Few bands have left a mark on the world quite like AC/DC.
For nearly five decades, the thunderous riffs, electrifying stage antics, and unmistakable vocals of this Australian rock juggernaut have been the soundtrack to countless lives.
But as the band embarks on their Power Up world tour, a different kind of buzz is swirling—one that has left fans divided and the internet alight.
The moment that sparked the debate
It all started with a viral video posted on social media, showing footage from one of AC/DC’s recent concerts.
In the clip, Angus Young—ever the showman—struts across the stage in his signature schoolboy get-up, shirt unbuttoned and blue velvet shorts on display, belting into the microphone with his usual energy.
But when frontman Brian Johnson launches into the vocals, something seems off.
The crowd’s roar appears to drown out the band, and Johnson’s voice, once a force of nature, struggles to break through.
Fans divided online
The reaction online was swift and, for some, brutal. ‘I was going to get tickets until I saw this,’ one fan commented.
Another added, ‘I really wanted to see them this year… now I don’t, thank you for this.’
The harshest critics didn’t hold back: ‘This is so painful. They just need to stop.’
Others, while still loyal, admitted some disappointment.
‘Gotta say, Angus is really pulling the load on this tour. They’ll always be my favourite band by far, but I’m sitting out this tour.’
The chorus of concern grew louder, with many urging the band to ‘retire’ and ‘protect their legacy’ rather than risk tarnishing their iconic status.
Some still defend the rock legends
Not everyone is ready to hang up their devil horns just yet.
Many fans leapt to the band’s defence, pointing out the obvious: time catches up with everyone—even rock legends.
‘It’s an old band, of course they’re not going to be the same,’ one supporter wrote.
‘You don’t have to tell them to stop doing what they like.’
Another added, ‘Let them do what they want! I’ll still go watch them to say I’ve seen them one final time.’
The age-old question: When is it time to stop?
It’s a debate as old as rock and roll itself—when is it time for a band to call it quits?
For some, the answer is clear: go out on a high note and preserve the magic.
For others, seeing their heroes live—flaws and all—is worth every penny.
What lies ahead for AC/DC?
AC/DC’s upcoming Australian tour dates are already circled on many calendars.
The Power Up concerts will begin at the MCG on November 12.
The tour will then move through Sydney’s Accor Stadium on November 21, the bp Adelaide Grand Final on November 30, Perth’s Optus Stadium on December 4, and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on December 14.
The last time the band toured Australia, in 2015, they sold more than 520,000 tickets—a testament to their enduring appeal.
What’s really at stake?
Is it the band’s legacy? The fans’ expectations? Or simply the right to keep doing what you love, no matter your age? There’s no easy answer.
Rock and roll has always been about rebellion, pushing boundaries, and defying expectations. Perhaps that’s what AC/DC are still doing—on their own terms.
Despite the criticism, some loyal fans are standing by the rock legends as they prepare for their Australian tour. Video Credit: @concertman04 / TikTok
Let the music speak
For those of us who grew up with their music, the thought of a world without AC/DC is almost unthinkable.
But maybe it’s time to ask: do we want our legends frozen in time, or do we want to see them still giving it a go—imperfections and all?
Whether you still bang your head to Back in Black or you’re passing the legacy down to your grandchildren, AC/DC’s influence is hard to deny.
Have you seen AC/DC live recently? Do you think it’s time for them to retire, or should they keep rocking as long as they can?
Share your memories, opinions, and concert stories in the comments below—we welcome all perspectives. Let’s keep the conversation—and the music—alive.
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