AC/DC, the eminent hard rock band, made a thundering return to live music at the Power Trip Festival in Indio, California. Taking the stage for the first time in seven years, the rock legends offered a memorable performance that brought back the iconic sounds that their fans have longed for.
Historic Setlist Highlights
The band’s 24-song set featured a unique blend of classics and new tunes. For the first time ever, they kicked off their show with the track “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”. Fans also had the chance to witness live debuts of “Demon Fire” and “Shot In The Dark” from their 2020 album, “Power Up”.
Tracks like “Thunderstruck”, “Back In Black”, and “Highway To Hell” kept the crowd on their feet. They closed with an encore featuring the explosive “T.N.T.” and “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)”.
Notable Personnel Changes
Drummer Matt Laug, known for his work with Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, and SLASH’S SNAKEPIT, joined AC/DC for their Power Trip performance. This came as a surprise to many, especially considering Laug’s history with the band. He previously supported AC/DC during the “Stiff Upper Lip” tour as a part of SLASH’S SNAKEPIT.
The reason for the absence of Phil Rudd, the band’s longtime drummer, remains unknown. However, Rudd’s past with AC/DC has been tumultuous, including a conviction in New Zealand for threatening to kill and drug possession. Still, Rudd’s contributions to the band have been significant, playing on nearly all of AC/DC’s previous albums.
A Journey of Reunions and Comebacks
The Power Trip Festival also marked the first performance with Brian Johnson on vocals since February 2016. Johnson’s hearing problems led to his hiatus, which saw Axl Rose from Guns N’ Roses taking on vocal duties for the band. However, with the assistance of audio expert Stephen Ambrose, Johnson found a solution, making his triumphant return.
Angus Young, the band’s founding guitarist, revealed that it was Malcolm Young’s funeral that facilitated old wounds’ healing. Johnson and other band members spoke highly of their reunion with Rudd, emphasizing the strong bond they share.
The festival highlighted more than just AC/DC’s comeback. Judas Priest made headlines with the return of their original guitarist, Glenn Tipton, who played the final three songs of their set.
Festival’s Star-studded Lineup
Held at the Empire Polo Grounds, the Power Trip Festival showcased a lineup of rock giants, including Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Tool. Each band brought its unique flair, making the event a landmark in the history of rock festivals.
