Angus Young Defies Age with Fiery “Thunderstruck” Performance at AC/DC’s Nashville Show – May 21, 2025
On the rescheduled night of May 21, 2025, Nissan Stadium in Nashville turned into a roaring temple of rock as AC/DC finally delivered their much-anticipated show. Originally slated for May 20 but postponed due to severe weather, the band returned to the stage stronger than ever, feeding off the crowd’s anticipation and delivering a show that echoed through the city like a cannon blast.
The evening began with a searing set from The Pretty Reckless. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen commanded the stage with raw vocals and dark charisma, setting an intense tone for the night. As lightning danced in the distance and the sky darkened, the stage lights lit up the arena like a prelude to battle. Fans could feel the storm inside the music before AC/DC even walked out.
The crowd erupted as the first power chords of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” tore through the stadium. Angus Young appeared in his signature schoolboy outfit, duck-walking across the stage with unrelenting ferocity. The opening number alone set the tone for what would be a relentless barrage of classic rock energy.
Brian Johnson stormed the stage with his iconic growl, delivering each line with gravel-throated power. Any doubts about his vocal strength were obliterated within seconds. Despite past hearing issues and years away from touring, he seemed reborn in Nashville. His stage presence radiated the same fire fans remembered from the ‘80s.
By the time “Thunderstruck” hit mid-set, the energy had reached volcanic levels. Angus’s finger-tapped intro rang out like a bolt from the sky, triggering a crowd-wide scream that rivaled the decibel levels of a jet engine. Over 55,000 fans jumped in unison, arms raised, mouthing every word in perfect sync with Brian’s screeches.
That performance of “Thunderstruck” was the undisputed peak of the night. Stadium lights strobed with each beat, smoke cannons blasted during the chorus, and the crowd never stopped bouncing. The song felt less like a performance and more like a ritual, a summoning of everything glorious about loud, rebellious rock and roll.
The setlist read like a rock Bible. From “Back in Black” to “Shoot to Thrill” and “Hells Bells,” every song was greeted like an old friend. “You Shook Me All Night Long” transformed the stadium into a karaoke arena, with every single voice singing along under the night sky. It was nostalgia, adrenaline, and community all in one.
The stage production was just as iconic as the music. Flames, strobes, smoke, and an actual cannon barrage gave the night a war-like atmosphere. Angus shredded solos while running laps around the stage like a man half his age. Every motion, every note was a declaration that AC/DC refuses to grow old quietly.
Stevie Young, filling in for the late Malcolm Young, brought steady rhythm guitar work that tied the chaos together. On bass, Chris Chaney held the groove firm while drummer Matt Laug thundered behind the kit like a locomotive. The lineup may have changed, but the spirit of AC/DC’s sound remained indestructible.
The encore was a straight-up explosion. “T.N.T.” brought out thousands of inflatable devil horns in the crowd, glowing red against the black sky. And when the cannons fired during “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” it felt like the stadium itself shook from the recoil. No one left without goosebumps.
Despite the rescheduling, fans were unanimous in their praise. Many called it the best live show they’d ever seen. Some had traveled across the country to be there, and all agreed it was worth every mile. This wasn’t just a comeback — it was a statement.
The merch booths were overwhelmed. Shirts, vinyl, and light-up horns sold out fast. Fans young and old — from teenagers in band tees to lifelong followers with graying hair — walked out arm-in-arm, singing AC/DC lyrics into the Nashville night.
This stop in Nashville was one of the biggest highlights of the Power Up Tour, supporting their 2020 album of the same name. The tour marked the band’s official return to U.S. stadiums after nearly a decade away, and they proved they haven’t lost an ounce of power. If anything, they’ve become more unstoppable.
What made the night unforgettable wasn’t just the music or the showmanship — it was the sense of unity. Thousands of people, from all walks of life, came together for one purpose: to feel alive through music. And no band does that quite like AC/DC.
As the final smoke cleared and the crowd filed out slowly, “Thunderstruck” echoed again — not from the speakers, but from the people humming and shouting its rhythm down Broadway. That night in Nashville wasn’t just a concert. It was a reminder that legends never fade — they just get louder.
