Photo: Peter Yang

On the Answer's tour bus, it's easy to forget that it's the 21st century. Next to one of the planet's last VCRs sits a VHS tape labeled "Steve Vai." European metal magazines are strewn everywhere. When the Irish foursome step on board — right after finishing an opening set for AC/DC in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania — the time warp continues. Lead singer Cormac Neeson has long, golden locks that make him look like a young Robert Plant. Guitarist Paul Mahon could have appeared on a vintage Creem cover. "All my stadium-rock dreams came true for a second out there," Mahon proudly announces.

Plucked to open for AC/DC on their 42-date North American tour, the Answer have virtually no influences from after Watergate. Their debut EP, Never Too Late, is four songs of anachronistic, wah-wah-laden blues rock (a full-length, Everyday Demons, is due in February) that won them powerful middle-aged admirers. Prior to AC/DC, the group opened for the Who, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones at stadiums across Europe. "I think they pick us because we remind them of themselves in their youth," says bassist Mickey Waters. "We do honest rock & roll with no clichés." But the band is weary of being pegged as a throwback act. "It's important that we don't get labeled," says Neeson. "People think that I'm ripping off Robert Plant, but I'm just singing like I sing." Still, "he's not a bad man to be compared to, you know?" ANDY GREENE

Watch The Answer backstage at Madison Square Garden

Listen Never Too Late EP

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