AC/DC Ignites Tampa with Explosive “Shot Down in Flames” Performance That Sends Crowd into a Frenzy

On May 16, 2025, AC/DC turned up the heat in Tampa with a scorching performance of “Shot Down in Flames,” delivering a perfect blend of gritty rock and pure adrenaline. As the band tore into the opening chords, the crowd of over 60,000 erupted with energy, instantly transported back to the golden age of hard rock. The song’s sharp riffs and rebellious lyrics set the tone for one of the night’s most explosive highlights.

Brian Johnson stepped up to the mic, his voice soaked in attitude and fire, belting out the track with the same rawness it carried in 1979. His performance brought the song’s fiery tale of rejection and defiance roaring back to life. Every word landed with the weight of experience, and the crowd responded in full-throated unison, echoing every line.

Angus Young, the eternal livewire, tore across the stage with his iconic duckwalk, launching into a furious solo that left the crowd stunned. His guitar screamed with energy as he spun, dropped to his knees, and stormed down the catwalk—all while keeping the solo blazing. It was a moment that reminded fans why Angus remains one of rock’s most electrifying forces.

The visuals added to the chaos in the best way possible. Flames erupted from the stage with every chorus, and bright red lights pulsed in time with the beat. The combination of sound, fury, and fire created an atmosphere that felt more like a battlefield than a concert, perfectly suiting the song’s theme of being metaphorically shot down.

Fans from multiple generations were out in force, many wearing vintage AC/DC shirts, devil horns glowing, fists pumping in the air. The crowd’s energy surged with the song’s tempo, building to a massive climax as Angus ripped through the final chorus. For long-time fans, it felt like being part of something mythic; for newcomers, it was a crash course in rock glory.

The song, originally featured on the Highway to Hell album, has always been a fan favorite, and its return to the live setlist in 2025 carried special meaning. It’s raw, unapologetic, and defiant—qualities that have defined AC/DC’s sound for decades. In Tampa, those qualities hit harder than ever.

Cliff Williams anchored the performance with thunderous basslines that shook the stadium floor, while drummer Phil Rudd laid down a relentless, no-frills beat that kept the song driving forward like a freight train. Stevie Young’s rhythm guitar added the gritty backbone that kept the sound tight and urgent.

Midway through the performance, the cameras panned over the crowd, capturing a sea of raised hands and screaming fans. From the pit to the upper decks, everyone was on their feet, locked into the rhythm, shouting the chorus like it was a personal anthem. It was loud, unified, and totally unforgettable.

The chemistry between band and audience couldn’t have been tighter. Every beat, every lyric, every stage move landed like a blast of lightning. Tampa didn’t just witness a performance—they became part of it. “Shot Down in Flames” became a rallying cry, not just a song on the setlist.

As the final notes rang out, the lights dimmed and the stage exploded in a final burst of pyrotechnics. The crowd responded with thunderous applause, whistles, and chants, demanding more. AC/DC didn’t just meet expectations—they detonated them.

Backstage chatter after the show revealed that Tampa had been chosen for a special setlist tweak, with “Shot Down in Flames” added just hours before showtime. The band knew the crowd’s energy and history with the song, and their gamble paid off with one of the night’s biggest reactions.

Social media exploded within minutes. Fans posted clips of Angus’s duckwalk solo, the fire bursts, and the crowd’s deafening chants. By morning, footage had already gone viral, with thousands of fans calling it the best live version of the track they’d ever seen.

Critics praised the performance as one of the tightest and most intense of the Power Up Tour. Reviews highlighted the band’s ability to maintain their classic energy and attitude without missing a beat—something few legacy bands can genuinely claim.

The Tampa stop served as a reminder that AC/DC isn’t just riding on nostalgia—they’re still burning at full throttle. “Shot Down in Flames” wasn’t just a callback to their roots; it was a declaration that their fire hasn’t dimmed in the slightest.

As the Power Up Tour rolls on, Tampa’s performance of “Shot Down in Flames” will go down as one of the most unforgettable chapters. With furious solos, duckwalks in overdrive, and a crowd that refused to let go, AC/DC once again proved that rock isn’t just alive—it’s on fire.