It’s a bit of a minor miracle that AC/DC made their way back to the stage for their Saturday appearance at the Power Trip festival in California.
Singer Brian Johnson had to duck out of the band’s 2016 “Rock Or Bust” tour due to hearing issues, and was temporarily replaced by Guns ’N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. Drummer Phil Rudd missed the tour entirely after run ins with the law triggered by substance abuse issues. Even bassist Cliff Williams said he was retiring after the group’s last run on the road.
Seven years after they last took the stage, AC/DC performed a 24-song set knocking off the cobwebs and surprising fans with a few songs they hadn’t performed in years. The Power Trip setlist began with “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” — marking the first time the song had ever been performed as a setlist opener. The group also debuted two songs from their most recent “Power Up” album — “Shot In The Dark” and “Demon Fire.”
Perhaps most surprising, however, was the return of “Stiff Upper Lip” and “Riff Raff.” The former hadn’t been performed live in more than 20 years, and while the group played “Riff Riff” when Axl Rose filled in, it was the first time in more than two decades that the group performed the song with Brian Johnson.
Classic Rock magazine writer Rich Hobson wrote of the show: “By the time AC/DC signal for the 21-gun salute of For Those About To Rock (We Salute You), there’s no doubt in our minds that they are still the greatest rock’n’roll stars to ever (duck) walk the planet. Whether Power Trip remains a one-off, or the staging ground for another massive global tour remains to be seen. But even if this is the band’s last hurrah, there’s no better way to go out than with a final almighty showing of raucous, rougish rock’n’roll that is celebrated the world over. Oft-copied, never surpassed.”
AC/DC’s complete setlist is below along with plenty of fan-filmed footage. The show also marked the first with drummer Matt Laug, who by all accounts did a fine job in the position even if it’s only temporary or for select gigs going forward. Speaking of gigs going forward, rock fans will be curious to see when and if AC/DC returns to the road. Given their age, however (Johnson just turned 76), it’s speculated that their appearances will likely be limited to a smattering of stadium-level gigs throughout 2024. Time will tell.
“How lovely’s this?” Johnson said from stage Saturday. “Nice to see ya. Let’s get rocking and rolling.”
AC/DC’s Power Trip setlist:
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
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Givin The Dog A Bone
Rock ‘N’ Roll Train
You Shook Me All Night Long
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
TNT
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
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