With their big stadium rock blues riffs and no post-Watergate influences, it’s no wonder the Answer were drafted to open AC/DC’s massive world tour behind Black Ice. Their debut EP Never Too Late is chock full of wah-wah riffs and singer Cormac Neeson’s Robert Plant-ian bellow, which has lead to opening spots for the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith as well. “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.” Click above to hang out with the Answer back stage at Madison Square Garden, and follow below for the rest of the 2008 Rolling Stone Hot List, including chaste vampires and dance rock.

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[Video: Pete Maiden]