The electrifying roar of AC/DC, a sound synonymous with hard rock, has once again been unleashed for fans worldwide, this time through the complete recording of their July 24 concert at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The extensive footage, meticulously captured and uploaded by the Patrick Zapata channel on YouTube, offers an unadulterated, front-row experience of the legendary Australian band’s powerful performance. This release provides an invaluable archival document for legions of AC/DC devotees and a compelling testament to the band’s enduring live prowess.
A Night of Unrivaled Rock Anthems in San Antonio
The concert, a cornerstone of the "Power Up" tour’s North American leg, delivered a staggering setlist of 21 songs, punctuated by an encore that left the San Antonio crowd in a state of euphoric exhaustion. According to Setlist.fm, the band, led by the iconic riffage of Angus Young and the commanding vocals of Brian Johnson, ignited the stage with "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)," a blistering opener that immediately set the tone for the evening. The setlist was a masterclass in classic rock curation, weaving together timeless anthems with potent new material.
The evening’s sonic journey included an unbroken string of fan favorites such as "Back In Black," "Demon Fire," "Shot Down In Flames," the universally recognized "Thunderstruck," and the rollicking "Have A Drink On Me." The infernal echoes of "Hells Bells" transitioned seamlessly into the more recent offerings from the "Power Up" album, "Shot In The Dark" and "Demon Fire," showcasing the band’s ability to blend their storied past with their current artistic output. The relentless energy continued with "Stiff Upper Lip," "Highway To Hell," "Shoot To Thrill," and the gritty narrative of "Sin City." The setlist further delved into the band’s deep catalog with "Jailbreak," "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "High Voltage," and the instrumental tour-de-force "Riff Raff." The audience was then treated to the anthemic singalongs of "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Whole Lotta Rosie," and the foundational anthem, "Let There Be Rock," building to an explosive crescendo. The encore saw the band return to deliver the explosive "T.N.T." and the ultimate rock salute, "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)," leaving an indelible mark on the San Antonio faithful.
The "Power Up" Tour: A Global Phenomenon
The San Antonio stop was a pivotal moment in the 2026 North American leg of AC/DC’s "Power Up" world tour, a monumental undertaking that began on July 11 at Bank Of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This extensive tour, encompassing 18 dates across North America, underscores the band’s unwavering commitment to their global fanbase. The "Power Up" tour, named after their critically acclaimed 2020 album which dominated charts in 21 countries, represents a significant chapter in the band’s illustrious career, marking their return to the stage after a hiatus.
The "Power Up" album itself, released in November 2020, served as a poignant tribute to Malcolm Young, the band’s co-founder and rhythm guitarist, who passed away in 2017. Recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver, with the seasoned production expertise of Brendan O’Brien, who also helmed their 2008 album "Black Ice" and 2014’s "Rock Or Bust," the album was met with widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. It reached the pinnacle of music charts in numerous territories, solidifying AC/DC’s status as one of the world’s most beloved rock acts.
The "Power Up" world tour officially commenced with their highly anticipated return to the live arena at the Power Trip festival in California in 2023, a landmark event that signaled the beginning of a new era for the band. Since then, the tour has captivated audiences across four continents, selling out stadiums with a regularity that few bands can achieve.
A Detailed Chronology of the "Power Up" Tour’s North American Presence
The North American segment of the "Power Up" tour has been meticulously planned and executed, with multiple phases engaging fans across the continent. The 2025 North American leg commenced on April 10, 2025, at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This initial run featured 13 stadium performances stretching from coast to coast, concluding on May 28, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, at Huntington Bank Field. During this spring 2025 stretch, AC/DC graced some of the most iconic and historically significant stadiums in North America, performing to capacity crowds each night.
Following the conclusion of their European commitments, which wrapped up on August 17, 2024, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, the band embarked on their extensive North American itinerary. The 2024 European tour itself was a significant milestone, marking the band’s first full run of concerts since their triumphant return at the 2023 Power Trip festival. This European leg, comprising 24 dates across 10 countries, also included AC/DC’s inaugural performance in Estonia and a highly anticipated return to Scotland after a decade-long absence.
The current iteration of the "Power Up" tour in 2026 continues this momentum, with the San Antonio concert being a key highlight. The tour’s extensive geographical reach in North America includes planned stops in cities such as Columbus, Madison, Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Edmonton, Vancouver, Atlanta, Houston, South Bend, St. Louis, Montreal, Toronto, East Rutherford, and Philadelphia. The consistent presence of the Grammy-winning rock band, The Pretty Reckless, as the supporting act across these dates has provided a powerful and complementary opening to each AC/DC performance. This marks the second major North American circuit for the "Power Up" tour, building upon the success of its spring 2025 dates.
A Reshaped Lineup for a New Era
The "Power Up" tour also represents a significant moment for AC/DC’s current touring lineup. The band’s configuration for this era features longtime vocalist Brian Johnson, the sole original member and lead guitarist Angus Young, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, who officially joined the band in 2014, stepping into the formidable shoes of his uncle, Malcolm Young. The rhythm section has also seen notable changes. Drummer Matt Laug joined the band in 2023, taking over from the veteran Phil Rudd. Furthermore, former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney joined the touring ensemble in 2024, replacing the long-serving Cliff Williams. Williams, a fixture in the band’s sound for decades, had retired following the conclusion of the "Rock Or Bust" tour in 2016. While he briefly returned for the recording of the "Power Up" album and the Power Trip festival appearance, his departure marked the end of an era for the band’s live rhythm section. This updated lineup brings a fresh dynamic to AC/DC’s live performances, while retaining the core essence that has defined their sound for over four decades.
The Enduring Legacy and Commercial Impact of AC/DC
AC/DC’s "Power Up" tour is not merely a series of concerts; it is a continuation of a legacy built on raw power, unforgettable riffs, and a singular dedication to rock and roll. The band’s commercial success is staggering, with over 200 million albums sold worldwide. Their 1980 masterpiece, "Back In Black," stands as one of the best-selling LPs of all time, a testament to their enduring appeal and the timeless quality of their music. Prior to the "Power Up" era, their 2015 and 2016 tour generated an impressive $180 million in gross revenue, with over 2.3 million tickets sold, as reported to the Pollstar box office. This historical financial success provides a strong benchmark for the current "Power Up" tour, which has demonstrated remarkable ticket sales and audience engagement across the globe.
The band’s return to the stage was particularly significant given Brian Johnson’s hiatus from touring in 2016 due to a hearing condition. His triumphant return, amplified by the latest technological advancements in hearing assistance, has been met with immense relief and joy by fans. The "Power Up" tour, in its entirety, represents not only a celebration of their latest album but also a profound affirmation of their status as one of the most vital and enduring live acts in the history of popular music. The availability of the full San Antonio concert footage on YouTube further solidifies this legacy, offering a tangible and accessible piece of rock and roll history for generations to come. The consistent delivery of high-octane performances, as evidenced by the San Antonio recording, ensures that the thunder of AC/DC will continue to reverberate for years to come.
