw it and they came and got us both," Mr Saxby said. Both men were escorted from the stadium to a mobile police unit.
Legal Fallout and Family Heartbreak
In a twist that has left Mr Saxby devastated, he was arrested and charged with affray alongside his alleged attacker. "They took me out of the stadium...and sat me down and charged me with affray and I have to go to court in January," he explained. He also received a six-month ban from the venue.
The emotional toll on his family was severe. "My young daughter was in tears and it was heartbreaking because it was a special time for me to actually take my own children to watch the band that I've adored my whole life, and it was pretty much ruined," Mr Saxby said. He maintains his innocence regarding instigating violence: "I would never hit someone. I would never throw the first punch. But, if someone hits me, then I'm going to retaliate."
The incident occurred as AC/DC continues the Australian leg of their massive 'Power Up' tour, with upcoming shows in Perth and Brisbane. The Sydney concerts were hailed as triumphant hometown performances, featuring a 21-song setlist packed with classics, now overshadowed for one family by an alleged act of violence.
