AC/DC Live at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna 23 June 2024

 

AC/DC Live at Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna 23 June 2024

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
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Vienna on June 23, 2024. Another fantastic performance by AC/DC at the Ernst Happel Stadium!

We arrived in Vienna after Dresden with mixed expectations—low about the audience energy and responsiveness, but high about the band, which is clearly growing concert after concert. To our surprise, everything went beyond our expectations!

This was our first Austrian gig ever, having never seen AC/DC in Vienna during the last tours. We spent Saturday exploring the city, soaking in its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delightful cuisine. Vienna is a city that dresses well, and its food is a treat, especially if you enjoy high-carb, calorie-laden sweets and cakes.

The First Vienna Show

The Ernst Happel Stadium is large and not as intimate as Seville or Amsterdam stadiums, but it proved to be an excellent venue for a rock concert. The atmosphere was vibrant and the crowd was surprisingly super loud, a fact that Angus and Brian appreciated, spending more time than usual on the catwalk, especially during "High Voltage." In our section, in front of the Power Injector sign, as usual, the energy was palpable with Austrians jumping and screaming like crazy. There was even continuous pogo next to us, which we happily joined during some of our favorite songs. One enthusiastic fan even mimicked Angus’s on-the-floor lying on the back movement during "Let There Be Rock."

Angus Young’s physical condition is clearly improving. His muscles are growing stronger, and he’s doing more duckwalks. Brian is becoming increasingly confident with each performance, his voice solid and really impressive. His vocals remain a delightful mystery—crispy, bluesy, and powerful. 

Musically, this was one of the best performances of the tour. The band played exceptionally well.

Highlights of the Night

• "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)": This song never gets old for us. It’s a powerhouse that always delivers and always reminds us of the glorious Hammersmith 2003 show.
  
• "Shot Down in Flames": Another classic that ignited the crowd.
• "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "Let There Be Rock": These songs were the crescendo of the night, with the crowd going wild and Angus giving his all on stage.

Musically, this concert was in the top three of the tour, and overall (venue, audience etc) it probably ranks in the top five of this tour.

During our first two days in Vienna, we had the pleasure of meeting several people from the crew and the band’s family. They shared some stories about past tours, the current tour, and even some hints about future plans. Stay tuned for more!

 

AC/DC Live at Rinne, Dresden 19 June 2024

 

 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
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) 

Despite the beautiful red sunset the night before, we were greeted by rain for this performance. Nonetheless, the band delivered another unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll.

I arrived on foot at the Rinne Arena shortly after 4 PM for the afternoon concert, as AC/DC was set to perform at 7:30 PM. This might be one of the few concerts completely in daylight, apart from past summer dates in northern Europe. Despite the expected crowd of over 70,000 people, entering the Rinne was simple and well-organized. Within minutes, I found myself in the gold pitch, which was smaller than other concerts, and positioned myself in my usual spot on the right, under the "Power Injector" sign. I greeted Orangus, who found a spot in front of the catwalk, where he could jump and headbang without disturbing others—what a polite gentleman!

The pre-concert music was enjoyable, and I noticed there was a DJ set on stage playing rock classics from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, and even Maneskin (WTF!). I’m not sure whose idea it was, but we liked it.

The audience seemed more mature, with fewer young people, possibly because they attended the first concert. The atmosphere was relaxed, with some people braving the rain without raincoats, intent on drinking beer and eating sausages. There was little energy, and it stayed that way throughout the concert. I was even asked to calm down several times for daring to jump.

Angus was in green again, probably celebrating the Boston Celtics’ NBA Finals victory. Unfazed by the rain, he bounced along the catwalk during the solo of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and did his signature move during “Back in Black.” Brian interacted with the audience more than usual, speaking and encouraging them, and he seemed to have gained even more confidence with the setlist. Once again, he let Angus sing the lines “but you ain't got the guts” and “enough to drive you nuts” during “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.”

“Shot Down in Flames” and “Stiff Upper Lip” were my favorites of the evening. There was a minor issue with Angus’s guitar during “Have a Drink on Me,” which was quickly replaced by his technician. For the first time on this tour, he used the red SG, which I really appreciated on “Riff Raff” and “Highway to Hell.”

At the start of “T.N.T.,” Stevie accidentally began with “Dirty Deeds,” but quickly recovered. The concert ended with the usual cannons and fireworks, creating a beautiful scene against the backdrop of the Rinne.

Personally, I noticed few errors. The only downside was an annoying reverb in my area, which forced me to use earplugs. Despite this, the band’s performance was solid and professional, showing their resilience and ability to put on a great show despite the rain and minor technical issues.

As we wrap up this fantastic show in Dresden, we’re gearing up for the next stop in Vienna. The Power Up Tour continues to prove why AC/DC remains one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Stay tuned for more updates from the road. Until then, keep rocking!

Stefano, Secretary General

 

 

 

 

The Power Injector Sign
 

Jumping Orangus on AC/DC Offical Social Media - 141 shows

AC/DC Live at Olympiastadion, Munich 12 June 2024

AC/DC Live at Olympiastadion, Munich 12 June 2024

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

Shoot to Thrill

Sin City

Rock ‘n’ Roll Train

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

High Voltage

Riff Raff

You Shook Me All Night Long

Highway to Hell

Whole Lotta Rosie

Let There Be Rock

T.N.T.

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) 

Report by Stefano, the AC/DC ABRUZZO Secretary General

Beautiful day, with Orangus forecasting sunshine. The city is already full of Scots in kilts, invading local breweries from the early hours of the morning.

I arrived at Olympiapark just after 5 PM. The atmosphere was convivial, with all the outdoor dining areas filled with Germans in their colorful denim jackets adorned with commemorative patches. The Golden Circle section was quite full by 6 PM, a mixed crowd with many families and children. There were fewer attempts at the OLA and chanting compared to Sunday’s concert and fewer young people. I positioned myself on the right as usual, but closer to the barrier. Some people were complaining about the lack of space in the pitch. I advised them to buy Seat tickets next time.

The show started promptly at 8:30 PM. Angus was back in blue, and it was great to see him so close during "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)," played with precision and power. A couple of times when he came to the right corner of the stage, I enjoyed the moment without taking photos or videos—pure bliss. It’s incredible how, at his age, he still has an insatiable hunger for rock 'n' roll.

In the first part of the concert, the band seemed a bit more tired compared to Sunday. Angus did less duckwalking, and Brian performed his duties with professionalism. His voice sounded clean to me. From "Sin City" onwards, the band started to grind out some great rock. Brian was in "wide-eyed screaming mode" very ofter (as Phil the Belgian put it), and at times reminded me of the energy and moves from the Black Ice tour. The band seems to enjoy themselves on stage and gains confidence with each concert. Certainly, an extra day of rest makes a difference, and in my opinion, Munich 1 was better than today. But who cares!

Best Songs of the Night

"Sin City," "High Voltage," and "Highway to Hell" were highlights, but I also really enjoyed "Rock 'n' Roll Train." The crowd appreciated Angus’s solo on the catwalk and platform during "Let There Be Rock." It was great when he challenged the audience to be louder. Any attempts at a mosh pit were quickly suppressed by ladies more focused on protecting their space than having fun. The Colombian/Swedish fans from the previous concert mini moshpit were desperate and looked for my help on several occasions.

Overall, it was a solid concert. It started a bit slow, but they picked up in the second half.

Other Points to Mention:

- The playful interaction between Brian and Angus during "Dirty Deeds." with two vocals contributian by Angus as you can see in my video

- Brian not screaming at the end of "Highway to Hell" and touching his throat.

- Angus not dropping to the ground at the end of "Let There Be Rock just like on Sunday

- Orangus celebrating his 140th concert, standing right next to me.

- A kid jumping throughout the entire concert often annoyed Orangus who is less into jumping than previous tours...

In conclusion, Munich delivered another fantastic night of rock 'n' roll. The band continues to prove why they are legends, and I’m grateful to be part of this incredible journey. Now, on to the next one!

Rock on,

Stefano, Secretary General

100 SHOWS UNDER OUR BELT!

In Munich, we proudly joined the small and exclusive club of fans with over 100 AC/DC shows under their belts—a club with maybe a couple of hundred members worldwide... who knows... 

Achieving this milestone wasn't easy, especially considering we are from the "Stiff Upper Lip" generation, but it feels incredible to be part of such a dedicated group and celebrate it with such an unforgettable show.

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK WE SALUTE YOU!

 

AC/DC Live at Olympiastadion, Munich 9 June 2024

 

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
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) 

 

Meine Damen und Herren
Das kann nur eins heissen
AC/DC

What we experienced in Munich was another great night of rock 'n' roll where the past and present of AC/DC intertwined, creating something unique and dreamlike for us hardcore fans. The Power Up Tour is a tour where we constantly have to pinch ourselves. It’s really too good to be true.

Just a couple of years ago, in 2021 or 2022, we would have never believed we could hear “Stiff Upper Lip” live again at Munich Olympiastadion, where the iconic 2001 DVD was recorded—a DVD we watched over and over, maybe thousands of times. And there we were, jumping and screaming with Brian and Angus, “And I shoot from the hip,” with Angus performing his solo on the catwalk...

Munich’s Olympiastadion is one of our favorite venues in Europe, known for its great crowd and iconic history. Despite the heavy rain for several hours, the atmosphere was electric. Probably, the majority of people didn’t like the rain, but for us, watching AC/DC perform under the rain always is something special—bringing back memories from Brisbane 2010, Nice 2010 and Munich 2015. A raw, authentic rock 'n' roll show!

You would expect the band to slow down at their age, especially with such adverse weather conditions. It had been raining since 6 PM. Backstage, the managers and some people in the audience, including us, were nervous. Can the show really take place? Is it safe?

But Angus and Brian made all doubts disappear! Angus played as if to prove they were not scared of the rain, the cold weather, or the slippery stage. He was super motivated on stage to put on the ultimate performance, rain or shine. To show the old guard of fans, as well as new kids in their teens and twenties who had never seen them, how an authentic rock 'n' roll show should be.

We were lucky enough to be close to the stage, in our usual spot on the right, where we could get the sound from the stage amps. Maybe not ideal for audiophiles, but we love to listen to that raw sound from Angus’s guitar. Some people complained about distortion and nas acoustics on the seats and other sections but for us it was just fine.

We expected the audience to be still and “sleepy,” as it sometimes happens in Germany. On the contrary, we were close to some young people from Sweden and Germany who were really there to rock hard, moshpit style. Some of them knew us from our past tours and blog, so we ended up having a great time jumping like crazy during “If You Want Blood,” “Back in Black,” and “Thunderstruck,” till the final crescendo of “Rosie” and “Let There Be Rock.” Those around us weren’t annoyed; they seemed rather pleased with their hiperactive neighbors.

The highlight of the night was “Riff Raff”—tight and nasty under the rain! It looked and sounded like the perfect epitome of the AC/DC live rockers philosophy from the Bon Scott era. The solo in “Let There Be Rock” was much longer than usual. It seemed like Angus didn’t want to stop under the rain. Watch our videos below to get a small taste of the power of this tour.

Brian continues to amaze us! Strong and solid as a rock. His voice is just fantastic. Sometimes, if you pay attention to YouTube videos or if you are at the venue simply to analyze the show, you might notice some inaccuracies or small issues. But when you are at the show, in the Golden Circle, you really get caught up in the moment of rock 'n' roll, and that’s when you realize and feel that when AC/DC are playing live, there is no better place to be.

The truth is that despite AC/DC being a corporation making hundreds of millions and having thousands of people working around them, you can still feel the raw rock 'n' roll of the early days when you see a show like this one... And this is the most important message of the night: Rock'n'Roll is still alive!

 

 

AC/DC Live at Johan Cruijff Arena , Amsterdam 5 June 2024

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
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Considering no US tour has been announced yet, and maybe never will, we decided to see as many shows as possible for us in Europe and so, after Seville, we went to Amsterdam. And we witnessed the AC/DC’s electrifying performance at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, and what a night it was!

We arrived at the arena early enough to meet some of our German friends we’ve known since the London 2003 and Black Ice tour. It was fantastic to reconnect and share our mutual excitement for the show. For the first time on this tour, we decided to position ourselves in front of the sound mixer to fully appreciate the power of AC/DC’s sound, in full stereo.

The atmosphere in the pitch was lively, with a noticeable level of alcohol consumption among the fans. Drinks were being thrown around before and during the show, and we even spotted some fights and “funny interactions” among the crowd during the opening band. You can check out some of these "friendly fights" on our social media. It reminded us of the rowdy English crowds, and we’re curious to see if London will bring similar vibes like in the past despite the use of smartphones.

The show started on time, and AC/DC kicked off strong and powerful. Brian Johnson was amazing, both in terms of movements on stage and vocals. His voice sounded so good on some songs that it was almost unbelievable. There were moments we joked about the possibility of backing tracks, but knowing AC/DC, it’s all raw and real. We just watched, enjoyed, and thanked again the Gods of rock for the gift of seeing AC/DC back on stage.

“Back in Black” and “Shoot to Thrill” were particular highlights, despite some minor sound distortion, which still made it more authentic for us. The acoustics in the stadium were generally great, especially where we were positioned. We had heard that the sound in this stadium might not be ideal for rock concerts, but our experience was fantastic. Listening to AC/DC in stereo like this was a dream, even though it’s hard for us to wear ear protection and miss out on the mighty rock 'n' roll sound of AC/DC.

“Stiff Upper Lip” was another standout performance. We know from Matt that it was his idea to include it in the set before PowerTrip, and the band approved it. Thanks, Matt! Angus Young was on fire, especially during the first part of the show. He duckwalked and moved energetically, also during Back in Black, though he seemed to slow down a bit during the end of the show; “Let There Be Rock” solo was short comparing to previous shows. In contrast, Brian kept growing stronger as the night went on. And for the encores he even had to change his t-shirt (we noticed as the color was dark blue instead of black).

The rest of the band did a fantastic job. There was a small mistake at the beginning of “T.N.T.” (apparently Stevie started with Dirty Deeds) but it was barely noticeable and again we love such small imperfections that make each live performance unique.

The crowd exceeded our expectations. The lack of division on the floor perhaps contributed to more interaction and energy, even if there was a bit too much alcohol involved. The crowd’s enthusiasm and the band’s performance made for an unforgettable night.

And now, we look forward to Munich! Stay tuned for more updates from the road. Until then, keep rocking!

AC/DC Live at Estadio La Cartuja, Seville, Spain 1 June 2024

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
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Three days have passed since the electrifying night at Estadio La Cartuja, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. The band delivered another amazing performance for the Spanish fans 

Before the show began, we were thrilled to bump into Mr. Spinelli, AKA Orangus' Assistant from the Black Ice Tour. It was fantastic to reconnect and reminisce about the old Black Ice times. Mr. Spinelli rocked with us for the entire show, jumping and waving one of our inflatable HELL'S TRIDENTS, which they say they have the magical power of attracting Brian Johnson closer to us to the right side of the stage.... For sure we saw Brian pointing at us more often than usual.... It was a blast and added an extra layer of fun to the night.

Both Brian and Angus seemed a little less energetic compared to the previous Seville show. Perhaps an extra day of rest was needed, or maybe it was the high temperature that took a toll on them. Nonetheless, their performance was still powerful and engaging.

During “High Voltage,” and some other songs, Brian had some minor vocal issues, likely due to the intense heat or the fatigue. He was visibly soaked in sweat, battling the high temperatures to deliver his best. Despite these challenges, songs like “Rosie” and "Sin City" stood out as usual some of the best on this tour. Angus' energy grew song after song. During the LTBR solo Angus unbuttoned his shirt as he was often doing during the ROB tour. The solo was very intense. Again the rhythmic section of the band was very solid and this is something very enjoyable for us.

The crowd in La Cartuja Stadium was fantastic once again, but we personally preferred the energy of the first show on May 29. The band’s energy and the crowd’s enthusiasm seemed a bit higher on the first night. Still, the connection between the band and the audience was strong, with everyone soaking in the raw power of AC/DC’s rock ‘n’ roll. Spain had been the best (so far).

And now, our journey continues to Amsterdam. Matteo Abruzzo's 99th AC/DC show. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

AC/DC Live at Estadio La Cartuja 29 May 2024

 

 

AC/DC Live at Estadio La Cartuja 29  May 2024
 

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
Shoot to Thrill
Sin City
Rock ‘n’ Roll Train
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
High Voltage
Riff Raff
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
T.N.T.
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

We arrived in Seville the day before the show and we were immediately struck by the hot air and rising temperatures—Spain was ready to rock!

The day of the show, we made a quick stop at the AC/DC bar, but the line was long, and the sun was unforgiving. Over 40° C so we just greeted some old friends and readers of our blog and companions from the past tour. To conserve our energy for the gig, we decided to rest for a bit. Expectations were high, especially for the crowd. Spain has never disappointed us, particularly in the PIT, and after the slightly disappointing RED ZONE experience in Italy, we were eager for the PISTA A bedlam.

As we approached the stadium, memories from the 2010 and 2016 shows flooded back. The 2010 concert held more intense memories, as it was around the end of the glorious Black Ice tour, while 2016 was marked by the transition to Axl Rose as the lead singer for the remainder of the Rock or Bust tour. 

Inside the stadium, we found some much-needed shade, a blessing given the hot temperatures. As expected, the stadium was almost empty until 7 PM—Spaniards typicallyknow hoe to take their time. But by 9:30, the stadium was packed, and the energy was palpable.

At 9:36, the intro video started, and the crowd erupted as Brian and Angus hit the stage with the notes of "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)." What an opener! The crowd was electrified, chanting and screaming, clearly having waited for this moment for years. Though many in the PIT were focused on their mobile phones, we were saved by a small group of Argentinians and South Americans who were rocking out old-school style. We joined them, enjoying an intense rock'n'roll time during songs like "Shoot to Thrill," "Thunderstruck," and "Riff Raff" together with "Rosie," "Highway to Hell," "T.N.T.," and for the final Salute of "For Those About to Rock", where we experienced some good old pogo - "Live at River Plate"-style. While some fans in the PIT stood still or lightly jumped, even complaining to security about more active fans, we had a blast. 

It’s clear that the PISTA/FOSSE/PIT/GOLDEN CIRCLE sections around Europe have changed since the last tour and they resemple more to the RESERVED SEATING floor in the USA. People are clearly more focused on their smartphones and social media, and calmly singing and clapping, expecting others to do the same. And that's a clear PARADOX considering that on stage both Brian and Angus are moving and jumping like crazy for two hours with the most powerful and electrifying rock music ever created by humans...

The band's performance was exceptional. The best of the tour. And they are getting better and better with each date. Brian, especially, was motivated to prove he is the one and only AC/DC frontman (after Bon), jumping, moving, and dancing like during the best performances of the Black Ice tour. There was a minor technical issue during "Back in Black," but it was nothing major. Brian seems rejuvenated and reinvigorated. Angus was clearly happy to be back in one of his favorite countries, where fans worship him as a God in the most warm and "mediterranean" style. His physical shape has definetely improved since Gelsenkirchen, and he seemed much more confident and joyful on stage.

The shortned setlist remained the same, and it seems this will be the final one for the upcoming shows. "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)" is the perfect opener—watch the pro-shot video on YouTube to see how powerful it is! "Demon Fire" is growing as one of our favorites of the show. All the classics were performed brilliantly, with small differences each night. "Stiff Upper Lip" was very nice, and we loved the frequent interactions between Brian and Angus, especially during Dirty Deeds And Rock'n'Roll Train.

The stadium in Seville provided a more intimate and vibrant rock 'n' roll environment compared to Germany and Italy. It was a fantastic rock 'n' roll show that will remain a milestone for all AC/DC fans who attended it.

The after-party with concerts around the stadium continued until morning—the Spaniards really know how to have fun and enjoy life!

Stay tuned for more updates from the road.