AC/DC Concert Tour Dates – When Will They Be Performing Again?
For more than forty years, Australian rock band AC/DC has delighted listeners. Formed in Sydney in 1973, it produced among other hard rock successes "Highway to Hell," "Back in Black," and "Thunderstruck." Originally comprising Angus Young on lead guitar and his brother Malcolm on rhythm guitar, AC/DC's style was distinguished by strong vocals, bluesy guitar riffs, and thunderous drumming.
Particularly after Bon Scott joined the band in 1974, AC/DC became somewhat well-known in the 1970s. Sadly, Scott passed away in an automobile accident in 1980 just before the band was ready for release into the US. Later that year in commemoration of Bon Scott, AC/DC continued with fresh singer Brian Johnson and published the successful album "Back in Black". With such tracks as the title track and "You Shook Me All Night Long," AC/DC attained worldwide popularity with the Back in Black album. Among musical recordings in history, it is among the most certified ones.
Being among the most consistent, mean live rock bands available, AC/DC remained on top for the following several decades. As they were pushing themselves into a wall of amplification, their rowdy and famous live performances let audiences feel the full might of the band. 2014 saw disappointment as co-founder of the band and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young had to leave AC/DC due to dementia. With the help of Stevie Young, nephew of both Malcolm and Angus, as the rhythm guitarist, AC/DC kept advancing once again.
The rock band AC/DC released their 15th studio album Rock or Bust around five years ago in November 2014; the band then started a global tour to promote the record in 2015. AC/DC seems to continue to be in flux. But disaster struck in 2016 when the main vocalist was found to have severe hearing loss. The guitarist Cliff Williams also said he will cease touring at the end. Axl Rose, the leader of Guns N' Roses, jumping in to finish the remaining concerts in 2016 seemed to indicate that the days of this hard-rocking band flying from one city to the next would have been few.
No Shows Since 2017 – Will AC/DC Tour Again?
So when can fans get to witness AC/DC in a full-blown concert tour again? Sadly though it has been more than five years now since the end of their last large-scale tour. The Rock or Bust tour finally came to an end in June of 2016. Although AC/DC played for a few moments at the Grammy ceremony in 2018, the band has not played a full concert since September 2016 in Philadelphia.
As you know, AC/DC has released a few albums in the past few years, and there are several reasons why this band has not been active for so long. First of all, nobody knows if lead singer Brian Johnson will be able to perform with the band any further because of his hearing loss problems. Replacing such an iconic vocalist is one of the biggest hurdles in maintaining the tradition of the sound that was established by AC/DC. But an even bigger stumbling block could be lead guitarist Angus Young. Since the death of his brother Malcolm Young in 2017 Angus is the last of the founding members of AC/DC. Some people say it is unimaginable that AC/DC can go on having music without either of the Young brothers besides Angus.
Nevertheless, there have been signs in the recent past that Angus Young has not completely ruled out ever performing again. In early 2019, speculation arose that Angus was collaborating with singer Brian Johnson in Vancouver, which fueled speculations that Johnson’s hearing has improved enough to start a new album together. The next important event took place in early 2021 when some photographs appeared on the Web that depicted Angus Young near the studio of AC/DC mixer Mike Fraser in Vancouver. This may have been because Angus has been reportedly possibly producing music with Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams again. However, the band has not said anything and given no more information regarding the event or anything like that.
Could these recent behind-the-scenes activities lead to the band’s much-awaited return to the stage? Based on the reaction of fans every time they come out with a little indication of activity in the meantime even, it has been over forty years since their debut and fans would gladly accept them back in a victorious manner. Of course, attendance at concerts would be immense. However, the death of some core band members in the past may not allow them to organize another large-scale tour again. In any case, Angus Young would be forced to play a major part in recruiting new members to form a band around him to continue the work of AC/DC. However, as of now, the people of the world will have to wait in anticipation for any official statement on the possibility of the next AC/DC concert tour.
Where Would They Play?
There are many theories regarding what a possible AC/DC tour may be like on the Internet. But if Angus Young does proceed with some form of the veteran rockers, where they may perform is rather up for debate. Of course venues such as the New York’s Madison Square Garden and the Los Angeles’ The Forum would naturally open their arms and their stages for AC/DC. Great European festivals such as the Download Festival in England and Sweden Rock Fest would undoubtedly have set their sights on booking AC/DC as the main act. Australia would gleefully welcome several homecoming shows also from their sons.
Smaller more intimate venues might also make sense for an aging AC/DC only up for a limited number of tour stops. In principle, they could go out and sell out large theaters all over North America within a snap of a finger, so to speak. Indeed AC/DC could afford to be very picky with their chosen location. This is typical when you are a rock band that has a loyal fan base whose age has exceeded 48 years. Any city would feel privileged to host one more AC/DC concert. Of course, seeing Angus rip his guitar playing while performing on stage surrounded by amps seems like a far-fetched dream at the moment. But as they say, never say never in the world of rock and roll!
When Would Shows Happen?
As recent rumors surface from time to time, loyal fans eagerly grasp at any straw that suggests AC/DC might jam one more time. But if Angus Young does bring any sort of return, when could this come to fame? If Brian Johnson’s throat is fine this old band has no time to waste, especially at this age. Their quickest chance of festival appearances would be in the Summer of 2023. But to organize a full production arena seems likely to take more time. 2024 appears as the earliest credible calendar for an AC/DC headline tour. But AC/DC has always been the type of band that will do what they want to do and not what others expect them to do. Fans may have to wait for some time to wait and watch if any concrete and final plans for a reunion are made in the next one or two years.
Why Do Their Shows Matter?
However the other members decide to regroup, and the rock landscape awaits AC/DC likely to tour again. This is the time when no act can be confidently crowned as the new king of loud and primarily noisy hard rock n roll fun. Certainly today bands like Foo Fighters and The Killers perform in packed stadiums. Other legacy bands like The Rolling Stones still bravely tour large venues as well though. But let me assure you – an AC/DC concert is unique with the raw energy that their concerts create. In other words, no one brings a giant riff-vocalized hard rock concert as effectively as a young Angus twanging away in his school uniform during a predatory AC/DC concert. It is a fundamental rock music spectacle every fan should experience live.
As of now, there are no definite answers as to whether they will come back or not but one thing remains for sure – the rock concert community long for AC/DC. The energy they had going from Bon Scott, through the 80s/90s, up to 2014 is impossible to recreate. Yes, Father Time does move on relentlessly. But hard rock requires Angus Young to teach at least one more generation of fans. Hopefully, the Highway to Hell will tour a city near you soon again. Wait and wait for the details you are looking for regarding the schedule of the AC/DC concert tour!
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