AC/DC Ignite Berlin with a High-Voltage “Shoot to Thrill” in Front of 74,000 Fans
When AC/DC took the stage at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on June 30, 2025, for their long-awaited Power Up Tour, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The stadium, packed with over 70,000 rock fans from across Germany and beyond, became a sea of flashing horns and black shirts. The city itself seemed to hum with excitement, as Berliners welcomed back the legendary Australians for one of the most talked-about concerts of the summer.
From the moment Angus Young stepped out in his trademark schoolboy uniform, the energy was undeniable. The opening chords of “Shoot to Thrill” rang out, instantly recognized by the crowd and met with a surge of cheers that echoed off the stadium’s walls. Angus wasted no time racing across the stage, duck-walking and shredding with the kind of youthful abandon that’s become his signature—even at seventy years old, his spirit was as fiery as ever.
Brian Johnson’s gritty, unmistakable vocals cut through the night air, commanding the attention of everyone present. He belted out each line of “Shoot to Thrill” with the same vigor and attitude that has made AC/DC’s music timeless. Johnson’s banter between songs kept spirits high, reminding fans why he’s one of the most beloved frontmen in rock history.
The rest of the band—Cliff Williams on bass, Stevie Young on rhythm guitar, and Matt Laug on drums—held down the classic AC/DC groove. Their chemistry was clear, honed by decades of relentless touring and recording. Together, they delivered a version of “Shoot to Thrill” that was tight, raw, and full of swagger, instantly transporting fans back to the heyday of hard rock.
Berlin holds a special place in AC/DC’s history. The band’s concerts in the city have always drawn massive crowds, dating back to their breakthrough years in the late seventies and eighties. For many German fans, these shows are more than just concerts—they’re reunions, traditions, and a rite of passage. The Olympiastadion, with its historic grandeur and open sky, provided the perfect setting for such a powerful performance.
The stage production was nothing short of spectacular. Towers of lights and video screens projected close-ups of the band and wild animations, while bursts of pyrotechnics punctuated the chorus. As Angus Young launched into his solo, the stadium was bathed in swirling spotlights and the thunder of thousands of voices. The effect was both intimate and larger than life, immersing everyone in the music.
Fans of all ages came together for this unforgettable night. Parents brought their kids to experience their first AC/DC show, while lifelong devotees relived memories stretching back decades. The chorus of “Shoot to Thrill” became a massive sing-along, with 70,000 voices echoing through the night and making the song feel new all over again.
For a band that has been performing for nearly fifty years, AC/DC showed no signs of slowing down. Angus’s solos were as ferocious as ever, Johnson prowled the stage with unflagging energy, and the rhythm section was relentless. Their passion for live performance was obvious, and it fueled the crowd’s own energy, creating a feedback loop of excitement.
One of the most remarkable moments of the night came when the band paused to look out over the crowd. Angus, sweat-soaked and grinning, flashed his signature salute with his Gibson SG. The camera panned to fans waving flags and banners, some of whom had traveled from other countries just for this concert. The sense of community and celebration was undeniable.
“Shoot to Thrill” has always been a live favorite, but in Berlin it took on new life. The band’s delivery was as sharp as on the original “Back in Black” album, yet infused with decades of experience. Each note, every shout, and every beat seemed to remind fans why AC/DC remains one of rock’s most enduring acts.
The concert also served as a testament to the band’s resilience. After years of lineup changes and health scares, AC/DC’s return to the stage was both triumphant and emotional. Fans knew they were witnessing more than just a concert—they were experiencing the living legacy of one of music’s greatest bands.
Social media lit up with clips and photos from the night, spreading the excitement far beyond Berlin. Critics praised the band’s ability to connect with such a massive audience while still delivering a performance full of heart and authenticity. Many called it the highlight of the Power Up Tour so far.
As the final notes of “Shoot to Thrill” rang out, the stadium was awash in applause and cheers. The band took their bows, soaking in the admiration of their loyal fans. For many in the crowd, this performance would stand as one of the defining moments of their summer—an experience to be retold for years.
Long after the lights dimmed and the crowds dispersed into the Berlin night, the energy of AC/DC’s Olympiastadion show lingered. “Shoot to Thrill” had united generations, inspired new fans, and proven once again that the power of rock and roll can make time stand still—even if just for one night.
The concert in Berlin was more than a stop on the Power Up Tour; it was a celebration of everything AC/DC represents. It was a reminder that great music, played loud and proud, can bring people together in a way that few other things can. For 70,000 fans under the Berlin sky, “Shoot to Thrill” was a moment of pure rock bliss that won’t soon be forgotten.