AC/DC exploded back onto the scene in Minneapolis, launching their PWR UP tour with blazing intensity and showing that time has only amplified their legendary rock power. A full-throttle rock revival!
After nearly ten years away from the spotlight, AC/DC came crashing back onto the live music scene with a vengeance in Minneapolis. Their return wasn’t just loud—it was earth-shaking. The band kicked off their highly anticipated PWR UP Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium with the kind of thunderous force only AC/DC can deliver. It wasn’t just a show; it was a revival that sent shockwaves through the rock world and left fans stunned with adrenaline.
Brian Johnson’s reappearance marked one of the most powerful comebacks in recent memory. After years away due to hearing issues, his voice sliced through the night with unmatched ferocity. That signature scream—the one that defined a generation—roared through the massive venue and erased any lingering concerns about his ability to perform. Johnson didn’t just return; he conquered the stage with explosive energy.
As always, Angus Young was a spectacle in motion. Clad in his iconic schoolboy outfit, he darted across the stage in a frenzy of guitar riffs and duck-walks. Every note he played felt like a lightning strike, and his solos became full-blown explosions of sound. Angus didn’t just perform—he commanded, turning every song into a riotous celebration of rock’s wildest spirit.
The night’s setlist was a perfectly crafted mix of old and new. Kicking things off with “Are You Ready,” the band plowed through a relentless string of favorites like “Thunderstruck,” “Shoot to Thrill,” and “Back in Black.” Tracks from their PWR UP album, including the fiery “Shot in the Dark,” held their own beside the timeless classics, proving AC/DC’s new material packs just as much punch as their early hits.
From a visual standpoint, the production was nothing short of legendary. Flames erupted skyward, synchronized with riffs and drum beats, while massive cannons exploded during “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” At the toll of the massive church bell during “Hells Bells,” the crowd collectively paused, mesmerized by the spectacle and reverence of the moment. Every element of the show pushed beyond expectations.
A deeply heartfelt moment came when Brian Johnson paused after performing “Rock and Roll Train.” His voice wavered with emotion as he addressed the crowd, thanking them for staying loyal during the band’s time away. Calling the fans “the heartbeat that kept us alive,” Johnson’s words rang with authenticity. The roar of the crowd in response was deafening, echoing that love back at full force.
Holding down the rhythm, Cliff Williams brought his usual calm presence on bass, working seamlessly with Matt Laug, who is filling in for Phil Rudd during this tour. Together, they provided the steady, thunderous foundation that allowed Angus and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young—stepping in for the late Malcolm Young—to soar. The chemistry among the band members felt natural, solid, and deeply connected.
The audience’s connection to the band was unmistakable. Fans spanning generations—teenagers standing beside lifelong listeners—sang along to every word. The sense of unity was undeniable. During “You Shook Me All Night Long,” couples swayed arm-in-arm, while “Highway to Hell” turned into a joyous explosion of fists, cheers, and wide-eyed euphoria. It was a night of memories in the making for everyone involved.
For longtime fans, the Minneapolis performance wasn’t just another date on the tour calendar—it was a powerful reminder of why AC/DC remains iconic. Seeing Brian Johnson light up the stage again, and watching Angus Young perform with the energy of a man half his age, was an affirmation that this band isn’t fading—they’re surging forward with everything they’ve got.
The core message of the PWR UP Tour is resilience. Through health scares, lineup shifts, and long periods of silence, AC/DC never surrendered. They returned with grit, passion, and unrelenting power—three things that have always defined their identity. With amps cranked to the max and hearts worn on their sleeves, they proved that no challenge can extinguish true rock spirit.
It was the small moments, too, that left lasting impressions. Angus’s devilish grin during “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” or the way Brian stomped joyfully across the stage during “T.N.T.,” served as reminders that this band thrives not just on sound but on attitude. They embody the fearless, defiant joy that defines rock and roll’s soul.
When the final cannon blasts echoed through the stadium during “For Those About to Rock,” the audience stood in awe, drenched in sweat and smiles. No one wanted to leave. It felt like stepping away from a sacred ritual, from something timeless and larger than life. The bond between band and crowd had never felt stronger.
This isn’t a goodbye tour, nor is it a trip down memory lane. It’s a fiery, no-holds-barred declaration that AC/DC is still here—and louder than ever. Minneapolis didn’t just witness a concert; it welcomed the next era of a band whose spirit refuses to fade. This was the thunder before the storm to come.
