AC/DC returned to the stage in Indio, California on Saturday night (7th October 2023) for their first show in seven years with singer Brian Johnson. Their epic set was like a jolt to the heart, and the brain, as the rock and roll powerhouse performed the hits and some surprising deep cuts over an electrifying two hours at Power Trip.
Photo: CT Wilson.
Taking place at the Empire Polo Club, Power Trip day two also featured Judas Priest playing their only gig of 2023, and followed on from Friday's opening day which saw Iron Maiden and Guns n' Roses plug in for the hottest weekend in rock history.
The return of AC/DC is always an event, but after such an extended layoff and the dramatic exit of Brian Johnson in 2016, tonight's show was one of the most anticipated of their five-decade career, comparable to their first shows with the Johnson following the death of Bon Scott in 1980.
There had been many teasers on various social platforms as to what the band were likely to play, and fittingly, it was the song featured in the brief rehearsal clip posted by the band themselves that kicked off things. Launching straight into 1979 classic 'If You Want Blood' accompanied by an explosive fireworks display, a grey haired Angus Young came storming onto the stage, with Johnson back in his rightful place, by his side.
With Cliff Williams and Stevie Young taking up their no nonsense positions at the rear, and drummer Matt Haug providing a convincingly Rudd-esque groove, AC/DC were back in business.
Greeting the crowd, Johnson casually observed; "how cool is this?!", adding; "Lovely to see you. Let's get rocking and rolling" before launching into an entirely appropriate 'Back in Black'.
Debuting the first of a brace of tracks from their latest album in 'Demon Fire' - the other being the single 'Shot in the Dark', Johnson introduced it without fanfare as simply; "a song off the 'Power Up' album",
What followed was two hours of some of the greatest rock and roll songs ever recorded. Playing every single title-track from the Bon Scott era, from the grooving boogie of 'High Voltage' to a storming 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' and a roof-raising 'Highway to Hell', they also performed an incredible six songs from the world-conquering 'Back in Black', including ode to the rough stuff 'Have a Drink on Me', and the innuendo-heavy 'Givin the Dog a Bone'.
For the hardcore, there were more than a few surprises, including underrated 2000 gem 'Stiff Upper Lip' - back in the set for the first time in two decades - 1977 single 'Dog Eat Dog', and a storming 'Riff Raff' - a song performed only once prior with Johnson at the helm.
As for the classics, they were all there; from an electrifying 'Thunderstruck' to a tight-but-loose 'Shoot to Thrill'; and a storming 'T.N.T'.
All the while, Angus's frenetic soloing took centre stage, with the guitarists choice of guitars - a selection of vintage Gibson SGs - a treat for the six-string aficionados in the crowd.
Highlights? There were many, from 'Sin City', to 'Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be', from the Scott-era, to Johnson's own 'Rock and Roll Train' and the closing 'For Those About to Rock'.
Saluting the crowd with cannon fire, taking their bows, Johnson said simply; "everybody here tonight, we salute you".
With Brian's shock departure in 2016 due to hearing loss, this was a night most including the singer himself thought they'd never see, and with no plans currently on place for further activity, Power Trip could prove to be AC/DC's final show. If it is, it was a hell of a way to go out.
A joyous celebration of one the most respected acts of all time.
The return of AC/DC is always an event, but after such an extended layoff and the dramatic exit of Brian Johnson in 2016, tonight's show was one of the most anticipated of their five-decade career, comparable to their first shows with the Johnson following the death of Bon Scott in 1980.
There had been many teasers on various social platforms as to what the band were likely to play, and fittingly, it was the song featured in the brief rehearsal clip posted by the band themselves that kicked off things. Launching straight into 1979 classic 'If You Want Blood' accompanied by an explosive fireworks display, a grey haired Angus Young came storming onto the stage, with Johnson back in his rightful place, by his side.
With Cliff Williams and Stevie Young taking up their no nonsense positions at the rear, and drummer Matt Haug providing a convincingly Rudd-esque groove, AC/DC were back in business.
Greeting the crowd, Johnson casually observed; "how cool is this?!", adding; "Lovely to see you. Let's get rocking and rolling" before launching into an entirely appropriate 'Back in Black'.
Debuting the first of a brace of tracks from their latest album in 'Demon Fire' - the other being the single 'Shot in the Dark', Johnson introduced it without fanfare as simply; "a song off the 'Power Up' album",
What followed was two hours of some of the greatest rock and roll songs ever recorded. Playing every single title-track from the Bon Scott era, from the grooving boogie of 'High Voltage' to a storming 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' and a roof-raising 'Highway to Hell', they also performed an incredible six songs from the world-conquering 'Back in Black', including ode to the rough stuff 'Have a Drink on Me', and the innuendo-heavy 'Givin the Dog a Bone'.
For the hardcore, there were more than a few surprises, including underrated 2000 gem 'Stiff Upper Lip' - back in the set for the first time in two decades - 1977 single 'Dog Eat Dog', and a storming 'Riff Raff' - a song performed only once prior with Johnson at the helm.
As for the classics, they were all there; from an electrifying 'Thunderstruck' to a tight-but-loose 'Shoot to Thrill'; and a storming 'T.N.T'.
All the while, Angus's frenetic soloing took centre stage, with the guitarists choice of guitars - a selection of vintage Gibson SGs - a treat for the six-string aficionados in the crowd.
Highlights? There were many, from 'Sin City', to 'Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be', from the Scott-era, to Johnson's own 'Rock and Roll Train' and the closing 'For Those About to Rock'.
Saluting the crowd with cannon fire, taking their bows, Johnson said simply; "everybody here tonight, we salute you".
With Brian's shock departure in 2016 due to hearing loss, this was a night most including the singer himself thought they'd never see, and with no plans currently on place for further activity, Power Trip could prove to be AC/DC's final show. If it is, it was a hell of a way to go out.
A joyous celebration of one the most respected acts of all time.