Watch AC/DC’s Age Defying Performance Of “If You Want Blood” In Bratislava

AC/DC’s recent performance of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” from July 21 at Old Airport Vajnory in Bratislava, Slovakia, is now available for viewing. You can watch the professionally filmed video below.

This show is part of AC/DC’s Power Up European tour, which is notable for introducing the band’s new touring lineup. Joining the legendary rock group are vocalist Brian Johnson, guitarists Angus Young and Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug, and bassist Chris Chaney. The 24-date tour, which will continue through August, will see the band perform in Germany, Belgium, and Paris, concluding at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. This European trek marks the band’s first extensive tour since their return to live performance at last year’s Power Trip festival in Indio, California.

AC/DC’s previous tour took place in 2015 and 2016, grossing $180 million and selling over 2.3 million tickets, according to Pollstar. The current tour features Matt Laug, an American drummer known for his work with artists like Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, and Slash’s Snakepit. Laug’s association with AC/DC goes back to 2001 when he supported the band on their Stiff Upper Lip tour.

Laug’s addition to the tour lineup came after the departure of longtime drummer Phil Rudd. Rudd was removed from the band following a 2015 court sentence for threatening behavior and drug possession, which led to Chris Slade filling in during the Rock Or Bust tour. Although Rudd rejoined the band for the recording of Power Up in 2020, he was not included in the current touring lineup. The decision to bring Laug on board has not been elaborated on by the band.

On a related note, AC/DC had to halt their spring 2016 North American tour due to Brian Johnson’s severe hearing issues. The band finished the tour with Axl Rose as a guest vocalist. Johnson, who had been with AC/DC since 1980, has since worked with audio expert Stephen Ambrose to address his hearing problems. Ambrose, known for inventing wireless in-ear monitors, developed new earbud technology that allows Johnson to perform without risking further damage.

The latest addition to AC/DC’s lineup is bassist Chris Chaney, renowned for his work with Jane’s Addiction and Alanis Morissette’s band. Chaney has also collaborated with artists like Joe Cocker, Shakira, and Celine Dion. He is a member of the all-star group Royal Machines, alongside notable musicians such as Dave Navarro and Billy Morrison.

AC/DC’s bassist Cliff Williams, who retired after the 2015-2016 Rock Or Bust tour, returned to record Power Up and performed at the Power Trip festival. Williams explained his decision to retire was driven by a desire to step back from the demanding touring schedule. In an interview with Dean Delray’s Let There Be Talk podcast, Williams said, “I knew that I didn’t want to keep doing these two-year tours, and I didn’t want to hold them back.” Despite his retirement, Williams rejoined AC/DC for Power Up as a tribute to Malcolm Young, the band’s founding rhythm guitarist who passed away in 2017. Williams referred to the album as having Malcolm’s spirit embedded in it and described the recording sessions as a heartfelt farewell to a long-standing bandmate.

Williams also mentioned that his commitment to AC/DC was intended for a limited number of dates. He expressed his gratitude for his time with the band but indicated that physical challenges made it difficult to continue touring. He admitted:

“I definitely have some physical issues.
“I’m very grateful for everything. It’s been fantastic. But I just don’t want to do that anymore.”

Power Up, the band’s follow-up to 2014’s Rock Or Bust, was recorded in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O’Brien. This album represents a significant chapter for AC/DC, as it includes contributions from the core members and serves as a tribute to Malcolm Young’s legacy.