acdc brisbane

AC/DC Suncorp Stadium: Power Up Tour's Electrifying Brisbane Finale

The legendary Australian rock icons, AC/DC, have officially concluded their monumental 'Power Up' tour on home soil, delivering a blistering, high-voltage performance at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. For fans across Queensland and the nation, this wasn't just another gig; it was a cultural event marking the triumphant return of the band that defined hard rock for generations.

According to reports from The Courier Mail, the atmosphere in Brisbane was electric as the band prepared to close out their massive Australian leg. The significance of this event goes beyond the roaring guitars and pyrotechnics; it signifies a powerful resurgence for the band, proving that decades after their inception, the rock and roll machine is still running at full throttle.

The Brisbane Show: A High-Octane Finale

The final curtain fell on the Power Up tour in Brisbane, and by all accounts, it was a night to remember. The tour, which has been sweeping across the globe, found its emotional and energetic peak at Suncorp Stadium. The official setlists and reports from the ground confirm that the band played with a ferocity that defies their tenure in the industry.

The Courier Mail was on the scene to capture the essence of the night, focusing on the enduring charisma of the band's frontman. In a report titled "Can Angus Young still rock a schoolboy outfit? We find out," the publication confirmed that the answer is a resounding yes. The iconic guitar hero, clad in his signature uniform, reportedly bounded across the stage with an energy that left the Brisbane crowd in awe. The report highlights the "age-defying show," noting that the band has not lost a step in their ability to command a stadium.

The "Power Up" Atmosphere

The atmosphere at the Brisbane leg of the tour was described as a sea of black t-shirts and raised devil horns. The 'Power Up' tour is not merely a nostalgic trip; it is a celebration of a new album and a reaffirmation of the band's relevance. The production value was massive, featuring the giant Angus Young prop that "walks" across the stage during the instrumental "Thunderstruck," a spectacle that always draws gasps from the audience.

Recent Updates and Verified Reports

While the buzz around the Brisbane concert has been immense, the official coverage paints a picture of a flawless production. The timeline of the final days of the tour has been documented by several dedicated music outlets.

• The Live Wire Music Media provided real-time coverage of the event, offering fans a play-by-play of the setlist and the crowd's reaction. Their report, titled "LIVE: AC/DC at Suncorp Stadium," captured the raw energy of the performance as it happened.
• 95.9 The RAT also weighed in on the finale, releasing a report on December 12, 2025, titled "AC/DC’s Power Up Tour Puts on Electrifying Finale Show in Their Homeland." This source confirmed that the Brisbane show effectively marked the end of the tour's run in Australia, a moment of pride for the band and their local fanbase.

These sources confirm that the band delivered a setlist heavy on classics like "Back in Black," "Highway to Hell," and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," interspersed with newer tracks from the Power Up album, such as the title track "Power Up" and "Shot in the Dark."

Contextual Background: The Legacy of the Lightning Bolt

To understand the weight of the Brisbane concert, one must look at the history of AC/DC in Queensland. Formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, the band has always been synonymous with the Australian rock spirit. However, their connection to Brisbane is particularly strong, largely due to the late Bon Scott, the band's original lead singer, who spent his childhood in the city.

The band's history is marked by resilience. They survived the tragic death of Bon Scott in 1980, only to bounce back with Brian Johnson and release their best-selling album, Back in Black. They weathered the departure of Johnson in 2016 due to hearing loss, bringing in Axl Rose as a temporary replacement, and then faced the devastating loss of rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017.

The Power Up tour represents a phoenix-like rise from these ashes. With Angus Young leading the charge, and Stevie Young (Malcolm's nephew) filling the rhythm guitar spot, the band has managed to maintain its sonic integrity while honoring its past. The inclusion of drummer Matt Laug on the tour (replacing Phil Rudd for these dates) has also been a point of interest for fans following the band's lineup changes.

The Cultural Significance of the "Power Up" Era

The Power Up album, released in 2020, was a critical and commercial success, hitting number one in 31 countries. It was seen as a "love letter" to Malcolm Young, and the tour has been the physical manifestation of that tribute. For the Australian public, seeing the band perform these songs live at Suncorp Stadium was a full-circle moment. It bridged the gap between the raw, pub-rock days of the 70s and the polished, stadium-filling behemoth they are today.

Immediate Effects: The Economic and Social Buzz

The immediate impact of AC/DC’s return to Brisbane is multifaceted. Economically, a stadium tour of this magnitude brings a massive influx of cash to the local economy. Hotels, pubs, and restaurants in Milton and the surrounding areas reported bumper nights as fans traveled from all over the state and interstate to attend.

Socially, the event served as a unifying force. The "AC/DC Brisbane" trend on social media was flooded with images of three generations of fans—grandparents, parents, and teenagers—sharing the experience. It highlighted the timelessness of their music. The conversation around the show also reignited discussions about the longevity of rock stars. As noted by The Courier Mail, the question of whether the band could still deliver was answered with a definitive "yes," silencing any doubters regarding their stamina.

The "Schoolboy" Question

One of the most interesting tidbits from the recent coverage is the focus on the 69-year-old Angus Young still sporting the iconic Eton schoolboy uniform. It is a testament to his commitment to the brand and the character he created. The fact that this is still a talking point in 2025 underscores how ingrained this image is in pop culture. It’s not just a costume; it’s a symbol of eternal youth and rebellion.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for AC/DC?

With the Australian leg of the Power Up tour officially wrapped, the question on everyone's mind is: What's next?

Based on the success of the current tour and the verified reports confirming the finale in their homeland, the logical next step is the international leg. The band has dates scheduled in Europe and potentially North America. However, the Brisbane show serves as a benchmark.

The "Future Outlook" for AC/DC seems stable, albeit cautious. The band has proven they can still sell out stadiums and generate massive buzz. The success of the Power Up tour validates the decision to continue without original members Malcolm Young or Phil Rudd, suggesting the brand is strong enough to survive purely on the strength of the music and the core performance of Angus Young.

However, the age of the members remains a factor. While Angus showed no signs of slowing down in Brisbane, the physical demands of a world tour are grueling. Fans and industry analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the band announces additional dates or if they take a well-deserved break after this intense run of shows.

The Enduring Power of Rock and Roll

Ultimately, the AC/DC Brisbane concert was more than a musical performance; it was a validation of persistence. In an era dominated by pop and hip-hop, the fact that a hard rock band formed in 1973 can still generate this level of frenzy speaks volumes about the quality of their songwriting and the loyalty of their fanbase.

As the feedback from Suncorp Stadium settles, the legacy of the Power Up tour is already being written. It was a loud, proud, and unapologetic celebration of Australian music history. For the thousands who stood in the humid Brisbane air, listening to the opening chords of "Hell's Bells" ring out, it was a night that proved some things only get better with age—loud guitars included.