acdc tour dates

AC/DC Powers Up Canada: What You Need to Know About the 2026 Tour

If you’ve ever cranked up “Back in Black” while driving down the Trans-Canada Highway or felt the urge to air-guitar to “Highway to Hell” during a hockey night, you’re not alone. Now, after years of waiting, AC/DC is officially returning to Canada for a massive leg of their ongoing "Power Up" Tour in 2026 — and fans across the country are already buzzing.

With stadium-sized shows confirmed in Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, this tour marks one of the most anticipated rock returns in recent memory. But what does it mean? Who’s playing? When can you get tickets? And why now?

Let’s plug in, power up, and break down everything Canadian rock fans need to know.

The Big Announcement: AC/DC Returns to Canada in 2026

The legendary Australian hard rock band AC/DC has officially announced a major expansion of their "Power Up" Tour, extending into 2026 with a full North American run — including four major Canadian stops.

According to verified reports from Edmonton Journal, Times Colonist, and Pitchfork, the band will play:

• August 9, 2026 – Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
• August 13, 2026 – BC Place, Vancouver
• September 12, 2026 – Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal
• Plus a Toronto date (venue TBA)

These concerts represent AC/DC’s first full Canadian tour in nearly a decade, with the Vancouver show being the only Canadian stop during their last North American trek.

“AC/DC is back and louder than ever — the legendary rock titans just announced the 2026 leg of their massive 'Power Up' tour,” writes Pitchfork, confirming the band’s global resurgence.

While the tour technically supports their 2020 album Power Up, it’s clear the real draw is the unbeatable catalog — decades of thunderous riffs, anthemic choruses, and pure rock 'n' roll energy that has defined generations.

Recent Updates: What’s New, When, and Where?

Since the initial buzz, several key developments have solidified the tour’s momentum. Here’s a timeline of the most verified updates as of late 2024:

🔹 October 2024: Official Announcement

AC/DC confirmed the 2026 North and South American leg of the Power Up Tour via their official website and press release. The tour will kick off in February 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, with the North American leg launching July 11 in Charlotte, NC, and wrapping September 29 in Philadelphia.

The Canadian dates fall right in the middle of this run — strategically placed to maximize summer stadium availability and fan turnout.

🔹 November 7, 2024: Tickets Go On Sale

As confirmed by AC/DC’s official site, tickets for the Canadian shows go on sale Friday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. local time. This is a change from the U.S. rollout (which began December 6), suggesting Canadian fans get early access — likely due to high demand.

“Tickets on sale 10AM local time November 7,” states the AC/DC official site, emphasizing: “THE WORLD’S GREATEST ROCK N ROLL BAND TO PLAY 21 DATES KICKING OFF 2026.”

Sales will be handled primarily through Live Nation (livenation.com) and Ticketmaster, with strict ticket limits to prevent scalping. The band has previously enforced anti-bot measures, so fans are advised to register early via verified fan programs.

🔹 Stadium Confirmed: Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal

While Toronto’s venue hasn’t been named yet, the other three cities have confirmed stadium bookings:

• Commonwealth Stadium (Edmonton): Capacity ~60,000 — ideal for AC/DC’s pyrotechnic-heavy stage production.
• BC Place (Vancouver): Retractable roof allows for weatherproof rock — a must for Pacific Northwest summers.
• Parc Jean-Drapeau (Montreal): Hosted major festivals like Osheaga — a proven site for large-scale rock events.

These aren’t just concerts — they’re cultural events, drawing fans from across Western Canada, the Prairies, and even the U.S. border states.

🔹 Band Lineup: Who’s Playing?

While not officially confirmed for 2026, the current Power Up Tour features: - Brian Johnson (vocals) - Angus Young (lead guitar) - Stevie Young (rhythm guitar, nephew of Malcolm Young) - Matt Laug (drums, touring) - Chris Chaney (bass, touring)

This lineup marks the return of Brian Johnson, who stepped down in 2016 due to hearing loss but rejoined in 2020. Angus Young remains the iconic face of the band, still rocking the schoolboy uniform and blistering solos at 69.

“It’s not just a tour — it’s a resurrection,” said a fan on Reddit, echoing sentiment across social media.

Why This Tour Matters: The Cultural Context of AC/DC in Canada

AC/DC’s relationship with Canada runs deep — and it’s more than just geography.

🎸 A Legacy of Rock in the Great White North

From Montreal’s legendary Spectrum to Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, AC/DC has played some of their most iconic shows in Canadian venues. Their 1996 Ballbreaker tour included a stop at SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), where fans broke decibel records.

But beyond the stage, AC/DC’s music has become soundtrack to Canadian identity: - Hockey arenas blast “Thunderstruck” during intermissions. - Construction sites echo with “Shot Down in Flames.” - Road trips across the Prairies are incomplete without “High Voltage.”

Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has cited AC/DC as a favorite — a rare moment of rock unity in politics.

🌍 The Global Resurgence of Rock

In an era dominated by pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, AC/DC’s return is a cultural statement. Their 2020 album Power Up debuted at #1 in Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Australia — proving that guitar-driven rock still sells.

“The fact that Power Up hit #1 shows there’s still a massive appetite for real, raw rock,” says music journalist Sarah Kitteringham. “AC/DC isn’t nostalgia — they’re a living force.”

The band’s decision to tour stadiums instead of arenas signals confidence in their audience. Unlike many legacy acts who play smaller venues, AC/DC is doubling down on large-scale, high-energy experiences — a bold move in 2026.

🏟️ Why Stadiums? The Economics of Rock

Stadium shows are expensive — but they’re also profitable. With average ticket prices ranging from $100 to $300, and merchandise, food, and parking adding revenue, a single AC/DC show can generate $5–10 million per city.

For cities like Edmonton and Vancouver, hosting AC/DC means: - Tourism boosts (fans traveling from Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, and the U.S.) - Local business revenue (hotels, restaurants, transit) - Media exposure (global coverage of the event)

In short: AC/DC isn’t just playing — they’re investing in Canadian communities.

Immediate Impact: What’s Happening Right Now?

The announcement has already sent ripples through Canada’s music scene.

🎟️ Ticket Demand Is Exploding

Even before the on-sale date, pre-registration lists for verified fan access are filling up fast. Social media is buzzing with: - Resale speculation (some third-party sites already listing $500+ tickets — avoid these!) - Group planning (friends booking flights and hotels) - Fan art and countdowns (Instagram and TikTok