Concert Reviews

The blistering 140-minute, 21-song set in Foxborough was a major comeback for a band many thought were done.

AC/DC, with The Pretty Reckless, Gillette Stadium, May 4, 2025

If you want blood, and plenty of power chords to boot, AC/DC delivered and then some Sunday night at Gillette Stadium.

Like a phoenix rising from the heavy metal ashes, the Australian quintet returned to the building Tom Brady built for the first time in nearly a decade for its 2025 “Power Up” North American tour. Playing their seventh of 13 scheduled stadium shows, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers proved they still pack a potent punch, powering their way through a blistering 140-minute, 21-song set, covering hits both old and new.

From the opening lick of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It),” lead guitarist Angus Young had the capacity crowd in the palm of his hands. Dressed in his signature blue schoolboy outfit, matching shorts and gold ball cap, the 70-year-old guitar hero bobbed and weaved in a familiar cadence, leading an army of air guitarists in his wake.

Meanwhile, gravelly-voiced vocalist Brian Johnson fed off the guitarist’s kinetic energy.  It was a great return to form for Johnson, 77, whose tenure with the band appeared over after he was unable to finish the 2016 “Rock or Bust” world tour due to hearing issues. Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose filled in the remaining 10 dates of that tour, before the band went on a hiatus from 2016-18.

“It feels great to be back,” said Johnson, before launching into “Back In Black,” the title track off the band’s groundbreaking 1980 album, his first after joining the group. AC/DC performed five songs off that release, which has sold 50 million albums worldwide, making it one of best-selling albums in music history. Over four decades later, live staples “Hells Bells,” “Have A Drink on Me,” and crowd-pleaser “You Shook Me All Night Long” still pack a resounding punch in any sports arena.

The band did an effective job cherry picking from its colorful discography. Johnson enticed the crowd on the anthemic rocker “Thunderstruck,” aided by some shocking visual effects. The singer also tipped his trademark Scally cap to his predecessor, the late Bon Scott, reaching the fire-breathing depths of “Highway to Hell” with equal aplomb.

Throughout it all, Angus Young continued to hold court, showcasing his fretboard wizardry. The riff master channeled his inner Chuck Berry, providing a duckwalk stomp on classics like “Shot Down In Flames” and newer cuts “Shot in the Dark” and “Stiff Upper Lip.”

Rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, 68, provided added crunch. The nephew of Angus has filled in admirably for his late uncle, rhythm guitarist extraordinaire Malcolm Young, who retired in 2014 before passing away in 2017. The addition of drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney also provided an added jolt. The newly formed rhythm section had a tough task filling the void left by founding drummer Phil Rudd and retired bassist Cliff Williams, but both handled their duties effectively.

Known for his work with Slash’s Snakepit and Alice Cooper, Laug, 57, held steady on up-tempo tunes “Shoot To Thrill” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” A former Jane’s Addiction bassist, Chaney, 54, shined during the nifty breakdown of “Sin City,” while maintaining the groove of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train.”

Much like their predecessors, Stevie and Chaney hung close to Laug’s kit. The pair took five steps out in unison to supply backing vocals, before returning to their post in slick symmetry. This gave Angus and Johnson plenty of room to roam.

When clicking on all cylinders, AC/DC remain a formidable force, particularly in a stadium environment. The relentless pacing, precision and power displayed on “Riff Raff” was a prime example of their power chord tenacity.  The tune, a particular favorite of this writer, culminates with arguably the mother of all rock and roll crescendos. It’s so powerful it nearly knocks you off your feet.

Two hours into the scintillating set, Angus Young kicked the band into another gear entirely, unloading the bombastic “Whole Lotta Rosie,” followed by the epic set closer “Let There Be Rock.”  Always the showman, Angus accentuated the finale by playing an extended guitar solo on a raised platform, before bathing the audience with a blast of confetti.

AC/DC provided some ample firepower for its thunderous encore. They set off some “T.N.T.,” before rolling out an array of cannons on the iconic “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” sending their blood-thirsty audience home happy.

Setlist for AC/DC at Gillette Stadium, May 4, 2025:

• 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

ENCORE:

• T.N.T.
• For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

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