The bell tolled. The cannons fired. And after eight long years of uncertainty, silence was obliterated.
On May 17, 2024, AC/DC stormed back onto a full touring stage in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, launching their long-awaited “Power Up” World Tour in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Veltins-Arena. For many in attendance, it wasn’t just another rock concert — it was proof of survival.
And at the center of it all stood 76-year-old frontman Brian Johnson, roaring through a 24-song set as if the clock had frozen somewhere in 1981.
The Voice That Refused to Fade
Johnson’s return to full-scale touring carries extra weight. In 2016, he was forced off the road due to severe hearing issues, prompting fears that his career with the band might be over. Yet on opening night in Germany, he didn’t sound cautious — he sounded unleashed.
Critics described his performance as feral, locked-in, and shockingly powerful. From the first scream of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” to the closing cannon blasts of “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” Johnson delivered with grit that defied both age and adversity.
Beside him, 69-year-old guitarist Angus Young was a blur of motion in his trademark schoolboy uniform. Duck-walking across the stage, ripping into extended solos during “Let There Be Rock,” he reminded fans why he remains one of hard rock’s most recognizable figures.
A New Rhythm, Same Voltage
The 2024 lineup marked a subtle but historic shift. With longtime bassist Cliff Williams retired and drummer Phil Rudd absent from the touring configuration, the rhythm section welcomed new blood.
Former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney stepped in, delivering a tight, confident low end that seamlessly anchored classics like “Back In Black” and “Thunderstruck.” On drums, Matt Laug — who debuted with the band at 2023’s Power Trip festival — provided the metronomic punch essential to the AC/DC engine.
Despite personnel changes, the chemistry felt intact. Reviews praised the band’s discipline and sonic precision, describing the overall mix as a “wall of sound” — loud, yes, but controlled.
A Setlist Built for Generations
The 24-song lineup functioned like a greatest-hits masterclass:
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Openers: “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It),” “Back In Black”
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New Material: “Demon Fire,” “Shot in the Dark” (from 2020’s Power Up)
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Stadium Anthems: “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “Thunderstruck”
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Encore: “T.N.T.” and the cannon-heavy “For Those About to Rock”
European audiences were particularly energized by hearing Power Up tracks live for the first time, confirming that the band isn’t merely reliving history — they’re extending it.
More Than a Comeback
For a group formed in 1973, that has weathered the loss of founding members and major health scares, this tour opener felt less like nostalgia and more like defiance.
The “Power Up” run has since expanded, with additional legs planned beyond Europe — reinforcing that this isn’t a one-night resurrection.
When the final cannons thundered in Gelsenkirchen, the message wasn’t subtle:
Rock may age.
Legends may stumble.
But AC/DC still hits like a lightning strike.
And after eight years of doubt, they didn’t just return.
They shook the earth.