By High Voltage Legacy: A Deep Dive into AC/DC’s 2024 Power Up Tour Setlist
Did you know that AC/DC’s Power Up Tour is the band’s first major tour in eight years, with over 1.5 million tickets sold for the initial German dates alone? For die-hard fans, this tour is more than just a concert; it’s a testament to the band’s enduring power and a chance to analyze how the legendary act is evolving. This deep-dive analysis explores the meticulously crafted setlist, compares it to historic tours, and examines how the new rhythm section is honoring the band’s monumental legacy.
The New Guard: How the Rhythm Section Honors a Timeless Legacy
With longtime bassist Cliff Williams retiring from touring and drummer Phil Rudd unable to join, the unenviable task of filling those iconic boots fell to Chris Chaney and Matt Laug. Rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel, both musicians have focused on honoring the foundational groove that has defined AC/DC for 50 years.
Chris Chaney: The Anchor in the Low End
Known for his dynamic work with Jane’s Addiction and Alanis Morissette, Chris Chaney might seem like an unexpected choice. However, his approach has been one of disciplined respect for Cliff Williams’s iconic style.
- Pocket Precision: Chaney locks in perfectly with Stevie Young’s rhythm guitar, providing the steady, eighth-note pulse that is the bedrock of the AC/DC sound, as noted by numerous fan accounts and concert reviews.
- Legacy Over Flash: He avoids a flashy, virtuosic style, instead focusing on the minimalist, in-the-pocket groove that made Williams’s basslines so effective.
- Tonal Respect: His choice of a Music Man StingRay bass is a nod to the tone that has anchored the band’s sound on classic albums.
Matt Laug: Powering the Engine Room
Stepping in for Phil Rudd is arguably one of the most scrutinized roles in rock. Matt Laug, a seasoned session drummer who has played with artists like Slash’s Snakepit and Alice Cooper, has proven to be more than capable. His performance is a masterclass in honoring a legacy.
He focuses on the two core tenets of Rudd’s drumming:
- The Feel: Laug masterfully recreates the subtle swing and behind-the-beat feel that is Rudd’s signature, ensuring songs like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” have their authentic swagger.
- The Simplicity: He avoids overplaying, understanding that the power in AC/DC’s music comes from the space between the notes. His drumming is powerful, precise, and perfectly restrained.
Setlist Breakdown: Power Up vs. The Golden Eras
The 24-song setlist is a dream for dedicated fans, blending stadium-shaking anthems with some electrifying deep cuts. The inclusion of two tracks from the Power Up album, “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark,” shows the band’s confidence in their new material. However, the real story for long-time followers is how this setlist stacks up against the legendary tours of the past.
| Era / Tour | Common Opener | Deep Cuts & Surprises | Core Setlist Mainstays |
|——————–|———————|——————————————————-|——————————————————–|
| Power Up (2024) | If You Want Blood | Riff Raff, Stiff Upper Lip, Givin the Dog a Bone | Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Hells Bells, Highway to Hell |
| Rock or Bust (2016) | Rock or Bust | Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder, Baptism by Fire | Shoot to Thrill, You Shook Me, T.N.T., For Those About |
| Black Ice (2008) | Rock ‘n’ Roll Train | Dog Eat Dog, Anything Goes | Dirty Deeds, The Jack, Let There Be Rock, Whole Lotta Rosie |
| Back in Black (1980)| Hells Bells | What Do You Do for Money Honey, Shake a Leg, Have a Drink on Me | Shot Down in Flames, Highway to Hell, The Jack, T.N.T. |
The reintroduction of “Riff Raff” for the first time on a full tour since 1996 and “Stiff Upper Lip” are clear nods to the fans who appreciate the full catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why isn’t Cliff Williams playing bass on the Power Up tour?
A: Cliff Williams officially retired from touring after the Rock or Bust tour in 2016, citing the rigors of the road. While he returned to record the Power Up album, he chose not to participate in the subsequent full-scale tour, as confirmed by Angus Young in a 2024 interview.
Q: What is the official reason for Phil Rudd’s absence?
A: While the band has not issued a formal statement, Phil Rudd’s recent legal troubles in New Zealand are widely understood to have presented logistical challenges for a major international tour. Matt Laug was brought on to ensure the tour could proceed smoothly across all planned dates.
Q: How is Brian Johnson’s voice holding up?
A: Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to advanced in-ear monitor technology that helps him hear himself clearly, Brian Johnson is performing with a power and confidence that many fans feared was lost after his departure from the Rock or Bust tour due to hearing issues. Music critics have noted he sounds “rejuvenated and powerful.”
The Verdict: A Legacy Honored, A Future Powered Up
The 2024 Power Up tour is an unqualified triumph, not just for its scale but for its meticulous execution. It’s a showcase of a band honoring its past while confidently striding forward. The new members have done the impossible: seamlessly integrating into a legendary lineup by focusing on the core principles that have always made AC/DC great. The setlist is a masterful blend of the essential and the unexpected, rewarding the devotion of their most ardent fans.
What’s Next for AC/DC?
The immense success of this European run has fans buzzing about what comes next. Could we see dates in North America, Australia, or South America in 2025 or beyond?
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