AC/DC Ignites Tampa with a Blistering “Shoot to Thrill” Performance and Angus Young’s Iconic Duckwalk
On May 16, 2025, AC/DC tore through Raymond James Stadium in Tampa with an electrifying performance of “Shoot to Thrill,” thrilling a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 fans. As part of their Power Up Tour, the band unleashed a high-octane set that proved their timeless energy and gritty sound are as fierce as ever.
The moment the first chords rang out, the audience erupted into a frenzy. Brian Johnson’s signature raspy vocals roared through the Florida air, while Angus Young took command of the stage, duckwalking from one end to the other with the same manic energy that’s defined his career for decades.
The stage itself was a towering wall of sound and spectacle. Giant LED screens flashed in sync with the pounding rhythm, while fire bursts and strobes kept the adrenaline high. Every note of “Shoot to Thrill” came alive through a full sensory assault that shook the stadium to its foundation.
As the song built momentum, Angus’s guitar work became even more ferocious. His solo during the bridge was a blur of precision and passion. Spinning, duckwalking, and dropping to the floor mid-solo, he whipped the crowd into a frenzy. It was a vintage AC/DC moment—untamed, iconic, and unforgettable.
Brian Johnson, sporting his trademark flat cap, delivered each lyric with roaring force. His vocals, unchanged by time, carried over the sea of fans like thunder. The chemistry between him and the band remained razor-sharp, and the synergy between performers and audience was undeniable.
The crowd, wearing glowing devil horns and AC/DC shirts from every era, sang every word. “Shoot to Thrill” had them jumping in time, fists raised, chanting along to every line. It felt like one giant, electric choir of rock fans locked into a shared moment of musical rebellion.
When the song hit its peak, the stage exploded—literally. Fireworks launched skyward as the final chorus thundered out. Angus duckwalked down the stage’s center ramp under a rain of sparks, his guitar screaming through the final notes while Johnson howled the last refrain.
This show marked AC/DC’s first return to Tampa in 17 years, and they made sure the wait was worth it. The energy, the stagecraft, and the sheer presence of the band created a memory that will live with fans forever. Every second of “Shoot to Thrill” felt like a celebration of rock at its loudest and rawest.
The Power Up Tour, supporting their 2020 album, has proven to be more than a nostalgic run—it’s a showcase of longevity, passion, and pure musical fire. Tampa’s performance was a benchmark, reaffirming that AC/DC still rules the stage like no other.
“Shoot to Thrill” has always been a cornerstone of their live sets, but the Tampa version stood apart. From Angus’s duckwalk to the explosive visuals, it became a performance fans instantly called one of the best they’d ever seen.
Even before the encore, fans were already uploading clips to social media. Videos of Angus shredding while duckwalking through flames quickly went viral, drawing praise from both longtime fans and younger audiences discovering the band’s magic for the first time.
The opening act, The Pretty Reckless, had already primed the audience with a strong set, but nothing could prepare them for the roar of AC/DC hitting the stage. Their presence was like lightning bottled—once unleashed, impossible to forget.
Critics hailed the Tampa show as a triumph. Many noted how the band continues to defy expectations, pushing the boundaries of age and genre while staying true to their no-frills, hard-hitting roots. Their ability to command such massive crowds without losing intensity is rare.
As the tour moves forward, Tampa’s “Shoot to Thrill” will stand as one of the defining moments of the Power Up era. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a declaration: AC/DC is not slowing down, and the duckwalk still rules the world of rock.
For fans who were there, the fire still burns. And for those watching online, the message was just as clear—AC/DC isn’t just surviving. They’re still shooting to thrill—and they’re still hitting the target.
