Full Breakdown
Brian Johnson Says Aging Makes AC/DC’s Live Shows More Fun
7/18/2026, 12:16:42 PM
Core Event: Veteran Rockers Embrace Age on the 2026 North American “Power Up” Tour
On July 11 2026 AC/DC launched the North American leg of its “Power Up” world tour at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Frontman Brian Johnson, 78, and lead guitarist Angus Young, 71, told USA Today’s Melissa Ruggieri that performing after nearly five decades feels “more fun because we don’t care anymore.” The 18-date trek will conclude with a final show on September 29 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Background & Context: Recent Touring Milestones
The tour is named for AC DC’s 2020 album *Power Up*, which topped charts in 21 countries. After a 2023 comeback at the Power Trip festival, the band completed a European “Power Up” run in August 2024, followed by a spring 2025 North American leg (April 10 – May 28 2025) and a summer 2025 European circuit. The current 2026 leg marks the second U.S. stadium stretch of the ongoing world tour.
Data & Statistics: Scope and Legacy Numbers
- Dates: 18 North American stops, including Charlotte, Columbus, Madison, San Antonio, Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Edmonton, Vancouver, Atlanta, Houston, South Bend, St Louis, Montreal, Toronto, East Rutherford, and Philadelphia.
- Setlist: 21 songs, featuring classics such as “Back In Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” plus “Demon Fire” and “Shot In The Dark” from *Power Up*.
- Support: The Pretty Reckless.
- Historical figures: AC DC’s 2015-16 “Rock Or Bust” tour grossed $180 million and sold 2,310,061 tickets (Pollstar). The band has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide.
Official Statements & Responses: Band’s Perspective on Performance and Legacy
Johnson explained that rehearsals keep the band tight, yet the “unpredictability” of live shows keeps them “on edge” and pushes them to be their best. He added that decades of experience have taught the group to “watch the person” onstage and to interact more spontaneously. Young echoed the sentiment, noting his primary concern is simply not tripping over anything. When asked how they would like to be remembered, Young said the band should be described as “a great rock band,” a view Johnson reinforced by stating AC DC “were great at what they did. And they did it consistently.” Neither musician commented on plans beyond the 2026 leg.
Criticism & Opposition: A Contrasting View on Aging in Rock
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger recently remarked that there is “nothing good about ageing,” a perspective that stands in stark contrast to Johnson’s more upbeat appraisal of growing older onstage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, just stupid shit like that… On the stage, you can't just immediately do things. You have to learn to watch the other person and... But we're doing things now we didn't think of doing before — interacting. It's just more fun because we don't care anymore. When you're younger, you take yourself very seriously. You know, you think, 'I'm in a big rock and roll band.' I never used to smile or anything. 'Cause that's what what you thought you were supposed to [do].” — Brian Johnson, vocalist
- “I think it's still the unknown. You're all rehearsed, you know all your parts and your bits and pieces. But [the unpredictability] still keeps you on edge, you know, to be your best.” — Brian Johnson
- “I just worry about if I'm going to trip over… That's about it.” — Angus Young, guitarist
- “They were great at what they did. And they did it consistently. You never thought back in the day that, when I finish here … I'm going to be 79 [in October].” — Brian Johnson
- “I would just say 'a great rock band.'” — Angus Young
What’s Next: Closing Dates and Future Outlook
The tour’s final performance is scheduled for September 29 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Johnson and Young declined to discuss whether AC DC will embark on additional tours after that date.
