AC/DC Opened With Fire and Fury in Chicago on May 24, 2025

On May 24, 2025, AC/DC electrified Soldier Field in Chicago, marking their triumphant return to the Windy City after a nine-year absence. The anticipation leading up to the show was palpable, and the moment the lights dropped, an eruption of cheers welcomed one of rock’s most legendary bands back to the stage. With the first notes of the intro rolling out, the stadium was already on fire, even before the first song officially began.

The night roared to life with “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It),” immediately setting the tone for what would become one of the most explosive rock concerts of the year. Choosing to open with this classic was a deliberate gesture — one that signaled both nostalgia and ferocity. Fans screamed every word as if their lives depended on it, as the band wasted no time delivering gut-punching rock energy.

Soldier Field was transformed into a cathedral of sound, with nearly 60,000 fans throwing devil horns into the air and chanting in unison. The atmosphere was one of sheer euphoria. The crowd’s energy mirrored that of the band, making it feel more like a shared rebellion than a mere performance. It was loud, raw, and unforgettable.

The setlist was a dream for any diehard fan — a hard-hitting mix of classics like “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “Shoot to Thrill,” and “Highway to Hell.” Newer cuts from 2020’s “Power Up,” like “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark,” fit seamlessly alongside decades-old anthems. Each song felt like a chapter in a long, roaring saga of rock defiance.

Angus Young, still clad in his signature schoolboy outfit at age 70, commanded the stage with unrelenting energy. His duckwalks and blistering solos had the crowd in awe, particularly during “Let There Be Rock,” where he delivered a nearly ten-minute solo that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the greats. He played with a youthful fury that defied time.

Brian Johnson’s vocals were fierce and commanding, effortlessly riding over the pounding rhythm section. The chemistry between him and Angus was electric, a visible connection that powered the entire performance. Each shout and scream from Johnson carried the weight of experience and the fire of a performer still in love with his craft.

The rest of the lineup — Stevie Young on rhythm guitar, Chris Chaney on bass, and Matt Laug on drums — delivered with precision and passion. The rhythm section was tight and unshakable, locking in with every riff and every beat. It’s rare for a band that’s been around this long to sound so tight, so unified — but AC/DC did it with ease.

The production value was monumental. From the iconic cannon blasts to the massive descending bell during “Hells Bells,” every visual moment hit like a sledgehammer. Pyrotechnics lit up the sky, and red stage lighting drenched the crowd in fire-like hues, making the experience feel otherworldly and immersive.

What made the night even more powerful was the fan presence. People had traveled from across the country, some even internationally, to be part of this moment. Generations stood side by side — parents who had first seen AC/DC in the ‘80s, now sharing the night with their children. Few bands can bridge age gaps with such force.

Opening with “If You Want Blood” was more than a musical choice; it was a statement. That track, once the title of their 1978 live album, was a fan-favorite nod to their raw beginnings. Choosing to start with it felt like going back to their roots — gritty, primal, and unapologetically loud.

As the show progressed, each song built on the last, creating waves of adrenaline that washed through the stadium. Fans jumped, roared, and danced without inhibition, fully lost in the moment. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a tribal gathering for those who live and breathe real rock.

The culmination came with the thunderous encore of “T.N.T.” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” As the stage exploded in light and sound, and cannons fired into the air, it was clear no one wanted the night to end. The applause lasted minutes after the final note, echoing through the stadium like aftershocks.

This wasn’t just another tour stop. It was a declaration that AC/DC, after more than 50 years, are still unmatched when it comes to delivering raw, high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll. Their music, their showmanship, and their sheer passion remain anthemic and eternal.

The “Power Up” tour has been hailed as a return to form, a victory lap, and a rock resurrection all at once. Despite lineup changes and years away from the stage, the spirit of AC/DC remains unbreakable. Every night is a battle cry — and in Chicago, they won.

For those lucky enough to witness it, May 24, 2025, won’t be remembered as just another night of music. It was something more — a shared explosion of memory, power, and rebellion that only AC/DC could ignite. The band didn’t just perform; they conquered.