AC/DC returned to the stage on Saturday (October 7, 2023) for their first concert in seven years at the Power Trip festival. The performance, which headlined the second night of the three-day event in Indio, Calif., was a triumph for the legendary hard rock band, and marked the return of lead vocalist Brian Johnson as well as bassist Cliff Williams, joining mainstay lead guitarist Angus Young. For this show, drummer Phil Rudd was replaced by Matt Laug. The lineup is completed by rhythm guitarist Stevie Young. The audience, estimated at 80,000, was treated to a 24-song set of classic rock favorites followed by a fireworks display.
AC/DC powered its way through many of their iconic songs throughout the set, including “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “Hells Bells,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Highway to Hell,” as well as several numbers from their 2020 album, Power Up.
AC/DC’s set followed one by Judas Priest, who were replacing Ozzy Osbourne. (Osbourne had bailed in July admitting that “my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet.”) Power Trip began on Friday (Oct. 6) with sets by Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses. It closes tonight with Tool followed by Metallica.
Watch AC/DC’s introduction and their first two songs, “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and “Back in Black”
Johnson departed the band in 2016 after suffering a hearing loss during the group’s “Rock or Bust” tour. He was replaced for the remainder of that tour by Axl Rose, though Johnson vowed to return. The vocalist issued a statement at that time that said he hoped to be able to resume his performance career eventually. “My entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing,” he said. “I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.”
The concert marked the band’s first performance of “Demon Fire” from Power Up.
The event is from Goldenvoice, the Coachella organizers who also produced 2016’s Desert Trip. The event was originally revealed on March 30 after teasers began to appear on the social media platforms of many of the acts involved.
Five songs in… “Thunderstruck”
Watch AC/DC perform “Givin the Dog a Bone” and “You Shook Me All Night Long”
Watch the spectacular main set’s closer, “Let There Be Rock”
And here’s the evening’s final number, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Thanks to The Californian Adventurer for some of the great videos. Here’s hoping the band announces a full tour.
AC/DC Power Trip Festival, Oct. 7, 2023, Setlist
“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”
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
“Shoot to Thrill”
“Sin City”
“Givin the Dog a Bone”
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Train”
“You Shook Me All Night Long”
“Dog Eat Dog”
“High Voltage”
“Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be Play Video”
“Riff Raff”
“Highway to Hell”
“Whole Lotta Rosie”
“Let There Be Rock”
Encore
“T.N.T”
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
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1 Comment
Is it just me, or is Brian’s range gone? He sure wasn’t hitting any high notes in “You Shook Me.” Now, I realize that this stuff is hard to sing, and that Brian is getting on up there in age, but he sure was singing flat and not hitting the high ones. I hope things will improve as more concerts unfold.