AC/DC electrifies sold-out Ford Field with classic hits
One of the most reliable experiences in the realm of rock ‘n’ roll is catching an AC/DC concert, a spectacle that has stood the test of time like a sturdy tower of Marshall amplifiers. This sentiment rang true once again on Wednesday night at a packed Ford Field, where the legendary hard-rock outfit made a triumphant return after a decade-long absence, armed with a collection of timeless hits delivered with an electrifying vigor.
The venue was filled with fans, including Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, eager to witness AC/DC’s Power Up Tour, now in its sixth North American leg. While the official attendance figures were undisclosed, an estimate placed the crowd at around 45,000 attendees, a typical turnout for events at the downtown stadium. Despite the band’s members like guitarist Angus Young and vocalist Brian Johnson now in their 70s, the essence of an AC/DC performance remained unchanged, transporting the audience back to the heyday of their rock reign.
Although Johnson’s vocal range may have dwindled slightly with time, he adapted his approach during iconic tracks like “Hell’s Bells” and “Shoot to Thrill,” still managing to exude the signature gravelly growl that defines AC/DC’s sound. Meanwhile, Young, at the age of 70, continued to exude boundless energy as he unleashed a flurry of electrifying guitar solos across the expansive stage, dressed in his trademark schoolboy attire with a quirky twist of a rasta-colored cap and oversized tie.
The diverse crowd at Ford Field reflected the band’s timeless appeal, with families spanning generations adorned in glowing devil’s horns, creating a visually striking scene. Detroit has long been a hotbed for AC/DC’s fervent fanbase, with the city being just one of the select 13 stops on this North American leg of their tour, marking nearly five decades since the band’s initial performance at the Masonic Temple in the same city.
Despite lineup changes over the years, AC/DC has remained steadfast in their blue-collar, no-frills approach to rock music, anchored in the genre’s rich history while embracing its unapologetically raw and powerful essence. The concert production on Wednesday night was grand yet familiar, brimming with iconic elements that define an AC/DC show, from the thunderous tolling of “Hell’s Bells” to the fiery spectacle of “Highway to Hell” and the explosive finale of “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).”
Interspersed between timeless classics were a couple of newer tracks, “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark,” which seamlessly integrated into the setlist, complementing the energetic renditions of fan-favorites like “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” The concert culminated in an epic finale with “Let There Be Rock,” showcasing Angus Young’s virtuosic guitar skills in a captivating solo performance that left the audience in awe.
The band, featuring rhythm guitarist Stevie Young and new recruits Chris Chaney (bass) and Matt Laug (drums), delivered a performance that kickstarted Ford Field’s 2025 concert schedule with a bang, setting the stage for a series of electrifying shows to come. AC/DC, known for their unwavering dedication to the rock ‘n’ roll ethos, proved once again that their music transcends generations and continues to resonate with audiences old and new.