AC/DC is set to electrify the UK once more this summer, marking their long-awaited return after an eight-year absence.
The iconic Anglo-Aussie band has revealed an extensive European tour, including two dates at London’s Wembley Stadium in July.
Dubbed the “Power Up Tour” in support of their latest album, the tour commemorates the band’s remarkable 50-year journey. The lineup boasts lead guitarist Angus Young, frontman Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug, and stand-in bassist Chris Chaney, formerly of Jane’s Addiction, stepping in for the retired Cliff Williams.
At 53, Chaney brings impressive credentials, having lent his talents to Alanis Morissette’s touring band and collaborated with renowned artists such as Cher, Celine Dion, Joe Satriani, and Slash.
Following Johnson’s triumphant return last year, overcoming hearing challenges, the band is primed to deliver a powerhouse performance.
They captivated American rock enthusiasts at the Power Trip festival in California, sharing the spotlight with giants like Tool, Metallica, and Iron Maiden.
For frontman Brian Johnson, it marked his first headline performance with the group in seven years. The band swiftly reignited their trademark energy, belting out classics like “Back In Black,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Thunderstruck.”
Many feared this reunion might never materialize amid Johnson’s health struggles, but the electrifying performance put those concerns to rest.
During Johnson’s hiatus, Guns ‘n’ Roses frontman Axl Rose famously stepped in for him during a 2016 tour, showcasing the resilience and camaraderie of the rock community.
The band’s co-founder, Young, reflected on their journey, acknowledging the hardships they’ve faced. He recounted the loss of their lead singer, Bon Scott, in 1980, as a particularly challenging time. However, it was Young’s brother, Malcolm, who encouraged resilience, urging them to persevere rather than dwell on sorrow.
“In 2016 it looked very difficult again. We were at another unknown juncture because, with Brian’s hearing problems, we didn’t know what would happen.”
“There was a real risk of him going deaf if we carried on, and none of us wanted that.”
“So we had to cancel the rest of the tour with no idea what would happen next, but we were lucky enough that Axl Rose stepped in to help us out. It wasn’t planned like that — he got in touch and we’ll be forever thankful and grateful he did it.”
“But Axl came with a reputation for hard partying and unruly behavior, and teetotal Angus added: “I’d heard a lot of things too. But I talked to him one-on-one and he was very respectful to me and the others.”
“He would listen. We said, ‘OK, we’ve got to get some rehearsals to get this happening’, and he fully committed and went about it very professionally.”
“I don’t know if I can say we tamed him, but I can only say that when we were on the road he was there with us.”
Indeed, it seems there won’t be any need for a vocal substitution this time around, as Brian Johnson has triumphantly returned to helm the microphone for AC/DC.