When Is Ac/Dc Touring?
AC/DC Touring: When’s the Next Tour?
In this paper, the author makes the assumption that the Australian rock band AC/DC has been performing for over forty years. Some of the band’s famous songs include the headbanging ‘Highway to Hell’ and ‘You Shook Me All Night Long. ’ However, the band and specifically Angus Young have been known to be less active in recent years, with fan asking themselves whether the band will embark on a tour again.
AC/DC’s last major tour was in 2016 during the Rock or Bust World Tour. This tour saw the band play stadium and some festivals all through Europe and North America. It was done for their album, Rock or Bust, that was released in 2014 without Malcolm Young, who was a founder member of the group and the lead guitarist. It was a tremendous success of the tour that put AC/DC in the list of the best live bands in the history of rock music.
But the later half of the tour proved to be worse for the band, as they received a lot of setbacks. First of all, in April 2016, it was stated that a lead singer named Brian Johnson might lose his hearing ability completely. He was advised by doctors to stop touring because he could end up being deaf. For the remaining tour dates, Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose temporarily stepped in to cover Johnson’s vocal parts as the latter sought treatment for his ailment.
In the later part of 2016, drummer Phil Rudd was replaced during the tour due to his conviction under house arrest in New Zealand. Losing almost half its classic lineup had some fans and critics speculating whether this could signify that the touring days of AC/DC may soon be over.
Since the end of that huge 2016 tour, AC/DC has been rather quiet in terms of concerts or releases. Sadly, in 2020, the world lost the rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who started the group together with his brother Angus Young. There is always gossip regarding members’ sickness or quarrels within the group. But there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for fans who are anticipating their return.
After seeking medical treatment from a specialist in 2018, singer Brian Johnson claimed that he had fully recovered from his hearing problems. This even fueled rumors that he and Angus Young could consider returning to assemble AC/DC for a new record and concert. There have been speculations that something might be brewing between them since photos emerged showing Johnson and Young in Vancouver in 2019. Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams have also said they might be willing to get on the stage again.
Later, in early 2022, indications arose that an AC/DC comeback could be imminent. New information has surfaced that the band has set up recording sessions in Vancouver during the summer. They were also reported to have planned for rehearsals in the same city in the later part of the year, perhaps preparing for a tour.
Sources familiar with AC/DC’s strategy have speculated that the band may release an album to commemorate the 40 years since the Back in Black record. Some put it on a small tour in 2023 or 2024. This could see them perform a few shows on only a few stations around the world. To date, no official statement has been made by the band or the management. There is optimism that these rock icons could make their way to the stage again soon enough.
Of course, with AC/DC now all over 60 years old, health issues could further complicate their touring plans. It may not be possible to get them to start rigorous hundred-date world tours as it has been done in the past years. Of course, even if they are going to be somewhat picky about their future live performances, they are going to attract a tremendous amount of attention. AC/DC performing is an energetic sight that fans will go the distance to see on stage.
For the time being, fans are searching the web for any signs of either potential tour dates or setlists. Will they go for some of the gems that they have in their rich discography? Will there be some new songs that are not expected? And can Angus Young continue to perform those iconic movements as he riffs the Gibson SG guitar wearing a schoolboy uniform? The rock world waits to see this happen.
At a time when the band is set to start its fifth decade, AC/DC continues to stir massive interest among fans of all age groups. This feel-good hard rock appeals to multiple generations, which is why it resonates with their target audience. Despite the difficulties that occurred during the last tour, the chemistry between Angus, Brian, Cliff, and Phil is undeniable. With some luck and precaution towards their health, the opportunity could come knocking and take one of rock's greatest live artists on stage once again soon.
Thus, although specifics are still unclear, indications are that AC/DC will regroup for some degree of touring sometime in the near future. Whether it turns out to be a short side trip or the concert tour to beat all concert tours, fans can sleep easy knowing that Angus Young and Compan & Roy never run out of ways to surprise and delight us. The AC/DC ticket buying frenzy is also expected to start as soon as concrete plans for a tour are expected to happen. For now, loyal fans sit tight, waiting to boogie when the chords of ‘Hells Bells’ sound once more. Soon it will be time once again to enjoy the raw energy, showmanship, and grandeur that come with an AC/DC concert. Let there be rock!
