The Enduring Power of AC/DC: Why Their 2026 Tour Matters
When I heard that AC/DC kicked off their 2026 North American tour in Charlotte, my first thought wasn’t about the setlist or the ticket prices—it was about the sheer endurance of this band. Here’s a group that’s been around for nearly five decades, yet they’re still packing stadiums and delivering the kind of energy that makes you forget they’re old enough to be your grandparents. What makes this particularly fascinating is how they’ve managed to stay relevant in an industry that chews up and spits out artists faster than you can say ‘Highway to Hell’.
A Setlist That’s Both Nostalgic and Bold
The 21-song setlist from their Charlotte show is a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with relevance. Opening with ‘If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)’ from their 1979 album Highway to Hell was a bold move—a nod to their roots and a reminder of the raw, unfiltered energy that defined their early years. Personally, I think this choice speaks to something deeper: AC/DC understands that their fans crave that connection to the past, but they’re not afraid to sprinkle in newer tracks like ‘Demon Fire’ and ‘Shot in the Dark’ from their 2020 album Power Up.
What many people don’t realize is how rare it is for a band to pull this off. Most legacy acts either lean too heavily on their greatest hits or try to force-feed fans new material that feels out of place. AC/DC, however, strikes a balance that feels almost effortless. It’s like they’re saying, ‘We’re still here, we’re still evolving, but we haven’t forgotten where we came from.’
The Bon Scott vs. Brian Johnson Debate
One thing that immediately stands out is the setlist’s heavy reliance on Back in Black, the 1980 album that marked Brian Johnson’s debut as lead singer. Five songs from that album made the cut, which is more than any other record. This raises a deeper question: are they leaning into the Brian Johnson era because it’s their most commercially successful, or is it a subtle acknowledgment of the passing of time?
From my perspective, it’s a bit of both. Bon Scott’s era was raw and rebellious, but Brian Johnson brought a polished, anthemic quality that catapulted them into the mainstream. Playing so many Back in Black tracks feels like a celebration of that transition—a reminder that AC/DC didn’t just survive the loss of their original frontman; they thrived.
The Encore That Says It All
The encore—‘T.N.T.’ followed by ‘For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)’—is a perfect encapsulation of what AC/DC is all about. It’s loud, it’s unapologetic, and it leaves you feeling like you’ve just witnessed something monumental. What this really suggests is that AC/DC isn’t just a band; they’re an experience. They’re the kind of act that makes you want to throw your hands in the air, scream along, and forget about the world for a couple of hours.
The Broader Implications: Why AC/DC Still Matters
If you take a step back and think about it, AC/DC’s continued success is a testament to the enduring power of rock music in an era dominated by pop and hip-hop. They’re a reminder that there’s still a massive audience hungry for guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and lyrics that don’t require a PhD to decipher.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how they’ve managed to appeal to multiple generations. At their shows, you’ll see 60-year-olds headbanging alongside teenagers who probably discovered them through Guardians of the Galaxy. This intergenerational appeal is no accident—it’s the result of staying true to their sound while still evolving just enough to stay fresh.
The Future of AC/DC: What’s Next?
As I look at their remaining tour dates, I can’t help but wonder: how much longer can they keep this up? Angus Young is in his late 60s, and Brian Johnson isn’t exactly a spring chicken either. But then again, AC/DC has always defied expectations. Personally, I think they’ll keep going as long as they can physically handle it. There’s something almost heroic about their refusal to fade away quietly.
Final Thoughts
AC/DC’s 2026 tour isn’t just a series of concerts—it’s a statement. It’s a reminder that rock music, at its core, is about energy, rebellion, and connection. In a world where everything feels temporary, AC/DC is a constant. They’re the band you can always count on to deliver, no matter how much time has passed.
So, if you’re lucky enough to catch them on this tour, don’t just go for the nostalgia. Go because AC/DC is still one of the greatest live acts on the planet. And if you’re not a fan? Well, in the words of Angus Young, ‘It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll.’ But trust me, it’s worth the climb.
