In a spectacular finale to their highly anticipated 2025 North American Power Up Tour, AC/DC delivered an electrifying performance in front of a roaring crowd of 50,000 passionate fans in Cleveland on Wednesday night. The energy in the stadium was palpable, leaving everyone hoping that this won’t be their last visit to the city.
For a significant part of the last decade, many fans feared that we might never witness the iconic Australian rock band live again. The frequency of AC/DC tours had dwindled, with long gaps between them. Notably, there was a lengthy seven-year hiatus between the 2000-2001 Stiff Upper Lip tour and the 2008-2010 Black Ice tour, followed by another five-year wait until the 2015-2016 Rock or Bust tour commenced.
The Rock or Bust tour faced numerous challenges, including health issues that plagued the band members. During the final concert of that tour, only two of the five original members from the 1994-2014 lineup performed: bassist Cliff Williams and guitarist Angus Young. It was particularly poignant as Williams had already announced his impending retirement before that show.
The passing of Malcolm Young, Angus’ brother and a founding guitarist, in 2017 further clouded the band’s future. However, the surviving members—Angus, singer Brian Johnson, Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd—reunited in the studio the following year to create the well-received Power Up album, which served as a heartfelt tribute to Malcolm.
Despite the album being released in 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic halted many live performances. After a long wait, AC/DC made their much-anticipated return to the stage in 2023 for a special appearance at the Power Trip festival, featuring a lineup that included Young, Johnson, Williams, Stevie Young (Angus and Malcolm’s nephew), and drummer Matt Laug, who replaced Rudd.
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Fast forward three and a half years since the album’s release, the band kicked off the Power Up tour with a 24-date European circuit, eventually returning to North America for a thrilling 13-date tour, which just wrapped up last night—now you’re up to speed!
So, what lies ahead for AC/DC? In just a month, they are scheduled to embark on a 15-date summer tour across Europe, but beyond that, details remain scarce.
Notably, AC/DC has maintained a tight-lipped approach regarding their lineup changes and future plans. In an interview with Eddie Trunk in 2022, Johnson was evasive when asked about the possibility of live performances, stating, “I’m not answering that – why should I? I cannot answer that. I’ve been told not to by everybody. It’s the official line. …If I say one thing, it’ll be blown out of all proportion. You just can’t afford to talk now. There’s too much blabber on the internet.”
This cautious approach has led to uncertainty about several aspects of AC/DC’s recent developments. For instance, how exactly did Johnson manage to overcome the hearing issues that sidelined him during the Rock or Bust tour?
Similarly, it appears that Williams returned for the Power Up album as a heartfelt homage to Malcolm and participated in the Power Trip show for a chance to collaborate with Johnson one final time. However, these remain assumptions rather than confirmed facts.
There’s also ambiguity surrounding Rudd’s involvement. He participated in the album but was absent from all live shows, potentially due to ongoing legal troubles that previously kept him off the Rock or Bust tour. However, this remains speculative at best.
During last night’s riveting concert, there were no signs indicating that either Johnson or Young is considering retirement anytime soon. While Johnson’s voice has understandably aged over the years, the 77-year-old frontman still possesses more than enough vocal prowess to deliver an exceptional performance. His choices and performance during the show were commendable, especially when compared to some younger rock icons.
As for Angus, the 70-year-old guitarist continues to be an extraordinary force of nature. While his nephew, drummer Laug, and new bassist Chris Chaney (aged 68, 57, and 54 respectively) maintained a solid rhythm section at the rear of the stage, Angus roamed energetically, captivating the audience with his dynamic presence and culminating the night with a 22-minute rendition of “Let There Be Rock,” featuring two incredible guitar solos.
Let’s consider—albeit cautiously—that the Power Up tour might conclude after these European dates. Historically, AC/DC has not been inclined to release greatest hits albums or tour without promoting a new studio album.
Eventually, age will catch up with them, right? Will they break their longstanding tradition and hit the road without a new album? Or will they head back to the studio first? If so, are we looking at another half-decade hiatus? Should this be their farewell, will they provide us with a heads-up?
To emphasize, these are merely questions, not complaints. AC/DC has earned the right to make their own choices and to share their plans with us when they choose. They owe us nothing, and this tour and album have been a delightful surprise and a genuine gift. All we can do is express our gratitude and acknowledge our selfish desire for more.
Watch AC/DC Perform ‘For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)’
AC/DC May 28, 2025 Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Set List
1. “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”
2. “Back in Black”
3. “Demon Fire”
4. “Shot Down in Flames”
5. “Thunderstruck”
6. “Have a Drink on Me”
7. “Hells Bells”
8. “Shot in the Dark”
9. “Stiff Upper Lip”
10. “Highway to Hell”
11. “Shoot to Thrill”
12. “Sin City”
13. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train”
14. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
15. “High Voltage”
16. “Riff Raff”
17. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
18. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
19. “Let There Be Rock”
20. “T.N.T.”
21. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Exploring AC/DC’s Most Memorable Concerts Throughout History
A retrospective look at the most significant highs and challenging lows in AC/DC’s illustrious career.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
