Watch AC/DC’s 2024 Kick Off European Tour Show

AC/DC, the titans of hard rock, ignited their Power Up European tour with a thunderous debut last Friday night in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

The pulsating energy of the 62,000-strong crowd at the Veltins-Arena set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Delivering a powerhouse performance, AC/DC treated fans to a marathon 24-song setlist, kicking off with the electrifying “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and culminating in the anthemic finale, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).”

This monumental show not only marked the inception of AC/DC’s first full tour since 2016 but also introduced their revamped touring lineup. With the indomitable Brian Johnson on vocals, the legendary Angus and Stevie Young on guitars, powerhouse drummer Matt Laug, and the newest addition to the fold, bassist Chris Chaney, AC/DC embarked on a musical odyssey that promises to resonate across Europe until August.

Spanning 24 dates, the Power Up European tour is set to traverse the continent, making stops in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, before culminating in a crescendo of performances at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on July 3 and 7. The tour will then journey through Germany, Slovakia, and Paris, before concluding at Dublin’s Croke Park in Ireland. This European extravaganza marks AC/DC’s triumphant return to the stage since their electrifying performance at last year’s rock Power Trip festival in Indio, California.

AC/DC’s previous tour in 2015 and 2016 was a monumental success, grossing a staggering $180 million with over 2.3 million tickets sold, solidifying their status as rock royalty. Drummer Matt Laug, renowned for his prowess behind the kit, joins AC/DC’s touring lineup, bringing a wealth of experience garnered from his collaborations with music luminaries such as Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, and Slash’s Snakepit.

The absence of longtime drummer Phil Rudd, who returned for the recording of the band’s comeback album Power Up, remains unexplained by AC/DC. Rudd’s tumultuous departure stemmed from legal issues in 2015, leading to his replacement by Chris Slade for the Rock Or Bust tour. Despite these challenges, AC/DC’s resilience shines through, fueled by their unwavering dedication to their musical craft.

Bassist Cliff Williams, who announced his retirement after the Rock Or Bust tour, made a poignant return for the recording sessions of Power Up as a tribute to the late Malcolm Young. Malcolm’s enduring influence is seen throughout the album, serving as a testament to his unparalleled legacy within the band.

The successor to 2014’s Rock Or Bust, Power Up was meticulously crafted over six weeks in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver. Renowned producer Brendan O’Brien, who lent his expertise to AC/DC’s acclaimed albums Black Ice in 2008 and Rock Or Bust, once again collaborated with the band, making sure that every note resonated with electrifying precision.