AC/DC
July 11, 2026
Charlotte, NC
Bank of America Stadium
Review by Joseph Hett

AC/DC Powers Up Charlotte to Launch the 2026 North American Tour

AC/DC launched the North American leg of the 2026 PWR/Up Tour in Charlotte at the Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night. Fans, most wearing black T-shirts, braved the heat and humidity as they took over Uptown Charlotte for this must-see show. AC/DC quickly proved they were running on all cylinders, a fitting callback to the hot rod imagery of their latest album and tour.

This current incarnation of AC/DC is anchored by Angus Young (lead guitar), Brian Johnson (lead vocals) and Stevie Young (rhythm guitar). Touring drummer Matt Laug (from Florence, South Carolina) and bassist Chris Chaney helped the band kick into high gear.

Once the lights dimmed, an intro video showed an animated muscle car making its way to Charlotte. The band took the stage as the decibels were cranked up for “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and the iconic “Back in Black.”

Johnson welcomed everyone: “Charlotte, it’s been way too long. Missed you. You okay? Let’s pick up where we left off. All that long time ago. We’re gonna play some rock and roll, have some fun and have a big f—king party!” AC/DC hadn’t played Charlotte since the Black Ice Tour in 2008. They hadn’t played North Carolina since Greensboro on the tumultuous Rock or Bust Tour in 2016.

They only featured two songs from their latest album, “PWR/Up”: “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark.” These were arguably the album’s strongest tracks.

Angus, dressed in his signature schoolboy outfit, removed his hat and jacket after the searing “Shot Down in Flames.” The man spent the night shredding while covering every inch of the colossal stage. His devilish smirks and duck walks were on full display. While many fans in attendance around Angus’ age struggled to remain standing for the entirety of the two-hour-and-15-minute show, Angus was still going strong until the very end.

The hits kept coming with “Thunderstruck” and “Have a Drink on Me.” Johnson noted he would “get the Jack, okay?” Speaking of Jack, there would be no slower-paced tunes like “The Jack” tonight. Instead, it was all in-your-face rock. Everyone knew what time it was when the huge bell descended above the stage…“Hells Bells.”

Angus came out wearing his trademark red light-up devil horns for “Highway to Hell.” Fire was in full force with towering flames and plumes that transformed the stage into an inferno. After each song, the stadium would go dark as the band took a brief breather. All you could see was a sea of glowing devil horns.

Angus removed his tie to play distorted guitar riffs on the Las Vegas-themed “Sin City.” It would be the last piece of clothing he would remove. Back in his younger days, he had a whole striptease act during concerts.

They also featured the older song, “Jailbreak.” Angus emulated the guitar effects of sirens and rifles firing. Angus even got a chance to speak into the mic for the sleazy “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.”

During “High Voltage,” Johnson gave a passionate speech about how America created rock and roll and how everyone is free to rock. He was so worked up, he started to dance while humorously noting that he couldn’t dance. Johnson looked like he was having the time of his life. His vocals sounded great. There were moments when he reached for some of the higher notes but just couldn’t put it into overdrive. Still, his performance left little to complain about.

You could almost feel the stadium shaking with “You Shook Me All Night Long.” For years the massive inflatable Rosie had been a concert staple, but she was not brought out for “Whole Lotta Rosie.” She was only featured on the large video screen to some people’s disappointment.

It was time for the traditional main set closer of “Let There Be Rock,” which featured Angus’ hallmark extended solo. He was a man possessed for the 20-minute song, covering all corners of the stage and then some. He ascended on a rising platform at the end of the runway before dropping down and spinning on his back. AC/DC-themed confetti rained down on the awestruck crowd.

Returning for the encore, the band reignited the stadium with “T.N.T.” They closed the show with the one and only “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” as the cannons gave the fans a 21-gun salute. Fireworks lit up the Charlotte sky as the band exited the stage. Smoke and the lingering scent of gunpowder filled the air as the house lights came back on, bringing a spectacular evening to a close.

AC/DC is still going strong. As with any band getting up there in age, you never know what the future holds. Cryptic posts on AC/DC’s social media have hinted at “Powering up for the last time.” This may be one of the few remaining opportunities to see this legendary band perform at such a high level.