AC/DC Prove Their Legendary Power With “Sin City” in Madrid—Still Performing Like It’s Their 1980s Heyday

On a hot July night in Madrid, AC/DC turned the Riyadh Air Metropolitano into a cathedral of rock, unleashing “Sin City” with a ferocity that made the decades melt away. As thousands packed the stadium, anticipation buzzed through the crowd; many had traveled from across Europe for a chance to witness the band’s legendary energy live. From the first notes, it was clear this would be a night fans would never forget.

The excitement had been building for months. As tickets sold out quickly after the band announced Madrid as one of their rare Spanish stops on the Power Up Tour, fans scrambled to secure their place. The sense of occasion was heightened by the knowledge that this tour marked a new era for AC/DC, with lineup changes and the band’s members now in their seventies but still refusing to slow down.

Support act The Pretty Reckless got the crowd moving early, but nothing could compare to the roar that greeted Angus Young and Brian Johnson as they strode onto the stage. Dressed in his classic schoolboy uniform, Angus wasted no time launching into the opening riff of “Back in Black,” setting the tone for an electric evening that would only build from there.

When the first chords of “Sin City” rang out, the audience’s reaction was instant and overwhelming. The song, a classic from 1978’s Powerage, hadn’t always been a fixture of recent AC/DC tours, so its inclusion in the setlist was a special treat. Older fans recognized the opening immediately, while younger fans were swept up in the powerful groove.

Angus Young’s energy was undiminished by time. He duck-walked across the stage, his fingers dancing across the fretboard as if no years had passed since the band’s early days. Every solo was a reminder of why he’s considered one of rock’s most electrifying guitarists. With the spotlight fixed on him, Angus seemed to channel the spirit of the original “Sin City” era with every note.

Brian Johnson’s vocals rang out with grit and determination. The years may have added texture to his voice, but the passion remained untouched. On “Sin City,” his delivery was both raw and triumphant, pushing through the stadium and connecting with the thousands gathered there, each lyric delivered like a battle cry.

The rhythm section was a force of its own. Chris Chaney on bass and Matt Laug on drums anchored the song with relentless precision. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, and it was clear that, even after lineup changes and decades on the road, AC/DC could still lock in and deliver a performance with the unity and power of their classic era.

As the chorus of “Sin City” hit, the stadium became a sea of waving arms and voices shouting along. For a moment, it felt as though the entire city had been swept into the music’s orbit. The energy was contagious, and every person in the audience became part of the show, sharing in a communal celebration of timeless rock and roll.

The performance of “Sin City” was more than just nostalgia. It was a living, breathing affirmation of AC/DC’s enduring influence. Decades after its release, the song still carried the punch and swagger that made it a fan favorite. In Madrid, it became something new—a bridge between generations of listeners brought together by their shared love for the band.

Throughout the night, the setlist mixed stadium-shaking anthems with deep cuts like “Sin City.” This balance kept the crowd guessing and ensured that the energy never waned. Each transition was seamless, but “Sin City” stood out as a highlight, a testament to the band’s ability to keep their sound fresh while honoring their roots.

The visual spectacle of the show was equally unforgettable. Lasers and spotlights swept over the audience as Angus tore through his solos, while massive screens brought the band’s every move to fans in every corner of the stadium. The production was top-tier, but at its core, it was still about the music and the bond between band and fans.

As the final notes of “Sin City” faded, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. There was a collective sense that something extraordinary had just taken place—a once-in-a-lifetime moment for everyone lucky enough to be in attendance. For some, it was a memory that would define their summer; for others, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

After the show, fans lingered outside the stadium, replaying the night’s biggest moments. Many agreed that “Sin City” was the song that brought the house down, capturing the essence of what makes AC/DC timeless. Old friends and new acquaintances swapped stories, united by the shared experience of witnessing rock history in the making.

For AC/DC, the Madrid concert was more than just another date on the tour. It was a triumphant reminder that, even after half a century, they could still inspire awe, excitement, and pure joy. The energy on stage reflected a band that refuses to rest on its laurels, always striving to give fans a show worth remembering.

The legacy of “Sin City” and AC/DC as a whole continues to grow, fueled by nights like this. In Madrid, under the lights and in front of a roaring crowd, the band proved once again why they are legends. The performance will live on in the memories of those who were there, a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.

In the end, “Sin City” in Madrid became more than just a song on a setlist. It was a rallying cry, a celebration, and a powerful reminder that the spirit of rock transcends age, time, and place. As the stadium lights dimmed and the echoes of Angus’s guitar faded into the night, the fans of Madrid were left with the kind of memory that only a band like AC/DC can create.