AC/DC Ignites Chicago with Unstoppable Power on May 24, 2025 — A Night Fans Will Never Forget
On May 24, 2025, AC/DC returned to Chicago’s Soldier Field for the first time in nine years, delivering a high-voltage performance that reaffirmed their status as rock legends. The sold-out show was a highlight of their Power Up Tour, drawing fans from across the country to witness a night of electrifying music and stagecraft.
The evening began with a thunderous rendition of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It),” immediately setting the tone for the night. Angus Young, clad in his signature schoolboy outfit, and Brian Johnson, with his unmistakable vocals, led the charge as the band launched into a setlist that spanned their storied career.
The setlist featured classics like “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “Highway to Hell,” as well as newer tracks from their 2020 album Power Up, including “Shot in the Dark” and “Demon Fire.” Each song was met with roaring approval from the crowd, many of whom donned glowing red devil horns, creating a sea of lights in the stadium.
Angus Young’s energy was relentless, duck-walking across the stage and delivering blistering guitar solos that captivated the audience. His performance during “Let There Be Rock” was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his enduring prowess and showmanship.
Brian Johnson’s return to the stage was met with huge enthusiasm, especially considering his previous hearing issues that had sidelined him in 2016. His vocals were powerful throughout the night, and he engaged the audience with his trademark charisma, even tweaking lyrics to give a shoutout to Chicago during “You Shook Me All Night Long.”
The rhythm section—Stevie Young on rhythm guitar, Chris Chaney on bass, and Matt Laug on drums—held everything together with precision and grit. Their tight performance kept the crowd locked in, maintaining that hard-edged AC/DC sound fans know and love.
Visual elements took the performance to the next level, including iconic moments like the massive bell descending for “Hells Bells” and explosions of pyrotechnics that lit up the sky. The stage design, lights, and effects made the whole show feel immersive—more like an experience than just a concert.
The encore was nothing short of explosive. The band returned with “T.N.T.” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” complete with synchronized cannon fire that thundered across the stadium and closed the night with absolute force.
The Pretty Reckless opened the show with a confident set that perfectly complemented AC/DC’s energy. Performing tracks like “Death by Rock and Roll,” they earned new fans that night and proved themselves worthy of the massive stage they were on.
The crowd was a blend of generations—parents bringing their kids, longtime fans reliving their youth, and first-timers experiencing the magic for the very first time. The shared excitement made it clear: AC/DC’s music still unites people like few bands can.
Critics praised the performance for its power and professionalism. There were no signs of slowing down from the band, and many noted that they delivered one of the strongest sets of the entire tour.
The Power Up Tour marked a huge return for AC/DC, reconnecting them with fans and reigniting their presence in live music after a long absence. The Chicago stop in particular reminded everyone why they’re still among the most dominant rock acts in the world.
As the tour continues, the Soldier Field performance stands as a clear highlight. It showcased a band that’s still pushing forward while honoring its legacy—proof that rock isn’t just alive, it’s roaring.
For those who attended, it was more than a concert. It was a once-in-a-decade experience, a celebration of everything that makes AC/DC timeless: grit, power, and pure, unfiltered rock and roll.
In the end, AC/DC’s May 24, 2025, performance in Chicago wasn’t just a show—it was a masterclass in how rock should be done. Classic anthems, modern fire, and a connection with the crowd that only legends can deliver.
