AC /DC kicked off the new leg of their POWER UP TOUR with a stop in Brazil on Tuesday night, the 24th, at Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo.
The band's first show of 2026 marks their return to the country after a long 17-year wait and found fervent fans who sold out all three scheduled dates: February 22nd and 28th, and March 4th.
For the opening act, The Pretty Reckless , led by Taylor Momsen , was chosen, as in the European and North American legs, offering a warm-up with alternative rock. The American band emerged in 2009 and had also been absent from Brazil for several years, thus promoting a meeting of generations, uniting young alternative rock fans with veterans of classic rock.
With a setlist of only 10 songs, Taylor Momsen knew how to use her time to provide a magical moment for the fans who had been waiting so long and to elicit praise from those who only came to see AC/DC. The Pretty Reckless didn't leave out the classics: "Make Me Wanna Die," "Going to Hell," and "Heaven Knows" (and the debut of "For I Am Death"), keeping the audience in pure ecstasy with their warm performance that, although a new band, showed the potential to be among the greats – it's no wonder they are opening for one of the biggest names in rock.
AC/DC aged with wine
As expected, AC/DC stuck to the format that made them famous, without many changes since their last tour in Brazil. The band delivers exactly what is expected of a classic group, sustained by the longevity that has established them as one of the most solid formations in rock history.
With over five decades on the road, the Australian group maintains a straightforward approach with catchy riffs, explosive choruses, and a performance without excesses, where the highlight is the strength of their repertoire. The robust visual effects, including screens with immersive images and the famous giant bell for "Hells Bells," were one of the most anticipated moments, especially for the youth who, encouraged by their parents, witnessed the show for the first time. "I feel incredible, AC/DC is a band I've liked since I was little. My parents encouraged me and brought me to Morumbi to enjoy this show," said Lucca , 9 years old.
The structure prioritizes the music, highlighting the stacked amplifiers and the constant presence of Angus Young , who, despite his advanced age of 70, remained the visual and sonic driving force of the show, his worn guitar showcasing years of experience. Even after decades of repeating the school uniform and lengthy solos, the guitarist demonstrates stamina and technical precision. Vocalist Brian Johnson , in turn, delivered a solid performance, within his current natural limitations. Experience compensated for any vocal strain, as he maintained his charisma in anthems like "Back in Black," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and "Highway to Hell."
Completing the band were Matt Laug (drummer), Chris Chaney (touring bassist, replacing Cliff Williams ), and Stevie Young (guitarist) – the youngest member at 69 years old. Together, they seemed to be having fun while energetically playing a setlist of 22 songs that followed the exact pattern of past shows, with tracks that the audience expected, focusing on their hit catalog from the 1970s and 1980s.
The fans, for the most part, are in the same age range as the band members, faithful to the classic rocker stereotype and the maxim that, in rock, time is on your side. On stage, the group confirmed this theory with a confident and efficient performance, capable of moving those who were waiting for the reunion. At the same time, the repertoire of hits that spanned decades ensured the presence and enthusiasm of a younger segment of the audience.
Despite not speaking much during the performance, the Australian band received a response from the 72,000-strong audience, reflecting that the essence of AC/DC doesn't depend on fads, collaborations, or elaborate visual concepts. This lack of reinvention showed that, in addition to transcending generations, they maintain their relevance with the basics, transforming time into their greatest strength. This explains the surprisingly fast-selling tickets for all three shows in Brazil.
Check out exclusive photos from our contributor Marcela Lorenzetti:
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