AC/DC: Back in Black, Back in Chicago

CHICAGO — You have to be a pretty big deal to headline a show at Soldier Field. You have to be an even bigger deal to sell out such a massive venue with a capacity exceeding 60,000 people. No surprise for AC/DC, they did both.

AC/DC hasn’t toured North America since 2016. Nine years later, fans finally got what they’ve been waiting for when the band brought their "Power Up" worldwide trek to Chicago on Saturday, May 24th with The Pretty Reckless.

Devotees came in all ages. Some were seeing AC/DC for the first time, while others had an extensive list of shows under their belt. Some lived within walking distance of the Chicago Bears’ home turf, while others drove for hours or flew in from other states.

Given a near-decade absence from the road in the United States, Saturday night could have been the last time AC/DC graces The Windy City with their loud and energetic presence.

Before the current “Power Up” tour began in Europe in 2024, AC/DC was absent from the road all-together since 2016, aside from a one-off show at a music festival in California in 2023.

After experiencing AC/DC live, you begin to understand why the group has been so successful over the past 52 years, while also feeling perplexed as to how they all maintain such vibrancy on stage.

The band roared through a whopping 21 songs throughout the course of just over two hours, with a fireworks display to put an end to the evening.

People clearly appreciate AC/DC’s commitment to a stellar show, considering it’s no easy task to sell out a venue like Soldier Field.

A sea of red lights could be seen through the crowd, thanks to the illuminated and flashing devil-horn headbands that were offered at official merchandise stands for $25 a pair.

AC/DC is fronted by longtime singer Brian Johnson, known for his distinctive, raspy voice. Johnson is the eldest active member of the band at 77 years-old.

Standing and duck-walking by Johnson’s side is founding member and lead guitarist, Angus Young, sporting his signature school boy uniform and Gibson SG guitar.

AC/DC’s rhythm section is made up of newer additions. Rhythm guitarist Stevie Young joined the band in 2014 to replace his uncle, Malcolm Young, who was diagnosed with dementia and went on to retire before his passing in 2017.

Drummer Matt Laug joined the group in 2023 to replace longtime drummer, Phil Rudd.

Bassist Chris Chaney was most-recently added to the touring lineup in 2024 to replace longtime bassist, Cliff Williams.

AC/DC’s last North American show is May 28th in Cleveland, OH.

After that, they head to Europe for a number of shows in June, July, and August, with no shows scheduled after that.

A setlist from Saturday's concert in Chicago can be found below.

Review by AJ Roccaforte.

Setlist: Chicago, IL - Soldier Field - May 24, 2025

1. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)

2. Back In Black

3. Demon Fire

4. Shot Down in Flames

5. Thunderstruck

6. Have a Drink on Me

7. Hells Bells

8. Shot in the Dark

9. Stiff Upper Lip

10. Highway to Hell

11. Shoot to Thrill

12. Sin City

13. Rock ’n’ Roll Train

14. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

15. High Voltage

16. Riff Raff

17. You Shook Me All Night Long

18. Whole Lotta Rosie

19. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

20. T.N.T.

21. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)