Watch AC/DC’s Final Performance In Germany

Marco’s HIGH VOLTAGE Music Channel recently shared footage of AC/DC’s electrifying concert on August 4 at Messegelände in Hannover, Germany. This performance is part of AC/DC’s highly anticipated Power Up European tour, their first tour with a new lineup that includes singer Brian Johnson, guitarists Angus and Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug, and bassist Chris Chaney. This 24-date tour will wrap up on August 19 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. The European tour marks AC/DC’s return to the stage since their comeback at the 2022 Power Trip festival in Indio, California.

AC/DC’s last tour, which took place between 2015 and 2016, was a massive success, grossing $180 million with over 2.3 million tickets sold, according to Pollstar. The current lineup features Matt Laug, an accomplished American drummer who has played with notable artists like Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, Slash’s Snakepit, and Vasco Rossi. Laug’s connection to AC/DC dates back to 2001 when he supported the band as part of Slash’s Snakepit on the Stiff Upper Lip tour.

The inclusion of Laug in the Power Up lineup has raised questions about the absence of long-time drummer Phil Rudd. AC/DC has offered no official explanation for Rudd’s absence, though it’s worth noting that Rudd rejoined the band for the recording of their comeback album, Power Up, released in November 2020. Rudd’s history with AC/DC is complicated—he was ousted from the band in 2015 after being sentenced to eight months of home detention in New Zealand for threatening to kill and drug possession. Chris Slade replaced Rudd on the Rock or Bust tour, having previously been AC/DC’s drummer between 1989 and 1994.

Rudd’s legal troubles and subsequent absence from the band have not overshadowed his legacy. He played on all but three of AC/DC’s 18 studio albums and even toured in support of his 2014 solo debut, Head Job. His arrest reportedly stemmed from anger over how the album was promoted, leading him to make threats against a personal assistant and his daughter.

Brian Johnson’s return to the stage with AC/DC is also notable. In 2016, Johnson was advised to stop performing live or risk total hearing loss, leading to Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose stepping in as a “guest vocalist” for the remainder of the Rock or Bust tour. Johnson, who has been AC/DC’s lead singer since 1980, worked with audio expert Stephen Ambrose to develop new in-ear monitors that would allow him to perform without further damaging his hearing. After years of experimentation, Johnson declared that the technology enabled him to return to live performances.

Bassist Chris Chaney, another new addition to the touring lineup, is a versatile musician best known for his work with Jane’s Addiction and Alanis Morissette. Chaney has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Joe Cocker, Shakira, Slash, and Avril Lavigne. His extensive resume makes him a valuable asset to AC/DC’s current lineup.

Cliff Williams, AC/DC’s long-time bassist, initially announced his retirement at the end of the 2015-2016 Rock or Bust tour. However, he returned for the recording of Power Up as a tribute to the late Malcolm Young, AC/DC’s founding rhythm guitarist who passed away in 2017 due to dementia. “If ‘Back In Black’ has [late AC/DC singer] Bon Scott all over it, for me, ‘Power Up’ has got Malcolm Young,” Williams said, emphasizing the importance of honoring his bandmate.

Although Williams participated in the recording and a few shows for Power Up, he confirmed that his involvement was limited. He cited both physical and mental health concerns as reasons for not committing to a full tour. Williams has previously revealed that a severe bout with vertigo contributed to his decision to retire in 2016. However, the return of both Johnson and Rudd convinced him to rejoin the band for this brief run. “It was like the old band back together,” Williams said, expressing his reluctance to miss out on the opportunity.

Power Up, the follow-up to 2014’s Rock or Bust, was recorded in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, who also worked on Black Ice and Rock or Bust, the album is a powerful tribute to Malcolm Young and a testament to AC/DC’s enduring legacy.