Hot News: AC/DC Ignites Gillette Stadium with Explosive ‘PWR/UP’ Show, Sets Bay State on Fire
May 5, 2025 – Foxborough, MA
In a night that will go down in Massachusetts rock history, legendary rock band AC/DC roared into Gillette Stadium and unleashed a thunderous performance as part of their long-awaited PWR/UP world tour, electrifying tens of thousands of fans and proving once again why they’re one of the most powerful live acts on Earth.
From the opening chords of “Are You Ready” to the bone-rattling finale of “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” the Australian rock icons delivered over two hours of pure, unapologetic hard rock — no gimmicks, just raw energy.
“Bay State, you’re loud as hell — and we love it!” frontman Brian Johnson shouted to the sold-out crowd, drawing massive cheers that echoed through the stadium.
Angus Young Steals the Show
Dressed in his trademark schoolboy uniform, guitarist Angus Young was a whirlwind of riffs, duck-walks, and face-melting solos, especially during extended versions of “Back in Black” and “Let There Be Rock.” At 69, Young showed no signs of slowing down, spinning and shredding with the same reckless abandon that has defined AC/DC’s legacy for nearly five decades.
His signature solo atop the catwalk drew one of the loudest ovations of the night — and reminded fans why he’s still one of the most iconic guitarists in rock history.
A Setlist Built to Blow the Roof Off
The night’s setlist was a powerhouse mix of greatest hits and new material from their 2020 comeback album PWR/UP, with tracks like “Shot in the Dark” and “Witch’s Spell” fitting seamlessly alongside classics like “Thunderstruck,” “Hells Bells,” and “Highway to Hell.”
Massive pyrotechnics, cannon blasts, and a sea of devil horns lit up Gillette Stadium as fans — young and old — sang every word in unison.
“I’ve seen AC/DC five times. This was the loudest. The best. Period,” said Mike Thompson, 47, of Worcester, proudly holding up a vintage tour shirt.
A Triumph After Uncertainty
The PWR/UP tour marks AC/DC’s triumphant return to the stage after years of uncertainty, lineup changes, and health scares. With Johnson back at the mic after hearing issues nearly ended his career, and drummer Phil Rudd returning to the fold, the band looked and sounded as tight as ever.
It wasn’t just a concert — it was a statement: AC/DC is not done. Not even close.
Fans Want More
Social media lit up within minutes of the final encore, with fans calling the show “historic,” “life-changing,” and “a masterclass in rock.” Videos of the band’s pyrotechnic-heavy “Fire Your Guns” performance quickly went viral, and hashtags like #ACDCatGillette and #PWRUPTour trended across the region.
Whether or not this is AC/DC’s last major tour remains to be seen, but if it is, they’re going out in a blaze of glory — one deafening stadium at a time.
Setlist Highlights:
- “Are You Ready”
- “Back in Black”
- “Shot in the Dark”
- “Hells Bells”
- “High Voltage”
- “Thunderstruck”
- “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Would you like a shorter version for social media or a concert recap formatted for a music blog?
