One Last Salute? AC/DC Closes North American Tour in Epic Fashion
AC/DC may have just brought the curtain down on their final American performance — and if that’s the case, they went out with a blast of thunder and fire. The legendary rockers stormed into Cleveland on May 28 to wrap up the North American leg of their Power Up tour in front of a sold-out crowd of 50,000 fans at Huntington Bank Field. For longtime followers of the band, it was more than just a concert. It felt like the closing chapter of a seismic era in rock history.
There was a time not long ago when the idea of AC/DC touring again seemed almost impossible. After the 2015–2016 Rock or Bust tour collapsed under the weight of health issues, legal battles, and lineup changes, the band’s future was uncertain at best. Brian Johnson was sidelined by serious hearing problems, drummer Phil Rudd was dealing with legal troubles, and bassist Cliff Williams announced his retirement. On top of it all, the 2017 passing of founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young — the band’s heart and soul — cast a long shadow over their legacy.
But like they’ve done for decades, AC/DC didn’t fold. They powered up.
In 2020, the band released Power Up, a triumphant tribute to Malcolm Young. Recorded by Johnson, Williams, Rudd, and of course, lead guitarist Angus Young, it was a clear statement: the band still had something to say. However, due to the global pandemic, touring plans were shelved for years — until 2023, when AC/DC returned to the stage at the Power Trip festival in California.
That one-off show reignited the fire. In 2024, the Power Up tour finally kicked off in Europe. By spring 2025, the band brought it to North America for a short but potent 13-date run. Now, after the final power chord rang out in Cleveland, fans are left to wonder — was this their last U.S. stand?
If it was, it was nothing short of explosive. The Cleveland show was a masterclass in classic rock spectacle. Angus Young, still a force of pure electric energy at age 70, tore through a blistering 22-minute version of “Let There Be Rock,” complete with his signature duckwalk and dual solos. Brian Johnson, at 77, proved he still had the vocal grit to command an arena, choosing his moments wisely and delivering with precision.
The current lineup featured some new blood alongside the icons. Drummer Matt Laug (filling in for Phil Rudd) and bassist Chris Chaney (replacing the retired Williams) formed a tight, thunderous rhythm section alongside Stevie Young, Malcolm’s nephew, on rhythm guitar. The chemistry was undeniable — and the performance was airtight.
The setlist was packed with everything a fan could want: “Back in Black,” “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck,” “Hells Bells,” and of course, the show-ending salute of “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” Newer cuts like “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark” stood proudly alongside the band’s vintage cannon blasts.
So, what’s next for AC/DC?
Officially, the band begins a 15-date European summer tour in just a few weeks. Beyond that, silence. The band remains notoriously guarded about future plans. In fact, when asked in 2022 about future live shows, Johnson simply said, “I’m not answering that – why should I?” The band has made it clear that speculation is dangerous in the era of instant viral headlines.
Still, the signs are hard to ignore. AC/DC has never been a band to tour without new material to promote. Power Up was released nearly five years ago. Would they break their own tradition and head back out without a new album? Or are we staring down another five-to-seven-year gap — one that could push these rock soldiers well into their 80s?
It’s possible that this is not goodbye, but a pause. Then again, maybe Cleveland got lucky with one last chance to salute the titans of rock.
Whatever happens, AC/DC has earned the right to keep their cards close to the vest. They’ve given us five decades of rock anthems, unforgettable riffs, and stadium-sized moments. If the Power Up tour was indeed their final lap around America, they didn’t go quietly. They went out how they came in — loud, proud, and on fire.
And if this was the end, well… for those about to rock, we salute you.
