“It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll.“
Formed in Australia in 1973, AC/DC stands as one of the most iconic and best-selling artists of all time, with over 200 million albums sold. Their career-defining album, “Black in Black,” has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and is certified 27 times platinum in the U.S.
AC/DC’s ‘PWR/UP Tour’ commenced in May 2024 and is scheduled to run through at least August 2025. Reviews from the tour have been exceedingly positive, with many impressed by the band’s tenacity.
AC/DC in Arlington
AC/DC is one of my favorite bands, and I have always wanted to see them in concert, but it never worked out. Nonetheless, rumors swirled that they would be announcing a North American tour, and sure enough, in December 2024, the announcement came. They announced 13 shows, and I couldn’t believe that Arlington was on the list. But could I get tickets?
AC/DC—PWR/UP Tour Dates
To my delight, not only were promising tickets available, but I also found some with an unobstructed view of the stage, and they were less expensive than I had thought. (Still expensive, though.) Bonus: The show was a couple of days after my 42nd birthday.
After months of anticipation, the day finally arrived. My brother, our aunt, and I trekked to Cowboys Stadium. (Sorry, AT&T. I call it Cowboys Stadium and always will.) It was AC/DC’s first time playing Texas since 2016, and the 80,000 fans attending were ravenous.
AC/DC at Cowboys Stadium or “AT&T Stadium” if you prefer idiotic corporate names
After a cool intro video featuring a speeding muscle car driving ‘into’ the stadium, AC/DC came out guns blazing. They proceeded to rock for over two hours, playing 21 songs and most of their greatest hits. They gave the audience exactly what they wanted—a loud, energetic rock ‘n’ roll show that pulled no punches. It was a bucket-list concert for me and likely for many others attending.
Although we had a good view of the stage, it was far, far away
It’s a safe bet that fans were mostly there to see vocalist Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young, the latter being the only remaining member from the original lineup.
Angus hammed it up with his legendary school-boy outfit, impish antics, and classic duck-walks inspired by Chuck Berry. Maybe he wasn’t running as fast across the stage as he used to, but for a 70-year-old guitar god, he’s surprisingly agile. He did an extended guitar solo towards the end and even did the “Homer Simpson,” as my brother called it, where he dropped to the ground and spun around, essentially on his hip—while continuing to play guitar.
I couldn’t dream of doing that at my age, or even at all. Some people seem like they were born to be on a stage, and Angus is one of them.
Johnson sounded impressive as well; he’s 77 and belted out their iconic lyrics with enthusiasm, grit, and vigor. I couldn’t imagine being their age and still doing what they do. If rock ‘n’ roll keeps you young, then being in AC/DC apparently keeps you immortal. The rest of the band—Stevie Young (guitar), Chris Chaney (bass), and Matt Laug (drums)—were dutiful and rounded out the band’s iconic sound but were also careful not to steal the limelight from their more famous bandmates.
Now, I must say, it was loud, borderline uncomfortable—and no, this isn’t one of those “if it’s too loud, you’re too old” clichés. AC/DC is notorious for its volume level. Yes, you want a rock concert to be loud, and it’s AC/DC, but I don’t want to damage my hearing, as I enjoy listening to music too much to risk it. I wore earplugs for part of the show, for the first time ever at a concert, and I have mixed feelings about that. They could have turned the sound down a few notches without losing any of the power. Still, it was an amazing concert, and it will probably be the only time I ever get to see them live.
Brian Johnson and Angus Young perform at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington – April 14, 2025
Photo Credit: Bryan Rolli, UCR
www.loudwire.com/acdc-dallas-concert-2025-photos
AC/DC remains one of the world’s best live bands. Perhaps they’re no longer in their prime, but they still do it better than most.
There will never be another band like AC/DC, and they’re part of a dying breed. While AC/DC didn’t bill this one as a farewell tour, you have to think that the end is nigh. And if it is, they went out on a high note.
My favorite songs of the night were Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Highway to Hell, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, You Shook Me All Night Long, Whole Lotta Rosie, and, of course, For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) as the customary finale—complete with the cannon fire, explosions, and general mayhem that ensued.
AC/DC Setlist – April 14, 2025 | Cowboys Stadium – Arlington, Texas
- 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
- Shoot to Thrill
- Sin City
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
- High Voltage
- Riff Raff
- You Shook Me All Night Long
- Whole Lotta Rosie
- Let There Be Rock
- T.N.T.
- For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 04-15-25
Jason S. Sullivan 