The Night Tampa Stood Still: AC/DC’s Unforgettable “Thunderstruck” Performance
On May 16, 2025, AC/DC made their long-awaited return to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium after nearly twenty years, and the impact was immediate and overwhelming. As part of their Power Up Tour, the band delivered a thunderous night that left no doubt they remain a dominant force in rock music. More than 50,000 fans filled the stadium, creating an atmosphere that blended deep nostalgia with pure, unfiltered adrenaline.
The opening moments set the tone instantly, as the band stormed into “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” without hesitation. Angus Young burst onto the stage in his legendary schoolboy uniform, racing from one end to the other with tireless intensity. His scorching guitar work and unmistakable duckwalk reminded everyone why his presence is inseparable from the spirit of rock and roll.
Brian Johnson, now in his seventies, delivered a performance that defied age entirely. With explosive vocals and magnetic energy, he powered through classics like “Back in Black” and “Hells Bells” as if no time had passed. His interaction with the crowd fueled a constant exchange of energy, with every cheer and singalong pushing the night to even greater heights.
Then came the defining moment of the night—“Thunderstruck.” The second Angus struck the opening riff, the stadium detonated. Tens of thousands of voices joined together on every chant, fists raised and devil horns flashing across the crowd. The sound was overwhelming, the electricity unmistakable, creating a moment that felt suspended in pure rock history.
The setlist felt carefully crafted for lifelong fans. Songs like “Highway to Hell,” “Shoot to Thrill,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” kept the momentum relentless, each met with deafening applause and mass sing-alongs. The band’s chemistry was razor-sharp, and the driving rhythms never let the energy dip for a second.
As the night reached its climax, the encore took things to another level. “T.N.T.” ignited the stadium once more before the band closed with “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” Cannons thundered, fireworks exploded above the crowd, and Tampa’s sky lit up in a dramatic finale that embodied everything AC/DC represents.
The audience reflected the band’s incredible reach across generations. Parents stood beside their children, longtime fans wore faded tour shirts, and younger listeners experienced their first AC/DC show. It was a powerful reminder that this music continues to connect people of all ages through a shared love of loud, honest rock.
This tour marks AC/DC’s first North American run in nearly ten years, and their Tampa performance showed no signs of slowdown. The band sounded tight, loud, and fully in command, delivering a show that was stripped of excess but overflowing with power. Time has done nothing to dull their edge.
The production matched the music in scale and precision. Towering lighting rigs, carefully timed pyrotechnics, and massive video screens enhanced the performance without overshadowing it. During songs like “High Voltage” and “Let There Be Rock,” the visuals pulsed in perfect sync with the music, amplifying every beat.
Throughout the evening, merchandise stands buzzed with activity. Fans lined up for tour shirts, posters, and the iconic flashing devil horn headbands. Once night fell, the glowing red horns spread through the stadium, turning the crowd itself into part of the spectacle.
Among the many unforgettable moments, Angus Young’s extended solo during “Let There Be Rock” stood out above all else. Sprinting across the catwalk, dropping to his knees, spinning wildly, and never missing a note, he delivered a masterclass in showmanship that left the audience in awe.
The setlist spanned 21 songs, blending chart-topping anthems with deeper fan favorites. Tracks like “Sin City” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Train” rounded out a performance designed to deliver a full-throttle experience from start to finish—and it succeeded completely.
There’s a unique power in hearing these songs live—songs that have echoed through cars, bedrooms, and stadiums for decades. Experiencing them shoulder to shoulder with tens of thousands of fans, all shouting the same lyrics, created a sense of unity that felt almost unreal.
As the final cannon blasts faded and the band took their bows, the crowd lingered, reluctant to let the night end. It was clear this show had left a lasting impression, adding another unforgettable chapter to the legacy of a band that refuses to slow down.
For those who weren’t there, fan-shot footage of “Thunderstruck” from the Tampa show has already spread rapidly online—and for good reason. It captures everything AC/DC stands for: raw power, precision, rebellion, and the unmatched energy that only live rock and roll can deliver.
