AC/DC has unveiled the initial details of their long-awaited return to touring, marking their first series of live shows in eight years
Set to embark on the “Power Up” European tour starting from May and spanning through August, the band’s lineup will feature the iconic Brian Johnson on vocals, with Angus and Stevie Young on guitars, Matt Laug on drums, and the latest addition to their touring ensemble, bassist Chris Chaney.
Says AC/DC: “We are thrilled to finally announce the ‘Power Up’ European Tour. Angus, Brian, Stevie, and Matt will be joined by Chris Chaney to carry the torch for Cliff.
“The tour will see us play shows across Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, England, Slovakia, Belgium, France & Ireland this Summer. We can’t wait to see you all out there.”
Ticket sales for the tour will commence on February 16, with varying local times: *11 a.m. and **9 a.m.
The band made their triumphant return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus with a performance at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California, on October 7, 2023. Matt Laug joined the lineup as the drummer for the three-day event.
A seasoned American drummer, 55-year-old Laug boasts an impressive resume, having collaborated with renowned acts such as Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, SLASH’S SNAKEPIT, and Vasco Rossi. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1986 post-graduation from South Florence High School, Laug quickly rose to prominence as a sought-after studio drummer.
Laug previously supported AC/DC during the North American and European legs of the “Stiff Upper Lip” tour in 2001 as part of SLASH’S SNAKEPIT.
AC/DC‘s announcement regarding Laug‘s inclusion in the Power Trip lineup did not address the absence of their longtime drummer Phil Rudd, who rejoined the band for the recording of their comeback album, “Power Up,” released in November 2020.
Rudd‘s departure from AC/DC followed a legal issue in 2015 when he faced charges of threatening to kill and drug possession, resulting in eight months of home detention. He was replaced by Chris Slade for the “Rock Or Bust” tour. Despite Rudd‘s absence, he had contributed to all but three of AC/DC‘s previous studio albums.
The band encountered a setback during their spring 2016 North American tour when Brian Johnson was advised to halt live performances due to the risk of total hearing loss. They completed the tour with Axl Rose as a guest vocalist.
To facilitate Johnson‘s return to the stage, the now 76-year-old singer collaborated with audio expert Stephen Ambrose, who developed specialized ear-buds to mitigate further damage to his hearing.
Chris Chaney, renowned as the bassist for JANE’S ADDICTION and a member of Alanis Morissette’s touring band, joins AC/DC as the latest addition to their lineup. With a diverse musical background spanning from Joe Cocker to Avril Lavigne, Chaney brings a wealth of experience to the stage, further enriching the legendary band’s sonic landscape.
AC/DC 2024 European tour dates:
May 17 – Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Veltins Arena *
May 21 – Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Veltins Arena *
May 25 – Reggio Emilia, Italy, RCF Arena
May 29 – Seville, Spain, La Cartuja Stadium
June 05 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Johan Cruyff Arena
June 09 – Munich, Germany, Olympic Stadium *
June 12 – Munich, Germany, Olympic Stadium *
June 16 – Dresden, Germany, Messe *
June 23 – Vienna, Austria, Ernst Happel Stadium
June 26 – Vienna, Austria, Ernst Happel Stadium
June 29 – Zurich, Switzerland, Letzigrund Stadium
July 03 – London, England, Wembley Stadium
July 07 – London, England, Wembley Stadium
July 13 – Hockenheim, Germany, Ring *
July 17 – Stuttgart, Germany, Wasen *
July 21 – Bratislava, Slovakia, Old Airport
July 27 – Nuremberg, Germany, Zeppelinfeld *
July 31 – Hannover, Germany, Messe *
August 09 – Dessel, Belgium, Festivalpark Stenehei
August 13 – Paris, France, Hippodrome Paris Longchamp
August 17 – Dublin, Ireland, Croke Park **
We are thrilled to finally announce the ‘POWER UP’ European Tour. Angus, Brian, Stevie, and Matt will be joined by Chris Chaney to carry the torch for Cliff. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/VTVMKdweNX
— AC/DC (@acdc) February 12, 2024