The word “change” seems to be a buzz word for the past couple of years. A lot has changed in the eight years since AC/DC has embarked on a world tour.

But when AC/DC took the stage at the Allstate Arena on Saturday, it seems like nothing has changed. The band members are older (their ages range from 53 to 61) but everything is still the same.

Virtuoso guitarist Angus Young was still dressed in his schoolboy outfit that he has worn for over 30 years. Rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and bassist Cliff Williams were still anchored next to drummer Phil Rudd. And singer Brian Johnson still shrieked and flailed his arms as he pranced across the stage.

That said, it was still an awesome rock show by one of the greatest rock bands ever. Every song they played was played at its best. Songs like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Whole Lotta Rosie” were met with enthusiastic headbanging and fist-pumping. Even new songs like “Big Jack” and “War Machine” were also embraced with great warmth.

Some bands have a tendency to fade with age. AC/DC is not one of those bands. Angus Young’s guitar playing and energy is spot on. His shredding skills today are at the same awesome level he had for their 1991 Monsters of Rock tour, and at 53, he still does some of his stage antics, like stripping and spinning on the floor.

Johnson’s voice has faded with age. Depending on the song, he is either clear as a bell, or incomprehensible. And like their positions, Young, Williams, and Rudd are still the anchors. Malcolm’s brother may get all of the fame and glory, but the trio provides the foundation that allows Angus Young to explode into epic heights of guitar prowess.

The show was also visually pleasing. AC/DC has never been much for elaborate set designs, but what they do add is enough. After showing an animated video in which a demonic Angus is tempted by two scantily-clad women who are trying to stop the AC/DC train, the train comes through the video screen for the opener “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train.” Johnson swung back and forth on the rope of the bell for “Hell’s Bells.” A giant inflatable of a morbidly obese prostitute was displayed for “Whole Lotta Rosie.” And cannons were fired for the set closer, the popularly-quoted “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).”

The Saturday show was AC/DC’s last time in Chicago for this tour, and quite possibly, for a while (given their track record with putting out new albums). According to the band’s web site, the vast majority of the shows are sold out. However, if one is ambitious enough, they can travel to St. Louis to see the Thunder from Down Under play at the Scottrade Center on Jan. 13. They are more than worth it.