Live Review: AC/DC POWER UP Deliver Concert of the Year
4 December 2025 at Optus Stadium in Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
Jesus wept again at Optus Stadium.
This time is for AC/DC – the greatest live band on the planet.
Angus strutted down the highway to hell, skipping like a bush kangaroo – though only on one leg, with veins visible on his left thigh. Dressed in his red iconic blazer and hat, he radiated the energy of a school kid who refuses to grow up. At 70, Angus is the ultimate showman among the kings and queens of rock.
We’ve seen this founding member of one of the world’s greatest bands on Rage TV, MTV, and Molly’s Countdown, but seeing him live is surreal – almost dreamlike, especially up close. He stroked his guitar and pointed to the heavens, perhaps dedicating the moment to his rock brethren – Jimmy, Van Halen, Rhoads, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott. Every move sparked wild cheers from the crowd, devil horns flashing across a sea of fans across generations, from die-hards since 1973 to a new wave of teenage dirtbags.
Three minutes before showtime, the lights at Optus Stadium dimmed. A computer-generated video played on the big screens, showing a car journeying to Perth and arriving at the stadium. The atmosphere hit fever pitch, with 60,000 fans appreciating the curated effort. For the first time in over a decade, the Hells Bells rang out in Perth.
There was no dramatic entrance, no spaceship pods or pyrotechnics, just five men stepping onto the stage under bright lights, and that was more than enough. The night kicked off with “If You Want Blood,” and we certainly got it. This was always going to be the Angus show, with Brian Johnson as the sidekick – not the other way round. Angus wasted no time, strutting across the runway halfway through the opening set. At the edge of the stage, he pointed his guitar to the north side of the stadium, then rotated clockwise, teasing every rock soul in the crowd. The rock god gestures punched through the canopy of heads, in a sea of glittering red pulsation.
“Perth – where the f*ck have you been?”
After all, the fans are witnessing these five adults still living out their childhood dreams in grown-up bodies. Angus spun and raised his guitar to the rock gods, while the crowd responded with their own rock gestures, as if everyone in the stadium was part of something bigger – a shared celebration of music, memory, and the refusal to let go of youth.
Brian Johnson was also quick off the mark – needless to say. Like Angus, he zipped across the stage, engaging the crowd with his animated moves and gritty expressions, belting out vocals while bending and twisting his body. His iconic black newsboy cap, his signature look since his days with the UK band Geordie in the ’70s. Apparently, it helps with the sweat, but it’s also become a symbol of his enduring presence in the world of rock.
Stevie Young (Angus’s nephew), bassist Chris Chaney, and drummer Matt Laug held down the back of the stage throughout the night. Their presence was steady, almost stoic, but their musicianship was undeniable, each note and beat contributing to the wall of sound that filled the stadium.
Angus launched into a solo on several occasions, a riff more twisted than the pinnacle episode of Dallas.
The next track marked a “new” chapter for AC/DC, though it’s about 45 years old. The familiar chik chik intro sent the crowd into delirium, and when the full riff kicked in, it was gritty and instantly recognisable. For casual listeners, “Back in Black” was the first album after Bon Scott’s death, a great tribute and a rebirth for AC/DC in 1980. The iconic riff, Stevie Young’s tight rhythm guitar, Chaney’s steady bass, and Matt Laug’s freefall drumming created headbanging magic. The crowd moved as one, a living, breathing organism powered by the music.
Brian Johnson’s voice at 78 years old is still world-class, designed to rock the world’s stadiums. After 45 years at the helm, there’s no sign of wear. His raw, high-pitched, raspy voice delivers the intensity that’s become AC/DC’s trademark since 1980. The raspy falsetto and sandpaper scream soared through the world’s loudest concert, cutting through the wall of sound.
They may be in their 70s, but they still have the same energy as during the ’70s and ’80s. It’s 2025, and it feels like the two frontmen have locked themselves in a time machine, refusing to let the years slow them down. The music, the attitude, the sheer force of will- it’s all still there, undiminished by time.
After four songs, we needed a break. The lights dimmed for about 20 seconds, giving everyone a moment to catch their breath and prepare for what was coming next.
Then came arguably the biggest hit for post-Gen X listeners: “Thunderstruck.” The lights dimmed, then lit up with Angus’s tingling riff, the unmistakable rapid-fire guitar, followed by a sonic lightning strike. The biggest roar in Perth since the hailstorm of 2008 erupted. Angus stood under the spotlight, his fingers dancing on the strings, unleashing that hypnotic riff. The drums thundered, the lights went wild, and Brian stormed to the mic, belting out “thunder” with a primal roar that echoed across the stadium. Every shout of “THUNDER” was echoed by the 60,000-strong crowd, turning them into a black army. This song, adopted by the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, is certainly made for a colosseum and is the perfect uplift. Brian’s vocals sliced through the air like a hot knife through water, and perfectly in sync with the drums.
By now, Angus’s red blazer and cap were off. The stage was alive with energy, the band feeding off the crowd and vice versa.
The Hells Bells rang out – perhaps the second most iconic sound after the bells of St Abbeys – evoking a funeral dirge, signalling both loss and the band’s determination to carry on. It was the first track to honor Bon Scott and set the tone for a new era. The bell descended from the roof of the stage, as if sparking the new beginning or saying goodbye that’s 45 years old.
Optus Stadium reached another peak with “Highway to Hell.” For many, it’s one of the greatest songs ever written. For Perth, it’s also one of the most memorable. Not long ago, the entire Canning Highway was shut down for the “Highway to Hell” event during the finale of Perth Festival, marking 40 years since Bon Scott. The memory of that day lingered in the air, love in the time of the pre-COVID days.
Digital flames blazed on the mega screens, adding to the hellish vibe, while real fire heated up the night. The crowd felt the heat, both literal and metaphorical, as the band powered through the song with relentless energy.
The night then got gritty with “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” from the 1976 album High Voltage. Even after nearly half a century, the track still rocks in live performance. The gritty lyrics, heavy guitar, and rebellious attitude were followed by “Riff Raff,” another classic that had the crowd moving.
The stadium erupted again with “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Those who sat in the tiers (this is Perth after all, we are seat warmers) rose to their feet, and chanting as if they were reaching spiritual climax.
Angus then took over for a fifteen-minute solo that seemed to go on forever. His fingers flew across the fretboard, stimulating each string like a lover would. The crowd watched on, again raising their hands with a rock god gesture. He kept putting his pointing fingers above his ears, teasing the crowd who wanted more.
The night ended with the most iconic calls in Aussie language. Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi in TNT. The crowd exploded again in a spiritual orgasm. Rock lives in Perth.
As the final notes rang out and the lights came up, it was clear that AC/DC’s legacy is alive and well. The band may have been away for a decade, but their return proved that some things never fade. The music, the energy, and the connection between band and audience remain as strong as ever.
Two hours, end to end. These are the fittest guys in rock.
AC/DC are afterall, the greatest live rock band on the planet.
AC/DC are back in Perth for a second night on Monday on the 8th of December. Tickets are available from AC/DC 2025 Australian Tour | TEG Van Egmond
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank KOB PR, TEG Van Egmond and AC/DC for the media accreditation.
If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) – Highway to Hell (1979)
Back in Black – Back in Black (1980)
Demon Fire – Power Up (2020)
Shot Down in Flames – Highway to Hell (1979)
Thunderstruck – The Razors Edge (1990)
Have a Drink on Me – Back in Black (1980)
Hells Bells – Back in Black (1980)
Shot in the Dark – Power Up (2020)
Stiff Upper Lip – Stiff Upper Lip (2000)
Highway to Hell – Highway to Hell (1979)
Shoot to Thrill – Back in Black (1980)
Sin City – Powerage (1978)
Jailbreak – ’74 Jailbreak (1984, recorded 1976)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
High Voltage – High Voltage (1976 international release)
Riff Raff – Powerage (1978)
You Shook Me All Night Long – Back in Black (1980)
Whole Lotta Rosie – Let There Be Rock (1977)
Let There Be Rock – Let There Be Rock (1977)
T.N.T. – T.N.T. (1975 Australia) / High Voltage (1976 international)
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) – For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)
Key statistics
Projected audience for current world tour
3.5 – 4 million to date
Number of countries the current tour has/will visit
2024 European tour 24 shows in 17 Cities and 11 Countries
2025 North America Tour 12 show 13 Cities and 2 Countries (Canada and USA)
2025 European Tour 15 Shows in 13 Cities, 10 Countries (Some Repeats to 2024)
2025 Australia—9 shows
2026 South America—4 Countries
2026 North America—18 shows in 17 Cities (Canada and USA)
How is production shipped to Australia —The Gear was shipped from the UK at the end of August
Production is shipped in 26 sea containers
Stages are shipped in 48 sea containers for the 2 systems
Number of semi-trailers used to transport the production from city to city in Australia
Currently 26 trucks Main Production
Currently 42 Trucks—21 For Each Stage System
How many tons of steel to build the production
300 tons of steel
How many tonnes of PA / Speakers is part of the show:
Approximately 28 tonnes
Number of hours to set up the production
Stage—3 Day Build and Production—1 Day
Number of hours to break down the production after a show
Production 4 hrs and Stage—1 ½ Days
Number of road cases used to transport all equipment lights, audio, video, stage, instruments, wardrobe etc.
1,161 cases carts and pieces of truss
Number of total kilowatts of power consumed during one stadium show for lights, audio, video, rigging, etc.
500kw
Number of Kilometres of cable used for power, lighting and audio equipment
13,500 feet or 3 miles of mains cable
About the writer/photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Iron Maiden, Metallica, KISS, RHCP, P!NK and Suzi Quatro with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, and Tina Arena on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 100 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
