Thunder crackled through the summer skies in North Carolina on Saturday, 11 July 2026, as AC/DC set the stage ablaze with an incendiary performance that marked the opening salvo of their 'PWR/UP' tour's North American leg. The legendary rock titans were on fire, delivering a blistering 21-song setlist that left fans screaming for more. With material from across their storied career, this was a night to remember – and it was only the beginning.
The band launched into 'If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)' with trademark ferocity, sending shockwaves through the packed venue as they tore through their 1979 classic from 'Highway To Hell'. The title track itself would later get a raucous reception, testament to the enduring power of this Aussie-Brit rock behemoth. The setlist was a love letter to their devoted fanbase – and what fans these are! – with a veritable feast of hits that showcased the band's unyielding commitment to quality.
In an exciting nod to their more recent output, 'Shot In The Dark' and 'Demon Fire' from their 2020 album 'Power Up' got a well-deserved airing. This was an album widely acclaimed upon release – NME described it as "a joyous celebration of unbridled heavy rock" – and the enthusiasm on display in Charlotte echoed those sentiments. As guitarist Angus Young revealed, this record's creation was guided by the memory of his late brother Malcolm Young, whose vision continues to drive the band forward.
The performance was a masterclass in crowd-pleasing, as they dug deep into their 1980 masterpiece 'Back In Black' for five tracks that brought the house down. Classics like 'You Shook Me All Night Long', 'Hells Bells', and the album's eponymous title track had fans singing along at the top of their lungs, while the evening's close saw 'T.N.T.' and 'For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)' bring the curtain down in suitably explosive fashion.
And so the tour rages on – tonight, 15 July 2026, sees AC/DC storming onto the Ohio stage. The North American leg will take them to Wisconsin, Texas, Colorado, California, Nevada, and Georgia throughout July and August before bringing the curtain down in style with shows in Montana, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. US fans, be warned: you're in for a treat!
For those of us back home in Blighty, while live dates are currently focused on North America, AC/DC's music remains readily available across major streaming platforms. Their influence on rock music is undeniable – with countless artists paying homage to their trailblazing spirit – and that glorious 'PWR/UP' album stands as testament to their unbroken legacy.