AC/DC ABRUZZO - POWER UP TOUR 2024

East Rutherford – MetLife Stadium- 2nd October 2026 - LAST POST

2026-10-05T03:39:08.918+02:00

If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black
Demon Fire
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Highway to Hell, con Dave Grohl
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Jailbreak
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock, con extended Angus Young solo

Encore:

T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Ride On...

Time has come for one last post on this blog, to close an amazing adventure that started 25 years ago with AC/DC Abruzzo. What a journey it has been. And what an incredible final tour.

When the Power Up Tour started, after Power Trip, none of us really knew how far it would go. At one point we were expecting Dublin in 2024 to be the end of the road. Instead, AC/DC kept going. Europe became a complete world tour, with Australia, South America, and two American legs.

89 shows. We did "only" 36 this time. The maximum we could do. That "only" probably says a lot about us and about the strange standards we developed over the years. But this time the goal was different. We wanted to enjoy every moment as much as possible, without chasing numbers, listening once again to the greatest rock'n'roll band of all time.

For all of us who had been there in 2016, with AXL, this entire tour felt like a bonus. A huge, unexpected bonus. And for that, we can only be grateful to AC/DC.

We knew we had to be in America for the Grand Finale. Work, families and real life have become increasingly important over the years, and it has obviously become much harder to disappear around the world following a rock band. But somehow, once again, we managed to make things work and attend the final two shows.

Philadelphia first. Then the grand 21-gun salute.

Ironically, Philadelphia was supposed to become the final show, just as Philadelphia had played such an important role for us in 2016, when Cliff officially retired and Problem Child Axl finished his job in the Rock or Bust touer. Then, through one of those strange twists of fate that have followed this band and this blog for years, the postponement of the MetLife Stadium concert changed everything.

The last dance moved to East Rutherford. New York. New Jersey. MetLife Stadium. One more trip. One more stadium. One last time.

And this time the feeling was different.

There were mixed emotions long before AC/DC even walked on stage.

I had felt that knot in my stomach before. Hammersmith 2003. Bilbao in 2010. Philadelphia in 2016. Dublin in 2024. Those concerts when the future was uncertain and you knew, somewhere in the back of your mind, that perhaps you should look at everything a little more carefully because you had no idea when, or if, you would see it again.

But MetLife was different. This time we knew this was the final concert of the Power Up Tour. And deep inside, it also felt as if we were witnessing something potentially much bigger, perhaps the final AC/DC concert itself. You try not to think about it.

Then the lights go down.

And there they are. From the very beginning, there was something about Angus and Brian.

Intensity. Focus. Commitment.

It felt as if they were perfectly aware of the historical importance of that night. Not simply another stadium, not simply show number 89, but one final demonstration to the world of what AC/DC still were.

And what they had always been.

Power. Volume. Energy. Rock'n'roll reduced to its purest form.

No energy saved for tomorrow. Because there was no tomorrow on this tour.

If You Want Blood. And for the first few songs, I had tears in my eyes. The band sounded enormous.

But suddenly every song started opening doors in my memory. There was no logic to it. No chronological order. Just images, people, venues and moments coming back without warning. A completely irrational storm of memories accumulated over more than half of my life.

If You Want Blood. Hammersmith, 2003.

Back in Black. Wilkes-Barre, 2008.

Shot Down in Flames. Stockholm February 2009.

Stiff Upper Lip. Birmingham, 2000. My first AC/DC show.

High Voltage. Sidney, 2010.

Sin City. Coachella, 2015.

Jailbreak. Perth, 2025.

Shoot to Thrill. Buenos Aires, 2026.

And so many others…

128 AC/DC concerts seen as a fan. There is a point at which a song is no longer simply a song. It becomes a place. A face. A journey. A night you thought you had forgotten. A person standing next to you twenty years ago. A moment of your life.

And all of them were somehow there with me at MetLife.

The different parts of the Power Up Tour also had their own personality.

Australia will always remain special. It is their home country, and seeing AC/DC there carries a meaning that cannot really be reproduced anywhere else. And this time Australia gave us Jailbreak, a song we had waited so long to hear again.

Then South America.

Probably the hottest rock'n'roll crowds on Earth. I had waited seventeen years for the opportunity to finally be inside River Plate Stadium with AC/DC, surrounded by those crazy Argentinians, jumping for two hours as if their lives depended on it.

Buenos Aires was everything I had hoped it would be.

And more.

The United States is different. The American audience sometimes seems to experience a concert almost as if they were sitting in a theatre. For AC/DC, that is certainly not my ideal way of experiencing rock'n'roll. But when in Rome…. And anyway, what was happening on the stage at MetLife was powerful enough to destroy any cultural difference.

The AC/DC loudest wall of sound surrounded us and penetrated our ears and bodies one final time in the pit. From our position close to the stage, the sound was incredibly clear. Every Angus lick cut through the air. Every note scratched its way inside. You could feel it physically.

That is one of those things that videos will never reproduce. AC/DC have always been a physical experience. You do not simply listen to that sound. You stand inside it.

After 89 shows spread across almost three years, Angus and Brian had also reached an extraordinary level of synchronization. Everything had been refined night after night until the machine seemed to run almost automatically. As it happens in each tour.

But there was nothing automatic about the effort. Angus was still Angus. Running across the stage. Duckwalking. Attacking the guitar. Carrying Let There Be Rock on his shoulders night after night and somehow making a stadium believe, for twenty minutes, that rock'n'roll could still defeat time itself. At his age, he was still demonstrating why he remains the greatest.

It brought back Steven Tyler's wonderful line from the 2003 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction: "How did such big balls get in such short pants?" More than twenty years later, the question still works.

Then there was Brian.

Perhaps one of the greatest stories of Rock’n’Roll. In 2016 we were suddenly told that Brian had "lost his hearing" and could no longer continue touring. For many people, that could easily have been the end of his story as the singer of AC/DC.

Instead he came back.

And this tour gave him his full consecration again as the voice of AC/DC. Almost 80 years old, singing a monstrous world tour, night after night, across huge stadiums and several continents. Whatever happens from here, nobody can take that away from him.

The show also gave us one completely unexpected moment. Dave Grohl. The postponement of MetLife meant that The Pretty Reckless could no longer open the show, and suddenly Foo Fighters were on the bill. A stadium-headlining band opening for AC/DC. But Dave was not there behaving like a rock star doing another big event. He was there as a fan. He spoke about seeing Let There Be Rock movie when he was around 11 years old and about the impact AC/DC had on him.

I understood exactly what he meant. I had met Dave in Washington DC in 2016. We exchanged a few words before the show, and one thing was immediately obvious: he is a genuine AC/DC fan. You could tell from the look in his eyes.

Later at MetLife, he came back on stage for Highway to Hell. Probably Malcolm would never have allowed something like that. But somehow, on this particular night, it worked. And judging from Dave's face, it probably meant far more to him than another stadium performance ever could.

That is what AC/DC have done to people. Even rock stars can become kids again when Angus walks past them on stage.

And that brings us to something much bigger than one concert. What is rock'n'roll? The answer is different for every one of us.

Over more than 25 years, I have personally met hundreds of AC/DC fans in dozens of countries. People from completely different backgrounds. Different jobs. Different generations. Different languages. And yet everybody had a story.

For some people, the defining tour was Ballbreaker. For others Stiff Upper Lip or Black Ice… Or the 80’s….

For us at AC/DC Abruzzo, Black Ice will probably always remain the most significant.

And then we met people whose stories went much further back.

People who had seen Bon Scott in a gig in the 70’s somewhere in Europe, Australia or US, in their teenage years, thanks to their dad, uncle or bigger brother who took them to that tiny club that night…

Groupies. Friends. Relatives of members of the band. People who had been there when everything was still beginning.

Everybody experienced AC/DC differently. That is perhaps the real legacy. Not simply records sold or stadiums filled. Individual lives connected to the same soundtrack.

Vinyl. Cassettes. CDs. MP3s. Streaming. Different technologies, different decades, same songs.

AC/DC have now reached the end of this tour at the absolute top. Huge stadiums. Massive audiences.

And, most importantly, a completely new generation of fans who discovered them through the Power Up Tour.

That matters. The legacy is safe. You could see teenagers in the crowd who were experiencing something for the first time that some of us had been experiencing for decades.

For them, MetLife might one day become what Birmingham 2000, Hammersmith 2003 or Wilkes Barres became for us. Their reference point. Their story. Their AC/DC.

And then there were the people who had been part of our own story. The old faces. The friends. Those who had shared airports, trains, queues, hotel/motel, beers, front rows, frustrations and unforgettable nights.

Some appeared for one chapter. Some stayed for many. Some we lost contact with and then somehow met again years later outside another AC/DC stadium. That was always one of the strange miracles of following this band. You could arrive somewhere thousands of kilometres from home and still find familiar faces waiting outside the venue.

AC/DC Abruzzo itself started almost as a Game. A little website created by people from Italy who wanted to see how far this passion could take us. Maybe, somewhere along the way, we also wanted to prove something to ourselves.

That if you really wanted something badly enough, many things that seemed impossible could become possible. Including spending months on tour. Working online during the day. Going to an AC/DC concert at night. Waking up the next morning and doing it again.

It produced an absurd number of stories. Adventures. Journeys. Meetings with the band.

Having drinks with Brian and Cliff in Stockholm or Sydney or having cigarettes with Angus in London, Zurich or Perth. Moments that still seem surreal today. Two books. And this blog, which was not active in the last legs of the tour for a combination of reasons.

None of this was always easy. Behind every concert there was also real life. Jobs. Businesses. Families. Responsibilities. Flights that had to work. Schedules that had to be rearranged. Plans negotiated months in advance. Over the years, finding the balance between those responsibilities and our desire to see as many concerts as possible became increasingly complicated.

But the reason we continued trying was simple. The concert was where the chemistry happened. That strange ritual. That indescribable rock'n'roll apotheosis. Two hours and twenty minutes during which everything else disappeared.

And at MetLife we knew we were experiencing it one more time, maybe the last time.

Then came Let There Be Rock. Angus alone again, taking control of an enormous stadium.

Then the encore.

T.N.T.

And finally For Those About to Rock.

The cannons fired.

The final 21-gun salute.

One last explosion.

One last chord.

Angus lifts his arm for a final salute and Brian's words at the end, which carried a different weight that night.

"Bye Bye. Goodnight and… Tell your grandkids about this night."

That line stayed with all of us. Because maybe that is exactly what these experiences become eventually. Stories. One day the concerts are no longer something you are planning for next month. They become something you tell someone else about.

In fact, Brian also said before:

"We hope we'll see you again."

Hope. Not goodbye. And maybe that is exactly where we should leave AC/DC. Nobody knows what happens next. Maybe there will be another show. Maybe there will not.

For once, after spending 25 years wondering when the next date would be announced, I am happy not to ask. They have given enough. More than enough.

After the final bows, the stadium lights came on. People slowly started leaving. The crew began dismantling the stage. Ride On started playing through the stadium speakers.

For us at AC/DC Abruzzo, this journey accompanied more than half of our lives. Twenty-five years. Countries and continents. Two books. Countless friendships.

Meetings with the band that the younger versions of ourselves would never have believed possible. And a ridiculous number of stories.

Today, writing these final lines, I realize how much life happened around it.

The blog was never really about reporting AC/DC news. It was about being there. Living it. Trying it. Travelling. Meeting people and sharing it. And proving, at least to ourselves, that sometimes you really can chase something that looks completely unreasonable and somehow make it part of your life.

We did.

And it was a hell of a ride.

So there is no sadness in closing this chapter. There is gratitude.

For every show. For every friend. For every journey.

For those moments with Angus, the handshakes, the smiles and the pats on the back.

For Brian coming back.

For one more world tour that none of us really expected.

For Australia.

For River Plate.

For East Rutherford.

For the Power Up Tour. For the 36 we were lucky enough to see. For the 128 that became part of our own story.

And above all, for AC/DC. The greatest rock'n'roll band of all time.

The AC/DC Abruzzo blog is officially closed.

It was an amazing journey.

Ride On.

AC/DC ABRUZZO POWER UP TOUR 2023-2026

7 October 2023 – Indio – Empire Polo Club

17 May 2024 – Gelsenkirchen – Veltins-Arena
21 May 2024 – Gelsenkirchen – Veltins-Arena
25 May 2024 – Reggio Emilia – RCF Arena
29 May 2024 – Seville – Estadio de La Cartuja
1 June 2024 – Seville – Estadio de La Cartuja
5 June 2024 – Amsterdam – Johan Cruyff Arena
9 June 2024 – Munich – Olympiastadion
23 June 2024 – Vienna – Ernst-Happel-Stadion
26 June 2024 – Vienna – Ernst-Happel-Stadion
29 June 2024 – Zürich – Letzigrund
3 July 2024 – London – Wembley Stadium
7 July 2024 – London – Wembley Stadium
21 July 2024 – Bratislava – Vajnory Airport
13 August 2024 – Paris – Longchamp Racecourse
17 August 2024 – Dublin – Croke Park

26 June 2025 – Prague – Letňany Airport
30 June 2025 – Berlin – Olympiastadion
4 July 2025 – Warsaw – PGE Narodowy
12 July 2025 – Madrid – Riyadh Air Metropolitano
20 July 2025 – Imola – Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
24 July 2025 – Tallinn – Song Festival Grounds
9 August 2025 – Saint-Denis – Stade de France
13 August 2025 – Saint-Denis – Stade de France
21 August 2025 – Edinburgh – Murrayfield Stadium
8 December 2025 – Perth – Optus Stadium
14 December 2025 – Brisbane – Suncorp Stadium
18 December 2025 – Brisbane – Suncorp Stadium

24 February 2026 – São Paulo – Estádio do Morumbi
28 February 2026 – São Paulo – Estádio do Morumbi
4 March 2026 – São Paulo – Estádio do Morumbi
23 March 2026 – Buenos Aires – Estadio River Plate
27 March 2026 – Buenos Aires – Estadio River Plate
31 March 2026 – Buenos Aires – Estadio River Plate
29 September 2026 – Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
2 October 2026 – East Rutherford – MetLife Stadium

AC/DC Live in Paris, France (Hyppodrome de Longchamps) 13 August 2024

2024-08-16T08:25:00.005+02:00

AC/DC Live in Paris, France (Hyppodrome de Longchamps) 13 August 2024

If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black
Demon Fire
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

After nine long years, the French audience finally got their dose of AC/DC again in Paris! It wasn’t the iconic Stade de France, but a new venue for us—the Longchamps Hippodrome, probably the only option available for a massive crowd in Paris during a summer packed with Olympic madness.

Getting to the venue? A real adventure. A lot of walking through the woods (yes, next to the infamous Bois de Boulogne), and by the time we reached the Fosse Or, it was already packed. The die-hard French fans had been there since morning, proving once again that they are among the hardest core of this tour. It was the usual BERCY/SDF crowd, now seasoned veterans, mixed with open-air festival warriors like those from Hellfest—most of them in their 50s and above. Sure, there were several generations represented, as in other countries, but the average age here felt a bit higher... Let’s not forget, AC/DC has been rocking France since the '70s, and the French audience knows how to party! Paris is always Paris—unique in its magic and energy! It wasn’t a 100k audience as some had speculated, but in our opinion, it was no less than 80k...

We found our spot on the left, pretty far from the stage, in the good company of our French friends from previous tours—Mathieu Marseille, Indy, Thibault FC, and tmany more Always great to reconnect with those who share unforgettable AC/DC memories since 2008!

The show kicked off at 8:15 sharp. The fading light of dusk made the atmosphere even more magical as the opening video played on the screens.

IF YOU WANT BLOOD! The band exploded onstage with their usual energy and power! Despite the scorching weather reminiscent of Seville, they delivered another killer performance. Everything went as expected until the big surprise—HELL AIN’T A BAD PLACE TO BE made its way back into the setlist! The band played it with intensity, a special treat for the Paris crowd!

Brian's voice was excellent again. Angus, very focused and precise as usual. MAYBE, occasionally, they looked a bit tired comparing to other shows a month agi, but who wouldn’t be after so many shows and in this kind of heat? Still, they were on point! Maybe the LTBR solos were a bit shorter than usual, and Brian had some minor issues with his ear monitors during Rosie. But overall, it was another fantastic show!

Now, about the crowd—honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect. The behavior of rock crowds has changed a lot since the last tour in 2015-2016. In Paris, we noticed that the Fosse Or, at least on the left side, wasn’t as responsive during the usual hits like Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Shoot to Thrill, Riff Raff or Rosie., Sure, the crowd was very loud, but the energy didn’t match the levels of Bercy 2009 or SDF 2010. Times change... Still, it was cool to see some crowd-surfing attempts (even if not successful) and people jumping on each other's shoulders... Considering the widespread “smartphone zombification” at concerts these days, the crowd still gets a thumbs up from us.

As for the venue... It’s a thumbs down. We didn’t expect much, but it still fell short of our expectations. Similar to other large venues of this tour but not as organized...Getting in and out was a real hassle... Maybe not like Bratislava but way less efficient than Stadiums or even Reggio Emilia

But in the end, it was another night of rock that will go down in the history of Rock'n'Roll. A night to be remembered for a long time, with good friends, great music, and the unstoppable power of AC/DC.

And now, off to Dublin for the last dance...

WHOLE LOTTA FRANCE - HIGHWAY TO PARIS 2024

2024-08-12T08:35:00.007+02:00

Ready for AC/DC Back in Paris 2024! Is it going to be the last show ever played in Paris? Only time will tell! For now we know it will be a historic show for AC/DC's history which can't be missed.

For the occasion we are posting our article published (in French) by Rolling Stone France (n.164). Let there be rock!

It was the night of September 20, 2016. We were coming out of the Wells Fargo Center, feeling a storm of mixed emotions. Estatic for hearing rare gems like "Live Wire," and "Problem Child" (played for the first time since 2001). But also feeling harsh bitterness: Angus had officially said goodbye onstage to Cliff Williams, who was retiring. Chris Slade and Stevie Young had replaced Phil and Malcolm for the whole Rock or Bust tour. And the lead singer next to Angus was no longer Brian Johnson—it was Axl Rose! For hard core fans like us it felt like we were in a parallel universe. But when we spoke to Angus that night, we still thanked him from the deepest of our hearts for continuing despite the challenges of the last few years.

Then came a long hibernation, as usually happens after an AC/DC tour. But with Cliff retired, Brian with his hearing loss, and Phil Rudd with unspecified problems, the idea of another AC/DC tour seemed close to impossible. But then the impossible became possible again. Brian came back with his hearing thanks to technology. "Power Up" was released, and rumors of stadium bookings started circulating. But then COVID happened, threatening to be the last nail in the coffin for AC/DC as a live band.

But once again, the pessimists were proved wrong. AC/DC was officially announced to be part of the POWERTRIP Festival in Indio, California, in October 2023—seven years after Philadelphia!

The show felt like a dream that literally brought tears to our eyes on more than one occasion. The opener was "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)," last played with Brian in Hammersmith 2003, twenty years ago. The setlist was packed with the classics like “Back in Black” and “Thunderstruck,” alongside new tracks like “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark” from their latest album, and surprises such as “Stiff Upper Lip.” Cliff was back, Brian was back, and a new drummer was there. And then, there was Angus, visibly older than the last tour, in a shiny blue velvet suit and proudly white hair for the first time. The music was good and loud, and the singer turned and said to the crowd: LET THERE BE ROCK! We were hearing this again live after seven years. AC/DC had come back with 24 live songs—the longest setlist we could remember after 93 AC/DC shows we saw! Some said the concert was full of imperfections, but true rock ’n’ roll fans didn’t care—the most important thing was that AC/DC was back!

The big question after PowerTrip was: Is there going to be a world tour? We had briefly met Brian before PowerTrip, and he confirmed that they really wanted to tour and had already tentatively booked some dates with promoters in Europe, including Italy, which was supposed to be the first show of this new tour. But they didn’t know how the audience would react after so many years and if they were still cutting the mustard on stage after such a long break and at an older age. The decision would be taken after PowerTrip.

And then for months, we waited for the news, which finally came: European tour! We immediately got back in touch with our pals, booking hotels, tickets, and flights. It was really happening.

Gelsenkirchen: 17-21 May

AC/DC chose Germany for the opening dates, not too far from Angus’ home. The stage setup was impressive, with complex lighting creating a unique visual spectacle. Angus' guitar touch and movements were more secure and precise than in Indio. Brian’s voice sounded much better than at PowerTrip. Despite minor technical issues, the band’s performance was outstanding, especially on the second night. The Rock 'n' Roll train had started and was slowly getting up to full speed.

Reggio Emilia: 25 May

Reggio Emilia was next, and it was a night to remember. The concert drew the biggest crowd of the tour so far, with over 100,000 fans packing the open-air RCF Arena. Angus’s physical shape at 69 was visibly improving, jumping and duck-walking again—things that would be challenging for any average 40-year-old. You could tell he spends a lot of time in the gym and spas. Brian’s voice was getting stronger and more solid, and he seemed rejuvenated, especially performing in front of his mother’s country. Surprisingly, the setlist was shortened from 24 to 21 songs, but it still gave fans over two hours of pure rock 'n' roll.

Seville: 29 May and 1 June

And then Seville, where the hot weather and vibrant atmosphere set the stage for another incredible pair of shows. The crowd’s reaction to “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” was explosive and continued to rock for over two hours. The connection between the energy of AC/DC’s live music and the energy of the crowd reached its pinnacle in Spain. The tour will continue and we will also arrive in Paris, definetely one concert not to miss! As for USA, South America and Australia we were told we will have to wait a few more weeks for a decision, based on how Brian and Angus feel during the European tour.

In any case, AC/DC has reminded us why they are legends. They have faced doubts, health issues, deaths, and the passage of time, but their spirit clearly remains unbroken. The Power Up tour is not just about music; it’s about resilience, passion, and the unyielding love for rock 'n' roll. And as long as AC/DC is there: THERE WILL BE ROCK!

Matteo Abruzzo

AC/DC Live in Bratislava, Slovakia (Vajnory Airport) 21 July 2024

2024-07-26T19:22:00.003+02:00

AC/DC Live in Bratislava, Slovakia (Vajnory Airport) 21 July 2024

If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black
Demon Fire
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

We decided to add Bratislava to our list of concerts last minute. Initially, we were hesitant due to concerns about the large venue and Slovakia's inexperience with hosting major live concerts. For those who remember the chaos of Imola 2015, we feared another logistical nightmare… But our goal is to get to as many AC/DC shows as possible so we stuck to this principle and booked flights, cars, tickets etc.

We drove from Vienna to Bratislava. The day was scorching hot, so we waited until 7 PM to enter the gold pitch. We salute the dedicated fans who braved the sun since noon to secure their spots at the front. It was probably the hottest show of the tour after Seville... Maybe even more...

We weren’t picky about our position this time and chose to stand a bit further back, not too far from the mixer, to fully appreciate the lights and sound. And what a spectacle it was! From Demon Fire to Shoot to Thrill to Dirty Deeds, the new light show by Cosmo and crew was a feast for the eyes. The sound quality was phenomenal, loud and clear, with the videos on screen enhancing the experience, which we had never the chance to fully appreciate. We decided not to wear ear protection to fully immerse ourselves in the audio bliss.

The band's performance was TOP, in line with the last two months on the road. We are sure they left an indelible memory for the 80,000-120,000 people attending AC/DC's first-ever show in Slovakia (still not clear what the actual count was but it was huge!) In terms of performance, we personally preferred the London shows but it was still an exceptional performance. Angus was basically flawless in his parts, from Thunderstruck (slower but very "clean") to Let There Be Rock. Long Let there be Rock Solo, Brian screaming his lungs out and no noticeable mistakes and hesitations. And a lot of interactions between the two as well. If they are taking some supplements besides cornflakes, we would really love to know what! :)

We didn’t have high expectations for the Slovakian crowd in terms of energy but we also got surprised at times. They certainly had a good time with a lot of drinking involved but they were generally calm and seemed to enjoy the show in a more "German" way.

TNT and FTATR were phenomenal although we decided to move out a little bit earlier to avoid the heavy traffic... But the nightmares of Imola 2015 reappeared again.... But again it was worth it!

Our belief that when AC/DC is playing live anywhere in the world, there's no better place for a fan to be than in front of that stage, was reaffirmed tonight

Rock on!

Ready for the show!

After party in the parking lot under the moon

AC/DC Live in Stuttgart, Germany (Cannstatter Wasen) 17 July 2024

2024-07-25T22:06:00.003+02:00

From the Orangus' travel diary...

"This was the best show of the tour..."

AC/DC Live in Hockenheim, Germany (Hockenheimring) 13 July 2024

2024-07-14T19:26:00.014+02:00

Orangus - getting close to his 150th AC/DC show

AC/DC Live in Hockenheim, Germany (Hockenheimring), 13 July 2024

We first encountered Orangus on 21 October 2003, just before the legendary Hammersmith show in London, where he arranged one ticket for us. Since then, we've maintained close contact throughout the Black Ice and Rock or Bust tours. Like a migratory species, Orangus treats attending AC/DC live shows as his natural habitat. Whenever there’s an AC/DC tour, you can sight this devoted creature in his natural environment, near the barrier or somewhere in the golden pitch area, usually jumping compulsively to the AC/DC drums and guitar, much like a hyperactive kangaroo in a rhythmic frenzy...

From the Orangus' travel diary...

As usual, Hockenheim had the worst acoustics of the tour, and I don't know why but every tour it's like that.... After a few songs, I, along with two other guys near me, left the front row in front of the catwalk and moved to the back of the golden pitch area. The sound improved significantly, but it still wasn’t good enough...

I have been enjoying this tour immensely, like a hedgehog when its mate shaves (zoologists say this is a very rare event). After this tour, I honestly expected to declare that The Hu was now my favourite live band, but, with all due respect to my Mongolian friends, as long as AC/DC is around, no one else can compare.I even doubt this might be their last tour... We all assumed it, but they’ve never hinted at retirement. Apparently, they don’t need to.

Brian Johnson has never been considered an absolute phenomenon, but he has certainly become one considering his voice and how he has been performing during this tour despite his age. When AC/DC takes breaks, he could even consider stepping in as Axl’s substitute in Guns N’ Roses!

Angus has often been compared to Paganini; if that violinist sold his soul to the devil, I can't imagine what was the deal with this guitarist...

All AC/DC's music has been associated with the devil, yet it compels an atheist like me to look up to the sky and thank some unknown entity for gifting us with this band.

Jumping Jack Orangus

The tallest catwalk of the tour in Hockenheim

Will There Be Another Tour Leg?

2024-07-11T01:02:00.005+02:00

Memento - Thanks to Dikie Jones for the reminder

Will There Be Another Tour Leg?

This is the burning question every hardcore AC/DC fan is asking now, after Wembley. Especially for us die-hards, who chase as many shows as possible, the anticipation is inevitable.

First off, let's be clear: we don’t have the answer and haven’t spoken to anyone who does, in the band, near the band or far from the band. Right now, it's all speculation and hypothesis. Maybe even the band is unsure about the future.

However, their triumphant success at Wembley undoubtedly sent a strong message: AC/DC should continue after Dublin!

Before diving into our own wild speculations, let's take a moment to reflect on how blessed we've been with this tour. We didn’t see it coming, and our gratitude goes out to everyone who made it happen.

As for past tours, we're committed to attending as many shows as possible because AC/DC's true essence shines on stage. Some fans collect vinyl records or memorabilia; we collect LIVE SHOWS and MEMORIES.

SCENARIO 1: The Band Will Call It Quits in Dublin

As phenomenal as Brian and Angus have been on stage, age and health issues are inescapable. Brian, at 76, has endured significant health challenges with his hearing. He's always been clear that he dislikes never-ending tours, as he often mentioned to us during the Black Ice tour. Now, having reclaimed his crown as AC/DC's lead singer after Bon, Dublin might be the perfect, triumphant exit for him and for AC/DC.

SCENARIO 2: A Leg in Australia

This scenario involves 5-6 shows, or perhaps more, in Australia this fall or winter. It would be a fitting end for AC/DC to finish where they started: back home. This tour is clearly more than a money-making venture, and ending in Australia would be profoundly meaningful. However, AC/DC has a history of unpredictability. For instance, they skipped a symbolic and meaningful city as Glasgow on the current European tour and announced a tour with just three months' notice. Too many variables make it impossible to rely on past patterns or common sense.

SCENARIO 3: Touring the US After Europe

They might tour the US this fall (September/October), announcing dates in the coming days, uplifted by their European success. Another 10-15 dates in the US would be logical, as it's still a major market with significant demand for AC/DC. The tour machine is already in place, so why stop? However, organizing such a tour on short notice is challenging unless everything has been tentatively booked and kept under wraps with impeccable NDAs. We should know any day if this is the case...

SCENARIO 4: Large Venues in the US and South America

In a few days, we might hear about dates for large venues in the US and South America for the end of 2024. Rumors about South America have been around since 2023. They skipped it during the Rock or Bust tour, and while this region might not be as lucrative as Europe or North America, it's still a possibility. Very large venues to maximize impact and reduce strain on band members, like the Stones have done in the past. AC/DC might have a few surprises up their sleeves. Or maybe not… Who knows...

SCENARIO 5: The Impossible Scenarios - Residency Shows and New frontiers

AC/DC could be setting up residency shows in one or more major cities, reducing the travel demands and allowing fans to flock to them. Imagine multiple nights in a place like Sin City / Las Vegas. It’s a concept never done before by AC/DC, but there’s always a first time for everything.

And what if they decided to break all barriers and conquer new, uncharted territories playing in places they've never been before, like Asia or the Middle East? Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, these locations are becoming more popular for major concerts. This wouldn't just be about the big bucks; it would be about proving that AC/DC's rock 'n' roll can conquer any market.

Hail Ceasar!

SCENARIO 6: Multiple Scenarios Combined

Imagine this: two or three of the scenarios above coming true, plus another European leg in 2025. This is not just a dream; it’s what we all hope! Angus, the unstoppable force of nature, shows no signs of wanting to stop. His spark on stage is undeniable, manifesting the undying fire of rock 'n' roll. For Angus, this is more than a job; it's his life’s blood, a fire that's difficult to tame.

Brian's situation is more complex, given his hearing issues and age. But let's not forget, in 2016, he was "out of the band" because of his hearing loss, and now we're witnessing a miracle with this tour with what he is doing every single night with his amazing voice and presence. The miracles can continue.

Conclusion

Remember: this post is an exercise in dreaming and speculating because we can never get enough of AC/DC live on stage. We hope that after Dublin, AC/DC will continue to rock for fans old and new around the world.But ultimately, we've learned to be grateful and live in the moment, savoring each concert as if it were the last one. We are happy.

Let there be Rock.

Amen.

Nine Lives

AC/DC Live at Wembley Stadium, London, UK 7 July 2024

2024-07-08T22:52:00.005+02:00

Rosie never stops!

AC/DC Live at Wembley Stadium, London UK, 7 July 2024

We spent the days between the two London shows immersing ourselves in the AC/DC community at the dive bar in Camden Town and in local pubs. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with friends from past tours who had traveled from all over the world to attend these historic concerts. Much like our experience in Vienna, we had the privilege of meeting some people very close to the band members' families... These brief but meaningful encounters transported us back to the band's early days, with stories of relentless hard work, simplicity, and a burning determination by Angus and co to achieve their dreams. London has always been a pivotal city for AC/DC, second only to Australia in significance to the band's history and we were grateful to be there again after 9 years for other twi AC/DC live shows.

We also enjoyed leisurely strolls through London parks with the new AC/DC Abruzzo mascot, "Rosie," taking in the classic “beautiful” English weather.

As the second show at Wembley approached, we prepared for another memorable night of rock 'n' roll. The Sunday show started about 30 minutes earlier, and the organization was top-notch, with the smoothest and most professional flow of fans into the stadium that we’ve ever seen. Wembley Stadium, and imposing fortress from the outside, transforms into an intimate venue despite its 90,000-person capacity. For the second night, we decided to switch and stand on Stevie’s side. We noticed an increased number of cameras compared to the previous night. This suggested that they were also recording the second London show, and fans in the Gold Pitch were being interviewed, possibly for behind-the-scenes footage. We were happy to be part of this memorable event, which might be featured in a future video release. And even if not released on video, at least we knew the band would be performing at 200% again for the occasion!

And so it was! Angus was as focused and intense as the previous concert, at times even more, leading with his usual charisma and energy. Brian’s performance was even stronger than the first night, energetic and electrifying with powerful screaming and rock'n'roll signature movements and expressions. Brian was the king of the night despite some minor hiccups at the end during "For Those About to Rock. Despite the age and despite what other bands do, AC/DC remains a live band and these imperfections are normal and even appreciated and enjoyed by fans. "High Voltage" was a particular highlight, with Brian adding variations to the lyrics and showcasing the power of his voice. "Shoot to Thrill," "Riff Raff," "Highway to Hell," and "Whole Lotta Rosie" were all phenomenal. "Let There Be Rock" was excellent, although the solos seemed a bit shorter than usual. In FTATR there were some minor issues with the cannons... Great job again from the rhytmic section.

However, the acoustics in the Stadium were worse than the first night. This could have been due to our position, the stadium's acoustics, or the amplification setup /mixing process. We experienced some distortion at times, which is not uncommon in large stadiums, especially with the high sound levels that AC/DC requires, being one of the loudest live bands ever. Anyway, you can't expect the same sound quality in smaller venues like Zurich and Gelsenkirchen.

The Wembley crowd was fantastic! Super loud and energetic! We had a blast jumping and singing along with the fans around us. Everyone was there for a good time and a rock 'n' roll party. In the end, AC/DC's music has always been about making people happy, and this night was no exception.

Since the Stiff Upper Lip tour concerts in Birmingham and Milton Keynes in 2000 and 2001, and the unforgettable "one night only" gig at Hammersmith in 2003, we've consistently enjoyed great times with English/British fans. Although sometimes the alcohol was leading to excessive behavior, such as beer throwing, compulsive crowd surfing and and shoes also flying up in the air with all types of objects during shows, we always had a good time overall... That's also Rock'n'Roll... Security did a commendable job, ensuring everyone had a great time. We noticed fewer phones up and more people just living in the moment. It was heartening to see several generations around us, from seasoned fans with over 100 shows under their belts to those experiencing AC/DC live for the first time.

History was made again in London. As we bid farewell to England, we ponder whether this was the last show here... only time will tell.

Now, it's back to Germany for more open-air field shows!

JONNA IS BACK!

Hard core fans from 4 different continents in London

AC/DC Live at Wembley Stadium, London, UK 3 July 2024

2024-07-04T18:33:00.003+02:00

AC/DC Live at Wembley Stadium, 3 July 2024

And it was the day of the great comeback of the greatest rock band in the world at the legendary Wembley Stadium, a venue that has hosted some of the greatest legends of rock and music. The biggest stadium and the biggest stadium crowd of the tour, in London, were ready to rock! We got confirmation that the band was recording the show on video when we saw the extra cameras on stage, near the catwalk, and in other sections of the stadium. Clearly, it was an expensive production and for sure the end result will be amazing.

We got back to our usual spot on the right in the Gold Pitch. Got a new pair of Devils' horns with the cheap stickers replaced by a nice engraved logo and the new tour book. Plus a Wembley T-shirt (though not the tshirt with all the London concerts listed as there were many mistakes in it, including forgetting to list one of the shows we attended in 2010!). Happy to see old friends in the pitch, from Johnny to Hugo. It was also nice to see another young generation of fans in their 20s and 30s, experiencing AC/DC live for the first time!

The stadium filled up around 8 PM for a solid sold-out show, with hardly any empty seats visible. At approximately 8:13 PM, the band was on stage, and it was time to start with "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)." Angus and Brian took the stage with unprecedented energy, probably aware that this concert would become an official video release. Especially Angus, who seemed to be on another level of energy from previous shows. The guitar touch and the moves on stage were impeccable! More duckwalks than usual and even more attention to details, pleasing the cameras capturing this historic comeback of AC/DC in England. Angus was very stylish in his light blue velvet suit with a burgundy red hat.

The audience was very good and more responsive than expected after the post pandemic smartphone collective zombification. Of course, it wasn't quite the Live at River Plate crowd that jumps and chants for two hours straight, but we were pleasantly impressed by the English crowd's willingness to have a good time together. Very, very few smartphones in the pitch, as opposed to other European venues in this tour. A lot of jumping and chanting, and even a little bit of pogo in certain pitch areas (not in ours, but we could see it on the screens and on online videos).

The performance of the band was fantastic! The only "issue" was Angus who was really on another level of intensity comparing to the other members! Brian's voice was great as well, maybe not as good as in Zurich and Vienna but still exceptionally good. Songs like "Thunderstruck" and "Shoot to Thrill" were rendered even better than usual, at least to our perception. "High Voltage" had a new, never-before-seen variation from Brian, which we loved. "Highway to Hell" with the flames and thousands of devil horns flashing in the stadium was just epic.

Angus was paying attention to moves and positions, like he knew what to do in front of the cameras to make sure this show could be engraved forever in the history of rock 'n' roll. Matt and Chris also played with higher intensity, especially Matt during "Riff Raff," "Let There Be Rock," and "T.N.T." Again, we got the same impression at PowerTrip of seeing a lookalike of Phil Rudd from the '70s, even with his mouth movements. Only the cigarette was missing. Stevie, very accurate and precise, also contributed to the success of the night.

"Let There Be Rock" was just the final apotheosis for the Gods of Rock 'n' Roll with extremely long and intense solos. The "flying" camera must have captured some great shots while Angus was on the lift as we saw it going up and down. And the solo in the back just proved to everyone that even if that AC/DC music will never get old!

The new Wembley Stadium is definetely a great venue, which is ideal for big rock concerts. Within 45 minutes from the end the venue was almost completely empty. Acoustics, on the other end, left something to be desired, especially in our section. We personally prefer small venues but AC/DC are now too big!

And night one is in the books. It was great to see so many old friends after the gig. Blue, red, and white confetti as the UK flag colors. Unfortunately, we missed Rock 'n' Roll Nonno Alan who was in the audience but we could not meet. But from the Black Ice tour we got Arnaud, Thibault, Spurky, Sven, Spectakulla and the rest of the German mafia. Also we bumped into Breno, with whom we bump into casually since Hammersmith 2003, including Rock'n'Roll Train Video Shoot, all the London gigs and even Venice beach in LA before PowerTrip.

Hopefully for the next show on Sunday! But still, it was a great night to remember for us and for future generations!

Photo by BrianJohnsonRacing

AC/DC Live at Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich 29 June 2024

2024-07-01T01:40:00.004+02:00

AC/DC Live at Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich 29 June 2024

And after the two fantastic performances in Vienna, we arrived in Zurich, Switzerland. We had great memories from the two sold-out shows in 2015 and 2010 at Letzigrund Stadium—a small and intimate stadium with a capacity of only 50,000 people. The smallest crowd and, for sure, the hottest tickets of the tour.

After a long train journey from Vienna, we spent a nice evening with Francesco and other local and international friends and got ready to rock the following day.

Again, at the stadium, we decided to stick to the left side of the Golden Pitch section. The band is clearly on a growing trajectory, and we were eager to see how this momentum would continue in Zurich. At 6 PM, the crowd was still distracted by the football match, so it was easy to get close to the barriers, as most people were watching. Once the game was over, they quickly showed the final result on the screen, and we were ready for the 13th show of the Power Up Tour.

The show started in a packed stadium at 8 PM, still with daylight. "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)" was performed entirely under the rain adding to the raw, authentic rock atmosphere. Then the rain stopped.

Brian, who is getting into perfect shape, immediately congratulated the Swiss for their 2-0 win at the EURO cup against Italy before launching into his two hours of rock 'n' roll. Being on Stevie’s side again allowed us to enjoy Brian’s performance like in Vienna. He interacted with the front rows, joking with the crowd, dancing and with a lot of Brian Johnson's signature high-pitched screaming and poses. His voice is too good to be true, really. What a performer! During the show we also spotted the iconic yellow bottle from which he drinks in between songs, which brough back memories of the glorious Black Ice Tour days.

It looks like Brian is gearing up to be at his best for the Wembley shows, where close family and friends will be present, and where he will be crowned again as the one and only frontman of AC/DC. The London concert is set to be videotaped, adding another reason for him to be at the top of his game.

Angus Young put on an excellent performance as usual. He’s now unstoppable, whether rain or shine, and full of energy. You can see he is enjoying "Let There Be Rock" more and more, both on the catwalk elevator and in the back. He clearly enjoys the loud noise made by the crowd, which reaches its peak during his solo and "T.N.T." As we noticed in Vienna, now a three-day break is more than enough for the band to recover.

There were some minor technical problems during "Stiff Upper Lip" for Brian, and no burning flames in the back during "Highway to Hell," just the spitting fire effects. As for the confetti, we noticed that the colors change from country to country based on the national flag. For Austria and Switzerland, the confetti was red and white, whereas for Germany it was yellow, red, and black.

The crowd in Zurich was surprisingly vibrant and dynamic but still in line with the usual Swiss "neutral"standards (not much moving or jumping).

Time to prepare for London for two memorable shows! BACK IN ENGLAND!

AC/DC Live at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna 26 June 2024

2024-06-27T14:04:00.005+02:00

If you want Sacher, You've Got it!

AC/DC Live at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna 23 June 2024

Vienna Second Night. Once again, AC/DC delivered an excellent concert. This time we decided to watch it from Stevie’s side, preferred spot to some of the hardcore the German fanbase who have been with us in many concerts before.

We arrived at the same time as the previous show but managed to get very close to the barriers. Being so close meant we couldn't see what was happening on the other side of the stage, very different from the Black Ice Tour in 2009 when we could even see our friends on the other side of the catwalk while Brian and Angus were going back and forth. Nice memories... The Vienna stadium was packed again, with people arriving later than on Wednesday. While the previous show started a bit early at 8:26 PM, this one started right on time, and what a show it was!

Angus Young delivered a killer performance from the first song to the last despite having one less day of rest. This was probably the best second show of all the dual concert cities so far in terms of band's performance (Seville, Munich, Dresden). Angus is now rock solid, consistent and always rocking at his best for the delight of the fans. The rythmic sections still delivers without any flaw. Stevie in particular is really getting in great shape and does an amazing job.

Being on the left side of the stage, we had the privilege of closely observing Brian's activities during the concert. And what a performance by Brian! When he's under the spotlight, he gives 110%—energy, voice, screaming, and interacting with the audience, especially the fans in the first rows. He really makes the experience unique for everyone, from the first rows to the highest seats in the Ernst Happel Stadium. Voice is still amazing. Great frontman. Great professional.

When Brian is not under the spotlight, you can see him carefully getting his breathing back, drinking from his "magic power" bottle, talking to the sound tech, or making sure the ear monitor works well. During solos, he stands in front of the Marshall Amps, with his hat, in the typical Brian’s position. There were some minor problems during "Stiff Upper Lip," where he lost the cue a couple of times, but that’s the beauty of live music. Yesterday, we understood even better how much we missed Brian in the last years and in 2016 of course...

The crowd was fantastic! Very loud, especially during "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "T.N.T." The highlight of the night was "Shoot to Thrill," a song that always delivers live with the enthusiasm of fans. The audience’s energy was palpable, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated throughout the stadium. There were even a couple of crowdsurfing attempts (failed - the only succesful ones we saw this tour were in Seville 1).

We’re gearing up for the next stop in Zurich. Stay tuned for more updates from the road. Until then, keep rocking!

AC/DC Live at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna 23 June 2024

2024-06-24T15:04:00.002+02:00

AC/DC Live at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna 23 June 2024

Vienna on June 23, 2024. Another fantastic performance by AC/DC at the Ernst Happel Stadium!

We arrived in Vienna after Dresden with mixed expectations—low about the audience energy and responsiveness, but high about the band, which is clearly growing concert after concert. To our surprise, everything went beyond our expectations!

This was our first Austrian gig ever, having never seen AC/DC in Vienna during the last tours. We spent Saturday exploring the city, soaking in its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delightful cuisine. Vienna is a city that dresses well, and its food is a treat, especially if you enjoy high-carb, calorie-laden sweets and cakes.

The First Vienna Show

The Ernst Happel Stadium is large and not as intimate as Seville or Amsterdam stadiums, but it proved to be an excellent venue for a rock concert. The atmosphere was vibrant and the crowd was surprisingly super loud, a fact that Angus and Brian appreciated, spending more time than usual on the catwalk, especially during "High Voltage." In our section, in front of the Power Injector sign, as usual, the energy was palpable with Austrians jumping and screaming like crazy. There was even continuous pogo next to us, which we happily joined during some of our favorite songs. One enthusiastic fan even mimicked Angus’s on-the-floor lying on the back movement during "Let There Be Rock."

Angus Young’s physical condition is clearly improving. His muscles are growing stronger, and he’s doing more duckwalks. Brian is becoming increasingly confident with each performance, his voice solid and really impressive. His vocals remain a delightful mystery—crispy, bluesy, and powerful.

Musically, this was one of the best performances of the tour. The band played exceptionally well.

Highlights of the Night

"If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)": This song never gets old for us. It’s a powerhouse that always delivers and always reminds us of the glorious Hammersmith 2003 show.
"Shot Down in Flames": Another classic that ignited the crowd.
"Whole Lotta Rosie" and "Let There Be Rock": These songs were the crescendo of the night, with the crowd going wild and Angus giving his all on stage.

Musically, this concert was in the top three of the tour, and overall (venue, audience etc) it probably ranks in the top five of this tour.

During our first two days in Vienna, we had the pleasure of meeting several people from the crew and the band’s family. They shared some stories about past tours, the current tour, and even some hints about future plans. Stay tuned for more!

AC/DC Live at Rinne, Dresden 19 June 2024

2024-06-23T13:10:00.003+02:00

Despite the beautiful red sunset the night before, we were greeted by rain for this performance. Nonetheless, the band delivered another unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll.

I arrived on foot at the Rinne Arena shortly after 4 PM for the afternoon concert, as AC/DC was set to perform at 7:30 PM. This might be one of the few concerts completely in daylight, apart from past summer dates in northern Europe. Despite the expected crowd of over 70,000 people, entering the Rinne was simple and well-organized. Within minutes, I found myself in the gold pitch, which was smaller than other concerts, and positioned myself in my usual spot on the right, under the "Power Injector" sign. I greeted Orangus, who found a spot in front of the catwalk, where he could jump and headbang without disturbing others—what a polite gentleman!

The pre-concert music was enjoyable, and I noticed there was a DJ set on stage playing rock classics from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, and even Maneskin (WTF!). I’m not sure whose idea it was, but we liked it.

The audience seemed more mature, with fewer young people, possibly because they attended the first concert. The atmosphere was relaxed, with some people braving the rain without raincoats, intent on drinking beer and eating sausages. There was little energy, and it stayed that way throughout the concert. I was even asked to calm down several times for daring to jump.

Angus was in green again, probably celebrating the Boston Celtics’ NBA Finals victory. Unfazed by the rain, he bounced along the catwalk during the solo of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and did his signature move during “Back in Black.” Brian interacted with the audience more than usual, speaking and encouraging them, and he seemed to have gained even more confidence with the setlist. Once again, he let Angus sing the lines “but you ain't got the guts” and “enough to drive you nuts” during “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.”

“Shot Down in Flames” and “Stiff Upper Lip” were my favorites of the evening. There was a minor issue with Angus’s guitar during “Have a Drink on Me,” which was quickly replaced by his technician. For the first time on this tour, he used the red SG, which I really appreciated on “Riff Raff” and “Highway to Hell.”

At the start of “T.N.T.,” Stevie accidentally began with “Dirty Deeds,” but quickly recovered. The concert ended with the usual cannons and fireworks, creating a beautiful scene against the backdrop of the Rinne.

Personally, I noticed few errors. The only downside was an annoying reverb in my area, which forced me to use earplugs. Despite this, the band’s performance was solid and professional, showing their resilience and ability to put on a great show despite the rain and minor technical issues.

As we wrap up this fantastic show in Dresden, we’re gearing up for the next stop in Vienna. The Power Up Tour continues to prove why AC/DC remains one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Stay tuned for more updates from the road. Until then, keep rocking!

Stefano, Secretary General

The Power Injector Sign

Jumping Orangus on AC/DC Offical Social Media - 141 shows

AC/DC Live at Olympiastadion, Munich 12 June 2024

2024-06-15T17:50:00.004+02:00

AC/DC Live at Olympiastadion, Munich 12 June 2024

You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)

Back in Black

Demon Fire

Shot Down in Flames

Thunderstruck

Have a Drink on Me

Hells Bells

Shot in the Dark

Stiff Upper Lip

Shoot to Thrill

Sin City

Rock ‘n’ Roll Train

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

High Voltage

Riff Raff

You Shook Me All Night Long

Highway to Hell

Whole Lotta Rosie

Let There Be Rock

T.N.T.

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Report by Stefano, the AC/DC ABRUZZO Secretary General

Beautiful day, with Orangus forecasting sunshine. The city is already full of Scots in kilts, invading local breweries from the early hours of the morning.

I arrived at Olympiapark just after 5 PM. The atmosphere was convivial, with all the outdoor dining areas filled with Germans in their colorful denim jackets adorned with commemorative patches. The Golden Circle section was quite full by 6 PM, a mixed crowd with many families and children. There were fewer attempts at the OLA and chanting compared to Sunday’s concert and fewer young people. I positioned myself on the right as usual, but closer to the barrier. Some people were complaining about the lack of space in the pitch. I advised them to buy Seat tickets next time.

The show started promptly at 8:30 PM. Angus was back in blue, and it was great to see him so close during "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)," played with precision and power. A couple of times when he came to the right corner of the stage, I enjoyed the moment without taking photos or videos—pure bliss. It’s incredible how, at his age, he still has an insatiable hunger for rock 'n' roll.

In the first part of the concert, the band seemed a bit more tired compared to Sunday. Angus did less duckwalking, and Brian performed his duties with professionalism. His voice sounded clean to me. From "Sin City" onwards, the band started to grind out some great rock. Brian was in "wide-eyed screaming mode" very ofter (as Phil the Belgian put it), and at times reminded me of the energy and moves from the Black Ice tour. The band seems to enjoy themselves on stage and gains confidence with each concert. Certainly, an extra day of rest makes a difference, and in my opinion, Munich 1 was better than today. But who cares!

Best Songs of the Night

"Sin City," "High Voltage," and "Highway to Hell" were highlights, but I also really enjoyed "Rock 'n' Roll Train." The crowd appreciated Angus’s solo on the catwalk and platform during "Let There Be Rock." It was great when he challenged the audience to be louder. Any attempts at a mosh pit were quickly suppressed by ladies more focused on protecting their space than having fun. The Colombian/Swedish fans from the previous concert mini moshpit were desperate and looked for my help on several occasions.

Overall, it was a solid concert. It started a bit slow, but they picked up in the second half.

Other Points to Mention:

- The playful interaction between Brian and Angus during "Dirty Deeds." with two vocals contributian by Angus as you can see in my video

- Brian not screaming at the end of "Highway to Hell" and touching his throat.

- Angus not dropping to the ground at the end of "Let There Be Rock just like on Sunday

- Orangus celebrating his 140th concert, standing right next to me.

- A kid jumping throughout the entire concert often annoyed Orangus who is less into jumping than previous tours...

In conclusion, Munich delivered another fantastic night of rock 'n' roll. The band continues to prove why they are legends, and I’m grateful to be part of this incredible journey. Now, on to the next one!

Rock on,

Stefano, Secretary General

100 SHOWS UNDER OUR BELT!

2024-06-12T01:02:00.001+02:00

In Munich, we proudly joined the small and exclusive club of fans with over 100 AC/DC shows under their belts—a club with maybe a couple of hundred members worldwide... who knows...

Achieving this milestone wasn't easy, especially considering we are from the "Stiff Upper Lip" generation, but it feels incredible to be part of such a dedicated group and celebrate it with such an unforgettable show.

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK WE SALUTE YOU!

AC/DC Live at Olympiastadion, Munich 9 June 2024

2024-06-11T23:01:00.009+02:00

Meine Damen und Herren
Das kann nur eins heissen
AC/DC

What we experienced in Munich was another great night of rock 'n' roll where the past and present of AC/DC intertwined, creating something unique and dreamlike for us hardcore fans. The Power Up Tour is a tour where we constantly have to pinch ourselves. It’s really too good to be true.

Just a couple of years ago, in 2021 or 2022, we would have never believed we could hear “Stiff Upper Lip” live again at Munich Olympiastadion, where the iconic 2001 DVD was recorded—a DVD we watched over and over, maybe thousands of times. And there we were, jumping and screaming with Brian and Angus, “And I shoot from the hip,” with Angus performing his solo on the catwalk...

Munich’s Olympiastadion is one of our favorite venues in Europe, known for its great crowd and iconic history. Despite the heavy rain for several hours, the atmosphere was electric. Probably, the majority of people didn’t like the rain, but for us, watching AC/DC perform under the rain always is something special—bringing back memories from Brisbane 2010, Nice 2010 and Munich 2015. A raw, authentic rock 'n' roll show!

You would expect the band to slow down at their age, especially with such adverse weather conditions. It had been raining since 6 PM. Backstage, the managers and some people in the audience, including us, were nervous. Can the show really take place? Is it safe?

But Angus and Brian made all doubts disappear! Angus played as if to prove they were not scared of the rain, the cold weather, or the slippery stage. He was super motivated on stage to put on the ultimate performance, rain or shine. To show the old guard of fans, as well as new kids in their teens and twenties who had never seen them, how an authentic rock 'n' roll show should be.

We were lucky enough to be close to the stage, in our usual spot on the right, where we could get the sound from the stage amps. Maybe not ideal for audiophiles, but we love to listen to that raw sound from Angus’s guitar. Some people complained about distortion and nas acoustics on the seats and other sections but for us it was just fine.

We expected the audience to be still and “sleepy,” as it sometimes happens in Germany. On the contrary, we were close to some young people from Sweden and Germany who were really there to rock hard, moshpit style. Some of them knew us from our past tours and blog, so we ended up having a great time jumping like crazy during “If You Want Blood,” “Back in Black,” and “Thunderstruck,” till the final crescendo of “Rosie” and “Let There Be Rock.” Those around us weren’t annoyed; they seemed rather pleased with their hiperactive neighbors.

The highlight of the night was “Riff Raff”—tight and nasty under the rain! It looked and sounded like the perfect epitome of the AC/DC live rockers philosophy from the Bon Scott era. The solo in “Let There Be Rock” was much longer than usual. It seemed like Angus didn’t want to stop under the rain. Watch our videos below to get a small taste of the power of this tour.

Brian continues to amaze us! Strong and solid as a rock. His voice is just fantastic. Sometimes, if you pay attention to YouTube videos or if you are at the venue simply to analyze the show, you might notice some inaccuracies or small issues. But when you are at the show, in the Golden Circle, you really get caught up in the moment of rock 'n' roll, and that’s when you realize and feel that when AC/DC are playing live, there is no better place to be.

The truth is that despite AC/DC being a corporation making hundreds of millions and having thousands of people working around them, you can still feel the raw rock 'n' roll of the early days when you see a show like this one... And this is the most important message of the night: Rock'n'Roll is still alive!

AC/DC Live at Johan Cruijff Arena , Amsterdam 5 June 2024

2024-06-09T14:43:00.007+02:00

If you Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black
Demon Fire
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Considering no US tour has been announced yet, and maybe never will, we decided to see as many shows as possible for us in Europe and so, after Seville, we went to Amsterdam. And we witnessed the AC/DC’s electrifying performance at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, and what a night it was!

We arrived at the arena early enough to meet some of our German friends we’ve known since the London 2003 and Black Ice tour. It was fantastic to reconnect and share our mutual excitement for the show. For the first time on this tour, we decided to position ourselves in front of the sound mixer to fully appreciate the power of AC/DC’s sound, in full stereo.

The atmosphere in the pitch was lively, with a noticeable level of alcohol consumption among the fans. Drinks were being thrown around before and during the show, and we even spotted some fights and “funny interactions” among the crowd during the opening band. You can check out some of these "friendly fights" on our social media. It reminded us of the rowdy English crowds, and we’re curious to see if London will bring similar vibes like in the past despite the use of smartphones.

The show started on time, and AC/DC kicked off strong and powerful. Brian Johnson was amazing, both in terms of movements on stage and vocals. His voice sounded so good on some songs that it was almost unbelievable. There were moments we joked about the possibility of backing tracks, but knowing AC/DC, it’s all raw and real. We just watched, enjoyed, and thanked again the Gods of rock for the gift of seeing AC/DC back on stage.

“Back in Black” and “Shoot to Thrill” were particular highlights, despite some minor sound distortion, which still made it more authentic for us. The acoustics in the stadium were generally great, especially where we were positioned. We had heard that the sound in this stadium might not be ideal for rock concerts, but our experience was fantastic. Listening to AC/DC in stereo like this was a dream, even though it’s hard for us to wear ear protection and miss out on the mighty rock 'n' roll sound of AC/DC.

“Stiff Upper Lip” was another standout performance. We know from Matt that it was his idea to include it in the set before PowerTrip, and the band approved it. Thanks, Matt! Angus Young was on fire, especially during the first part of the show. He duckwalked and moved energetically, also during Back in Black, though he seemed to slow down a bit during the end of the show; “Let There Be Rock” solo was short comparing to previous shows. In contrast, Brian kept growing stronger as the night went on. And for the encores he even had to change his t-shirt (we noticed as the color was dark blue instead of black).

The rest of the band did a fantastic job. There was a small mistake at the beginning of “T.N.T.” (apparently Stevie started with Dirty Deeds) but it was barely noticeable and again we love such small imperfections that make each live performance unique.

The crowd exceeded our expectations. The lack of division on the floor perhaps contributed to more interaction and energy, even if there was a bit too much alcohol involved. The crowd’s enthusiasm and the band’s performance made for an unforgettable night.

And now, we look forward to Munich! Stay tuned for more updates from the road. Until then, keep rocking!

AC/DC Live at Estadio La Cartuja, Seville, Spain 1 June 2024

2024-06-05T14:33:00.000+02:00

You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black
Demon Fire
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Three days have passed since the electrifying night at Estadio La Cartuja, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. The band delivered another amazing performance for the Spanish fans

Before the show began, we were thrilled to bump into Mr. Spinelli, AKA Orangus' Assistant from the Black Ice Tour. It was fantastic to reconnect and reminisce about the old Black Ice times. Mr. Spinelli rocked with us for the entire show, jumping and waving one of our inflatable HELL'S TRIDENTS, which they say they have the magical power of attracting Brian Johnson closer to us to the right side of the stage.... For sure we saw Brian pointing at us more often than usual.... It was a blast and added an extra layer of fun to the night.

Both Brian and Angus seemed a little less energetic compared to the previous Seville show. Perhaps an extra day of rest was needed, or maybe it was the high temperature that took a toll on them. Nonetheless, their performance was still powerful and engaging.

During “High Voltage,” and some other songs, Brian had some minor vocal issues, likely due to the intense heat or the fatigue. He was visibly soaked in sweat, battling the high temperatures to deliver his best. Despite these challenges, songs like “Rosie” and "Sin City" stood out as usual some of the best on this tour. Angus' energy grew song after song. During the LTBR solo Angus unbuttoned his shirt as he was often doing during the ROB tour. The solo was very intense. Again the rhythmic section of the band was very solid and this is something very enjoyable for us.

The crowd in La Cartuja Stadium was fantastic once again, but we personally preferred the energy of the first show on May 29. The band’s energy and the crowd’s enthusiasm seemed a bit higher on the first night. Still, the connection between the band and the audience was strong, with everyone soaking in the raw power of AC/DC’s rock ‘n’ roll. Spain had been the best (so far).

And now, our journey continues to Amsterdam. Matteo Abruzzo's 99th AC/DC show. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

AC/DC Live at Estadio La Cartuja 29 May 2024

2024-05-31T16:56:00.001+02:00

AC/DC Live at Estadio La Cartuja 29 May 2024

You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black

Demon Fire
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

We arrived in Seville the day before the show and we were immediately struck by the hot air and rising temperatures—Spain was ready to rock!

The day of the show, we made a quick stop at the AC/DC bar, but the line was long, and the sun was unforgiving. Over 40° C so we just greeted some old friends and readers of our blog and companions from the past tour. To conserve our energy for the gig, we decided to rest for a bit. Expectations were high, especially for the crowd. Spain has never disappointed us, particularly in the PIT, and after the slightly disappointing RED ZONE experience in Italy, we were eager for the PISTA A bedlam.

As we approached the stadium, memories from the 2010 and 2016 shows flooded back. The 2010 concert held more intense memories, as it was around the end of the glorious Black Ice tour, while 2016 was marked by the transition to Axl Rose as the lead singer for the remainder of the Rock or Bust tour.

Inside the stadium, we found some much-needed shade, a blessing given the hot temperatures. As expected, the stadium was almost empty until 7 PM—Spaniards typicallyknow hoe to take their time. But by 9:30, the stadium was packed, and the energy was palpable.

At 9:36, the intro video started, and the crowd erupted as Brian and Angus hit the stage with the notes of "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)." What an opener! The crowd was electrified, chanting and screaming, clearly having waited for this moment for years. Though many in the PIT were focused on their mobile phones, we were saved by a small group of Argentinians and South Americans who were rocking out old-school style. We joined them, enjoying an intense rock'n'roll time during songs like "Shoot to Thrill," "Thunderstruck," and "Riff Raff" together with "Rosie," "Highway to Hell," "T.N.T.," and for the final Salute of "For Those About to Rock", where we experienced some good old pogo - "Live at River Plate"-style. While some fans in the PIT stood still or lightly jumped, even complaining to security about more active fans, we had a blast.

It’s clear that the PISTA/FOSSE/PIT/GOLDEN CIRCLE sections around Europe have changed since the last tour and they resemple more to the RESERVED SEATING floor in the USA. People are clearly more focused on their smartphones and social media, and calmly singing and clapping, expecting others to do the same. And that's a clear PARADOX considering that on stage both Brian and Angus are moving and jumping like crazy for two hours with the most powerful and electrifying rock music ever created by humans...

The band's performance was exceptional. The best of the tour. And they are getting better and better with each date. Brian, especially, was motivated to prove he is the one and only AC/DC frontman (after Bon), jumping, moving, and dancing like during the best performances of the Black Ice tour. There was a minor technical issue during "Back in Black," but it was nothing major. Brian seems rejuvenated and reinvigorated. Angus was clearly happy to be back in one of his favorite countries, where fans worship him as a God in the most warm and "mediterranean" style. His physical shape has definetely improved since Gelsenkirchen, and he seemed much more confident and joyful on stage.

The shortned setlist remained the same, and it seems this will be the final one for the upcoming shows. "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)" is the perfect opener—watch the pro-shot video on YouTube to see how powerful it is! "Demon Fire" is growing as one of our favorites of the show. All the classics were performed brilliantly, with small differences each night. "Stiff Upper Lip" was very nice, and we loved the frequent interactions between Brian and Angus, especially during Dirty Deeds And Rock'n'Roll Train.

The stadium in Seville provided a more intimate and vibrant rock 'n' roll environment compared to Germany and Italy. It was a fantastic rock 'n' roll show that will remain a milestone for all AC/DC fans who attended it.

The after-party with concerts around the stadium continued until morning—the Spaniards really know how to have fun and enjoy life!

Stay tuned for more updates from the road.

AC/DC Live at RCF Arena Campovolo, Reggio Emilia 25 May 2024

2024-05-27T00:38:00.003+02:00

AC/DC Live at RCF Arena Campovolo, Reggio Emilia 25 May 2024

You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
Back in Black
Demon Fire
Shot Down in Flames
Thunderstruck
Have a Drink on Me
Hells Bells
Shot in the Dark
Stiff Upper Lip
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

We’re just back in Abruzzo after witnessing an unforgettable night in Reggio Emilia, which might just be the last AC/DC concert in Italy of their career. This was a historic moment for Italy and Rock'n'Roll, and we are immensely grateful to have been part of it.

The concert was the biggest crowd of the tour so far and the first open-air show in a massive venue. Despite the forecast of rains of the previous days, the thunders we heard around 5 PM faded, and the clouds cleared away, leaving us with perfect weather for the night. The RCF Arena was huge and everything was organized beyond our expectations. 100,000 people were expected, forming a biblical crowd, mainly Italians from all over the country, including many from Abruzzo—a region that loves rock 'n' roll and is close to where Brian’s family comes from.

All the typical elements of a huge rock 'n' roll show in Italy were there: excellent food, fun and nice people, lots of backpacks, tents and bottles of beer, all surrounded by beautiful architecture and nature. The RCF Arena exceeded our expectations with its beauty, efficiency and cleanliness. We got inside a bit later than expected due to logistics and catching up with friends from all over, including Mathieu from France and Orangus from Milan.

We positioned ourselves on Angus's side as usual and had high expectations for an energetic and powerful crowd. The way the crowd was divided into six different floor sections was new to us. Despite this, the energy was palpable even before the show...

The concert was umbelievably amazing again. The band continues to grow with each performance. Brian, in particular, was incredibly happy and energetic, possibly because he was performing in front of one of his favourite countries (considering his mother's origin). He seemed to enjoy the crowd and the Italian atmosphere immensely. Angus was on top of his game, delivering outstanding performances, especially during "Shoot to Thrill," "Dirty Deeds," "Highway to Hell" and the final three songs that brought the show to a powerful climax. Lots of small differences each show which of course we deeply enjoy... From duckwalking to solos, to interactions among band members... It really looks like the band is less tense and stressed and enjoying each concert more.

The audience was definitely the best of the tour so far but we have to be honest: it didn’t quite match the fervor and power of AC/DC’s previous appearances in Imola 2015, Udine 2010, and Milan 2009. The difference? The amount of chanting, jumping, and pogoing was less. Nowadays, it also seems many people are mainly focused on taking pictures and filming the concert on their smartphones, even in the Front of Stage area, which was previously reserved for hardcore fans enjoying the live experience with extra jumping and pogo. Times have changed, and so have the audiences. Looking at the concert on the screen of a smartphone seems to be the new normal for live shows, even for high-energy bands like AC/DC. Maybe soon holograms and metaverse concerts will become the new way to experience and enjoy 'live shows" and this is just the beginning... Who knows. We actually felt a bit nostalgic yesterday for the 90's and early 2000's. But again, the Italian crowd was great!

The setlist was solid, though we were a bit sad that they dropped three songs from Gelsenkirchen: "Dog Eat Dog," "Given the Dog a Bone," and "Hell ain't a bad place to be." It was too good to be true to have 24 songs for the entire tour. Apparently the extra songs were on the printed setlist. Maybe the songs will come back at the next shows. Maybe not...

In any case, it was an amazing night. The performance, the crowd, and the overall experience were unforgettable.

Next stop: Seville!

AC/DC Live at Veltins Arena - Gelsenkirchen 21 May 2024

2024-05-24T19:43:00.003+02:00

Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen on May 21, 2024:

    If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
    Back In Black
    Demon Fire
    Shot Down In Flames
    Thunderstruck
    Have A Drink On Me
    Hells Bells
    Shot In The Dark
    Stiff Upper Lip
    You Shook Me All Night Long
    Rock 'N' Roll Train
    Shoot To Thrill
    Sin City
    Givin The Dog A Bone
    Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
    Dog Eat Dog
    High Voltage
    Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be
    Riff Raff
    Highway To Hell
    Whole Lotta Rosie
    Let There Be Rock
    Encore:
    T.N.T.
    For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

It’s been three days since AC/DC’s mind-blowing performance at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. If you thought their first show was incredible that night was on a whole new level!

The setlist was the same, but the performance of Angus and Brian was simply amazing! The improvement was just mind blowing! Angus was moving at twice the speed, duckwalking and rocking out like crazy. His energy was off the charts. Brian, too, was jumping and moving like he did during the Black Ice Tour, singing with passion and emphasis. Unlike the previous concert, he didn’t seem to have many technical difficulties. He started fast and finished fast, with only minor hiccups during "Given the Dog a Bone" and "Sin City." But it was impressive to see how much they had improved from the first show. They seemed much more energetic, motivated, and confident about touring together after such a long time. The rhythmic section was also very solid and really doing a great job!

You could tell Angus has been spending a lot of time in the gym. What he does on stage for over two hours would be challenging for a 40-year-old, let alone someone in their late 60s. The amount of duckwalking almost doubled from the first show and this means Angus trainers are doing a great job. Angus seemed more relaxed and was enjoying the stage and his solos, interacting more with the energy of the crowd.

Unfortunately, as often happens in Germany, the crowd wasn’t very responsive. Some German hard core fans we have known since the SUL era defined them as "sleepy"... But that’s just the way it is in Germany... With about 100 shows under our belt we believe the dialogue between the energy on stage and the energy in the audience is essential for the success of a great rock 'n' roll show. We will get this in Southern Europe, in places like Italy, Spain, and France...

In any case, this is a very good sign that the band is growing and improving with each concert and will soon be in perfect shape. The lights were really amazing and possibly the most spectacular we’ve ever seen. The setlist is very solid, and each song is 100% appreciated by us. Honestly, we don’t have any complaints or suggestions as hardcore fans. It just seems too good to be true to have so many great songs and such a long setlist...

And now that the dress rehersals in Gelsenkirchen are done, we are ready for ITALY to welcome the Gods of Rock 'n' Roll! Reggio Emilia, we are coming! 😀

Heavy rains are forecast for tomorrow, but we are sure this will not stop Angus and the band from delivering a blazing rock 'n' roll show! Like they did in Adelaide 2010 or Munich 2015, we are sure they will ignite the stage with the fire of rock 'n' roll and the flames of "Highway to Hell." And 100,000 crazy Italian fans will be there to witness this milestone of Rock n Roll history!

More photos and videos on our YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

AC/DC Live at Veltins Arena - Gelsenkirchen 17 May 2024

2024-05-19T22:22:00.000+02:00

Back in Germany!

Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen on May 17, 2024:

    If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
    Back In Black
    Demon Fire
    Shot Down In Flames
    Thunderstruck
    Have A Drink On Me
    Hells Bells
    Shot In The Dark
    Stiff Upper Lip
    You Shook Me All Night Long
    Rock 'N' Roll Train
    Shoot To Thrill
    Sin City
    Givin The Dog A Bone
    Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
    Dog Eat Dog
    High Voltage
    Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be
    Riff Raff
    Highway To Hell
    Whole Lotta Rosie
    Let There Be Rock
    Encore:
    T.N.T.
    For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

And the POWER UP World Tour premiere in Gelsenkirchen came to pass... and what a night it was!

Many fans, including us, were a bit tense about this first show after PowerTrip. The comeback concert in California was incredible, and many skeptics were blown away by the band's energy and power, despite the age and despite the years of inactivity. However, there were doubts about their ability to perform a full-length concert again, let alone an entire world tour! After watching the PowerTrip videos on YouTube, critics had questioned Brian’s voice and Angus's guitar touch. But after this show, it's clear that everyone is unanimous: AC/DC are back in business and in a few shows they will be at full throttle.

At the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, on the day of the show, it was fantastic to meet fans from all over the world, especially those from the Black Ice Tour and Rock or Bust days. We had a great time, enjoying German "delicious" food, sharing stories, and catching up with friends. Seeing familiar faces, particularly our German friends (including the devil horns vendors) brought back a flood of memories. Our buddies from Argentina, Australia, and Canada were also there. It felt almost surreal to see all those people with whom we had shared some of the best times of our lives again, especially after eight years of waiting and a pandemic. After thinking everything was over...

The Veltins Arena is a large covered stadium, which at least guaranteed we wouldn’t get wet if it rained. There were some doubts about the acoustics, and the stage seemed quite simple. However, the lights were more rich and complex than in previous tours, indicating a lot of work for Cosmo. Notably, there were no huge devil horns on top of the stage this time as for BI and ROB tours.

The show started promptly at 8:30. Angus came out in his green suit, with his white hair as seen at PowerTrip. His guitar touch and movements seemed more secure and precise. His cap stayed on almost for the entire show (until HTH) and there was more duck walking than expected. Brian, in a black T-shirt and grey hat, looked leaner and fit for the tour. His voice also sounded much better than at PowerTrip and managed the entire show very professionally. You could feel the "crescendo" of his performance.

Standing in our usual AC/DC Abruzzo spot, right in front of Angus’ Marshall PA stack, felt like coming back to one of our favourite dreams. Each guitar lick and chord coming from Angus' guitar was a blessing, and we savored every single note. The acoustics in the Arena were exceptional, and the 65,000-strong crowd was louder than the usual German audiences. “If You Want Blood (You've Got It)” was the perfect opener. Hearing it again with Brian on vocals, after Hammersmith 2003 and PowerTrip 2023, was fantastic. And it can only get better as the tour continues.

Seeing the band on stage playing classic songs like Back in Black or Highway to Hell again felt again surreal. Although Cliff and Phil weren’t there, the music was as powerful as ever. Angus, Brian, and Stevie were there, and they brought the same incredible energy. Matt and Chris did a fantastic job, but our eyes and ears were focused on Angus and Brian.

We hoped for a setlist similar to the unbelievable one at Indio, and guess what? It was all there. Every song had its reason to be there, and we appreciated every single second. Getting all the songs from PowerTrip again felt too good to be true, especially for those who couldn’t make it to California for the historic comeback. It really went beyond expectations!

We won't delve into comparisons or "technical analysis" of the performance as some fans like to do, mentioning AC/DC are no longer playing like back in the '90s. Of course they are not and of course there were some technical issues, not very noticeable, and a few minor hiccups (e.g. Riff Raff), but that's what we love about authentic live music...

The concert was a massive rock 'n' roll celebration for old fans and new fans alike. An AC/DC concert is something to be lived in the moment. It's the ultimate collective group meditation for rock'n'roll fans, culminating in the ecstatic solo of "Let There Be Rock," where Angus transcends his human nature and enters a unique rock 'n' roll trance that puts you right there, in the moment making you feel the true essence of rock 'n' roll, HIC ET NUNC. Even if only for a few minutes, it's something that only AC/DC fans at at an AC/DC concert can feel. OMG, we missed AC/DC concerts so much all these years...

Thank you Angus, Thank you Ellen, Thank you Brian and all those that made this tour possible.

See you on the road!

From AcDc Italia to AcDc Argentina

BACK IN GERMANY! PWRUP TOUR WORLD PREMIERE. WE ARE READY!

2024-05-17T12:11:00.001+02:00

After a long break after PowerTrip, with lots of ups and downs, and with the long wait for the announcement of the PowerTrip, we’ve finally made it again and arrived in Gelsenkirchen for the start of the PWRUP Tour.

The excitement is building as we gather with fans from past tours, all ready to see AC/DC's big return to the stage. The atmosphere outside the Veltins Arena in the last couple of days great. Lots of familiar faces in the road and tecnical crew. AC/DC is back!

We spent some time talking with other fans, and everyone agrees: this is going to be a memorable tour. The new stage setup looks amazing. It’s clear that a lot of work has gone into it, and it promises to be a great visual experience. We think there will be some surprises that will really impress us. We also heard some of the soundcheck. We think the setlist will include some great songs from the PowerTrip show, including the amazing opener "If You Want Blood"

Hearing those familiar riffs and beats has only made us more excited. We can’t wait for the show to start and for this tour to kick off. The excitement is real, and we’re ready to rock out with AC/DC once again.

Stay tuned for more updates and reviews as the night goes on. Until then, keep rocking!

With Uncle Michel

Soundcheck - photo from the Internet

New Stage - Photo from the internet

BACK TO THE FUTURE (Hammersmith 2003 - PowerTrip 2023) Live in Indio, CA USA 7 October 2023

2023-10-09T03:29:00.001+02:00

Was it real? Was it a dream? Apparently, it's all true! AC/DC is back! After 7 long years, with Brian Johnson on vocals and Cliff Williams on bass! Hard to believe, considering where we stood back in 2016 in Philadelphia...

After Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, and Judas Priest, the Powertrip stage trembled as AC/DC unleashed their roaring setlist that shook the core of every rock fan present.

The electrifying intro video led to the opening song, "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)," which sent shivers down our spines as it resounded across the venue, bringing back memories of the 2003 gig at Hammersmith, London, where we last heard it sung by Brian Johnson! What a great opener and perfect tribute to the 20th anniversary of this unforgettable show which changed our lives!

Besides IFYWB as the opener, the big surprises were "Stiff Upper Lip" (last played live in 2003 at Hammersmith too) and "Riff Raff" also sung by Brian live in front of a crowd (previously only played on VH1 in 1996). And then "High Voltage," and "Dog Eat Dog" sparkled bright under the desert stars.

Two tracks from Power Up, "Demon Fire" and "Shot In The Dark," made their live debut during the Powertrip set, adding a fresh flavor to the performance.

The PIT crowd was a whirlpool of energy, thanks to the fervent South American fans from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, etc. There was even some chanting, River Plate Stadium-style...

As the beats thundered across the desert, it was clear that Matt Laug made a substantial contribution to the AC/DC rhythmic machine with Stevie and Cliff in excellent shape. His striking resemblance, both in looks and beats, to Phil Rudd added a layer of solidity to AC/DC’s rhythmic structure, making the night a rhythmic journey to remember. Apparently, adding "Stiff Upper Lip" to the setlist was suggested to Angus by him... (We still hope Phil will be back soon).

The God of Rock n' Roll, Angus, in an elegant blue suit. And for the first time, full white hair! We confess we shed some tears seeing our rock idol back on stage after so many years. Maybe he was not as mobile on stage as in the ROB tour and with fewer duckwalks, still managed to rip the stage apart, especially during "Let There Be Rock." His fingers danced on the fretboard, conjuring magic that transcended through time and space. Thank God for giving us Angus!

Brian, though seemingly a bit tense, was the epitome of professionalism. His voice, still robust, soared high above the ecstatic crowd, a testament to his undying passion for rock 'n' roll. Of course, he is not the Brian from the '90s but hey, we are not the AC/DC Abruzzo of the Black Ice Tour either, are we?

In any case, considering what Brian had to go through in 2016, it was almost a miracle what we witnessed yesterday. There was a minor issue with the in-ear monitor which was promptly fixed by the crew during "Dog Eat Dog," but apart from that, nothing noticeable from the crowd.

The setlist was a marathon of hits, much longer than anyone anticipated, a delightful surprise that kept the crowd on their feet, head-banging to the rhythm of the rock gods.

And oh, the joy of reuniting with old comrades from Germany, Japan, Belgium, and beyond after such challenging times. The global brotherhood of rock ‘n’ roll was very much alive as we reminisced about past tours.

With a heart full of rock ‘n’ roll and a head reverberating with the night’s melodies, the AC/DC Abruzzo blog is back in business, ready to chronicle the next tour of the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band. Are you ready?

VIDEOS
https://youtube.com/@matteoacdcabruzzo3445?si=rk1bcuVLw-KkM7To

PHOTOS
https://www.facebook.com/matteo.abruzzo?mibextid=ZbWKwL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!

2023-10-06T08:54:00.003+02:00

After 8 long years the road of rock 'n' roll led us again to a rendezvous with none other than Brian Johnson! With a hearty handshake Brian welcomed us with his usual kindness and charme. We told him how much we missed him and Ac/Dc and we thanked him for being back! We spoke about next gig in Indio, the setlist, about touring again and about the Italian ciambelle recipe mentioned in his biography... We also spoke about wine, Italy, social media and much more.

He gave us some great tips about some Italian restaurants in LA. And it was a pleasure seeing him again ready to rock in great shape.

As we bid adieu, the spirit of rock 'n' roll resonated stronger, the AC/DC Abruzzo blog now back in business, with tales of old, new, and legendary awaiting of the greatest rock'n'roll band in the world!

Stay tuned for more!