AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” Live in Tampa 2025 Crowned One of the Greatest Performances in Recent Years

On May 16, 2025, AC/DC returned to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium for the first time in nearly two decades, and the result was nothing short of explosive. As part of their Power Up Tour, the legendary band delivered a night of relentless rock that proved they’re still at the top of their game. More than 50,000 fans packed the stadium for a show that balanced nostalgia with pure adrenaline.

The band wasted no time igniting the crowd, launching straight into “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” to set the tone. Angus Young, sporting his classic schoolboy outfit, tore across the stage with boundless energy, reminding fans why he’s one of the most iconic guitarists in rock history. His blistering solos and signature duckwalk had the crowd roaring from the very first note.

Brian Johnson, now well into his 70s, stunned the audience with his vocal power and charisma. Belting out hits like “Back in Black” and “Hells Bells,” Johnson proved his voice still packs the same punch it did decades ago. His connection with the crowd was undeniable, creating a feedback loop of energy that kept building all night long.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—“Thunderstruck.” As Angus ripped into the opening riff, the stadium erupted. Fans screamed every “Ah-ah-ah” in unison, turning Raymond James into a sea of fists and flashing devil horns. The sound was deafening, the energy off the charts. It was a moment that felt suspended in time, raw and electric.

The setlist was a dream for die-hard fans. From “Highway to Hell” to “Shoot to Thrill” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” every song was met with thunderous applause and collective sing-alongs. The band’s tight chemistry and driving rhythms kept the energy at a boiling point, and no one in the crowd seemed ready for it to end.

By the time they hit the encore—“T.N.T.” followed by the epic closer “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”—the stadium had reached full eruption. A barrage of cannon blasts and fireworks lit up the Tampa sky as the band closed out the night with their trademark power and theatrical flair.

The crowd was a mix of generations—parents with their kids, longtime fans in worn-out tour tees, and young rockers catching their first AC/DC show. It was a testament to the band’s cross-generational appeal, and how their music continues to inspire and unite people of all ages under one thunderous beat.

This tour marks AC/DC’s return to North America after nearly a decade, and if Tampa was any indication, they haven’t missed a step. The band’s performance was lean, loud, and absolutely locked in. Despite the years, their stage presence was as commanding as ever, their sound sharp and ferocious.

Production-wise, the show was a spectacle. Massive lighting rigs, synchronized pyrotechnics, and enormous video walls elevated the performance without overpowering it. The visuals enhanced the music at every turn, especially during anthems like “High Voltage” and “Let There Be Rock,” where fire and lights pulsed with every beat.

Merch booths buzzed all evening, with fans lining up for t-shirts, posters, and the signature flashing devil horn headbands that lit up the stadium. By showtime, the sea of glowing red horns made the arena feel like a living, breathing tribute to rock’s most enduring rebels.

There were countless standout moments throughout the night, but perhaps the most memorable was Angus Young’s extended solo during “Let There Be Rock.” He sprinted across the catwalk, dropped to his knees, spun in circles, and never missed a note. It was pure showmanship and left the crowd absolutely stunned.

The setlist featured 21 songs, carefully selected to highlight the band’s greatest hits and deeper fan favorites. From “Sin City” to “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train,” it was clear AC/DC aimed to give fans the full-throttle experience—and they absolutely delivered.

There’s something magical about hearing these songs live—songs that have blasted through car speakers, dorm rooms, and stadiums for generations. To experience them shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other fans, all screaming the same lyrics, was nothing short of transcendent.

As the final cannon blasts echoed and the band took their final bows, the crowd lingered, not quite ready to return to reality. It was clear that this concert had left a mark—another unforgettable chapter in the story of a band that refuses to fade away.

For those who couldn’t make it, fan footage of “Thunderstruck” from the Tampa show has already gone viral—and rightfully so. It captures everything AC/DC stands for: power, precision, rebellion, and the kind of live energy that only rock and roll can summon. Watch the chaos and glory unfold below: