AC / DC 2026: Is This The Last Monster Tour?

AC/DC are gearing up for another huge run. Here’s what fans need to know about the tour buzz, setlists, rumors and how to actually see them.

AC/DC are back in the global group chat. Whether you grew up on "Back in Black" or found them through TikTok edits, you can feel it: something big is brewing around one of rock’s loudest institutions, and fans are asking the same question — is this the final, full?scale AC/DC tour, or one more chapter in a story that refuses to end?

Official eyes should be on the band’s own hub for updates, presales and any new date drops:

Fans in the US, UK and across Europe are refreshing feeds, swapping leaks and trying to guess which cities get thunderstruck next. With classic members now well into veteran status and demand at absolute peak, every hint from the band feels like it might be historic.

The Backstory: Breaking News in Detail

Here’s what’s actually happening. Over the last few weeks, AC/DC have been back in heavy circulation across music news, rock radio and social feeds thanks to renewed touring chatter, festival rumors and the ongoing aftershock of their return to stages after years away. While exact new dates roll out in phases, the pattern is clear: this is a calculated, high?stakes late?career touring push, not a casual nostalgia lap.

Recent reports in major music outlets have focused on a few key threads. First, the live comeback of Brian Johnson after his earlier hearing issues. Ever since he reappeared with the band on big stages, every new rehearsal clip or fan?filmed soundcheck has become instant content. Writers from rock magazines and general?interest sites alike describe backstage sources talking about meticulous sound engineering, in?ear monitoring upgrades and volume management to keep him on the road and in fighting shape.

Second, there’s the question of Angus Young and longevity. Industry analysts point out that classic rock touring has turned into a huge business model, especially once bands hit legacy status. Promoters in both the US and UK reportedly see an AC/DC run as a “pillar” of their year, something that can anchor entire stadium schedules, much like the way The Rolling Stones or Metallica dates reshuffle local calendars. That explains why rumors of multi?night stands in major markets — New York, Los Angeles, London, Manchester, Berlin, Paris — keep popping up on fan sites and in local papers quoting anonymous venue staff.

Third, there’s new?era fan demand. TikTok, YouTube and gaming culture have all kept AC/DC alive for younger listeners: "Thunderstruck" is a sports?arena meme, "Highway to Hell" is stitched into road?trip videos, "Back in Black" and "Shoot to Thrill" ride Marvel and Call of Duty energy. Streaming numbers for the band’s catalogue stay stubbornly high, which is why industry watchers believe we’re seeing a classic supply?and?demand correction. There’s a whole wave of Gen Z and younger millennials who have never seen AC/DC in person; promoters know that, and the band clearly does too.

So why now? The implied logic, based on interviews and commentary, is simple: health windows, logistics and legacy. Members are older, travel is exhausting, and a tour on this scale takes months of planning, insurance and physical prep. That means when they commit, they’re going all in — big venues, tight routing, high production, premium prices, and heavy press to make sure every show feels like an event. For fans, the implication is blunt: if AC/DC hits your city, you can’t assume they’ll be back in two years. This could be "the" time.

All of that turns even the smallest update — a new date on the official site, a festival teaser, a cryptic social post — into news. The atmosphere right now is a mix of celebration and urgency: you’re getting a rare shot at a classic rock warhorse at near full power, but everyone knows the clock is ticking.

The Setlist & Show: What to Expect

AC/DC are not the band you go to for surprise jazz covers or acoustic medleys. You go for riffs, pyro, cannons, bells and songs you can scream even if you’ve never owned a physical album in your life. Based on recent shows and festival appearances, here’s the kind of set you can realistically expect — and why fans obsess over every slot.

Openers in recent tours have regularly included "Rock or Bust" or "If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)" — high?tempo gut punches that flip a stadium from pre?show chatter to chaos in about 10 seconds. Once the first riff kicks in, phones go up, beers go flying and the entire front pit turns into a sea of bouncing heads in denim and black tees.

The backbone of an AC/DC night is the big, era?spanning run:

• "Back in Black"
• "Highway to Hell"
• "Thunderstruck"
• "You Shook Me All Night Long"
• "Hells Bells"
• "Shoot to Thrill"
• "T.N.T."
• "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"

These songs aren’t just classics; they’re social glue. You’ll see teens in fresh tour merch next to parents in faded 80s shirts belting the same choruses. On Reddit and TikTok, people keep posting "POV" clips of the "Thunderstruck" intro, where Angus walks out, milks the build, and the crowd turns into one massive stomp?clap rhythm section. Even if you’ve seen it a dozen times on YouTube, being in the room when that riff explodes is a different thing entirely.

Deeper cuts vary by night and by region. Long?time fans keep an eye out for songs like "Riff Raff", "Dog Eat Dog", "Sin City", or "Have a Drink on Me" slipping into mid?set slots. Some shows lean more on the Bon Scott era, others tilt toward the Brian Johnson catalogue, depending on how the band is feeling and how tight the set has to be for curfew or festival slots.

Production?wise, recent runs show AC/DC still going big. Expect:

• Massive lighting rigs that strobe with every snare crack.
• Giant LED backdrops flashing album art, devil horns, and cartoonish rock?and?roll chaos.
• Signature props: the huge "Hells Bells" bell, train visuals from "Rock ‘n’ Roll Train", and cannon blasts tied to "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" — usually the closer.
• Angus Young’s traditional strip?tease bit and endless duck?walking across a long runway that cuts into the crowd.

Recent fan reports highlight that the band doesn’t waste time on long speeches. Brian might throw in a quick shout?out to the city or mention how good it feels to be back, but the pacing stays tight: song, roar, next riff. That no?nonsense layout is part of the appeal; you’re getting nearly two solid hours of riffs without a lot of self?mythologizing.

Setlist debates are a whole micro?culture. On r/ACDC, r/Music and YouTube comments, you’ll see arguments like "Drop ‘Rock or Bust’ for something older" versus "Keep the newer songs — they represent the comeback era." There’s also an ongoing wish?list energy around whether the band might rotate in more of the Power Up tracks if the tour cycle continues — songs like "Shot in the Dark" or "Realize" slot naturally next to the older cuts and prove they can still write huge, chant?ready hooks.

If you’re trying to decide whether to buy a ticket, the setlist reality is pretty simple: AC/DC play the hits, they play them loud, and they play them with the kind of muscle that makes even casual fans walk out hoarse. This is a show built for stadium catharsis, not deep?cut collectors only.

Rumor Mill: What Fans Are Speculating

Scroll Reddit or TikTok for five minutes and you’ll see it: AC/DC discourse is wild right now. With touring back on the table and members older than many of their fans’ parents, speculation hits everything from line?up stability to ticket prices and even potential farewell messaging.

One big thread on r/ACDC and r/Music revolves around whether this run is "the last full stadium tour" or just the last massive one. Posters point to age, health issues and how long it’s been between big cycles in the past. Some fans claim to have heard venue staff mentioning "legacy" language in early marketing talks, others argue that similar wording popped up on earlier tours and didn’t mean anything final. The vibe: a nervous mix of FOMO and denial — "I can’t afford it but I also can’t miss what might be their last time here."

Ticket pricing is the other hot button. Screenshots of dynamic pricing spikes and VIP bundle costs get passed around constantly. Fans compare what they paid for older tours versus what certain seats go for now; US city threads complain about platinum pricing on major ticket platforms, while UK and European users swap tips on presale codes from fan clubs, credit cards and local telecom partners. Some argue that AC/DC have always been a big?room, high?demand act and that prices simply match stadium economics; others call it out as pushing younger fans to the very back rows or onto resale sites.

On TikTok, the conversation tilts more emotional and meme?driven. Clips of Brian Johnson nailing "Back in Black" get captions like "Granddad just out?screamed your fave" or "POV: You realize your parents were right about this band." Another recurring trend shows parents bringing kids to their first AC/DC show, with split?screen reactions: parents in tears, kids in shock at the volume and scale. Those posts fuel a running joke that this tour is "rock and roll baptism" for Gen Z.

There are also quieter but persistent rumors about special guests or one?off appearances. Every time a photo of a famous guitarist or singer visiting rehearsal surfaces, fans spin theories about surprise collabs on "Highway to Hell" or "Whole Lotta Rosie" in big markets like London, LA or Sydney. So far, these remain wish?lists more than confirmed plans, but they keep engagement high and encourage people to gamble on certain cities in case "that" moment happens.

Setlist speculation is a niche obsession, especially among older fans. On forums, people map out fantasy runs where the band rotates a slot each night for deeper cuts, or reintroduces songs from less?represented albums. Others counter that tight, repeatable sets are how a group at this level keeps the show consistent for cameras, production cues and Brian’s voice.

Underneath all of it is one consistent emotional thread: gratitude and anxiety. Fans are thrilled that AC/DC are still loud, still touring, still putting out energy that hits as hard as much younger bands. At the same time, everyone knows this level of touring can’t last forever. That fear fuels rumors, but it also sells tickets. Nobody wants to be the person who skipped the tour and then watched the farewell headline go viral a year later.

Key Dates & Facts at a Glance

• Official tour hub: All confirmed dates, on?sale info and official announcements are centralized on the band’s site at the dedicated tour page.
• Regions in focus: Recent scheduling and rumors heavily emphasize North America, the UK and mainland Europe, with stadium?level venues in major cities most likely to be included.
• Typical show length: Around 18–22 songs, often running close to two hours with minimal breaks.
• Core setlist staples: "Back in Black", "Highway to Hell", "Thunderstruck", "You Shook Me All Night Long", "Hells Bells", "T.N.T.", "Shoot to Thrill", "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)".
• Production trademarks: Giant bell for "Hells Bells", cannon blasts for "For Those About to Rock", Angus Young’s schoolboy outfit and extended solos, huge LED backdrops and stadium?level pyro.
• Audience mix: Multi?generational — classic fans from the 70s/80s, millennials raised on rock radio and Gen Z discovering the band via streaming, film and TikTok.
• Streaming impact: Catalogue tracks like "Back in Black", "Highway to Hell" and "Thunderstruck" continue to pull massive global streaming numbers, regularly appearing on rock and workout playlists.
• Merch demand: Tour shirts featuring the classic lightning?bolt logo and album?art throwbacks are typically quick sellers; vintage?inspired designs often show up in streetwear looks even outside the rock scene.
• Support acts: Lineups vary by region and promoter, generally leaning toward hard rock or heavy rock bands that match AC/DC’s volume and energy.
• Ticket strategies: Fans track presales tied to fan?club memberships, credit?card deals and promoter lists, with many users recommending signing up early and being prepared for dynamic pricing shifts at on?sale.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About AC/DC

Who are AC/DC, in 2026 terms — and why do they still matter?

AC/DC are one of the most enduring hard?rock bands on the planet, formed in Australia in the early 1970s. They helped define the stadium?rock template: simple, massive riffs, shout?along choruses and live shows built like contact sports. In 2026, they matter for two overlapping reasons. First, their songs never really left culture — film soundtracks, sports arenas, video games, TikTok edits and gym playlists keep their hooks constantly in rotation. Second, live, they still deliver something few acts can match: a wall of sound that feels both raw and ultra?tight, with decades of experience behind every stomp and power chord.

For younger fans, AC/DC function almost like a rite of passage. You might discover them through a Marvel movie, a viral "Thunderstruck" challenge or because your parents blasted "Highway to Hell" in the car. But when you see them on stage, that inheritance turns into your own memory, not just theirs. That’s why their tours still sell out, even as rock radio’s mainstream influence has faded.

What kind of setlist can I expect if I buy tickets?

Expect a greatest?hits?heavy set built around the songs you already know, even if you don’t think you’re an AC/DC fan. Tracks like "Back in Black", "Thunderstruck", "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "Highway to Hell" are almost guaranteed. They anchor the show, spark the biggest singalongs and drive most of the online fan clips.

A typical night runs close to 20 songs, with a few rotating slots where the band might swap in slightly deeper cuts or newer material. Don’t go in expecting radical reinventions. Guitar tones stay crunchy and classic, vocal melodies stick to the recorded versions, and solos land where you’d expect them. The thrill comes from volume, crowd energy and the sense that you’re watching a band do what it does best without compromise.

Where can I find reliable information on tour dates and tickets?

The only source you should fully trust for confirmed dates is the band’s official channels and the tour page on their site. That’s where you’ll see officially announced cities, venues, on?sale times and support acts. After that, cross?check with major ticketing platforms and the websites of the venues themselves. Local rock stations and regional promoters often echo this info, but the origin almost always traces back to the band’s camp.

Be careful with leaked "posters" and screenshots floating around social media. Before and during big tour announcements, it’s common to see faked graphics or outdated drafts resurfacing. Use fan forums and subreddits for tips, but always confirm against official outlets before planning travel or buying anything from third?party sellers.

Why are AC/DC ticket prices such a talking point?

Because they sit right at the intersection of legacy demand and modern ticketing economics. For many fans, seeing AC/DC is a once?in?a?lifetime or once?in?a?generation event. That intense demand collides with dynamic pricing systems and VIP upgrade models that push prime seats into high price tiers. Fans share screenshots of upper?bowl seats jumping in price within minutes of on?sale, or of VIP packages bundling early entry, merch and premium seating at luxury?level prices.

From the industry side, promoters argue that stadium?scale production, insurance, crew wages and transport justify the numbers, especially when a band tours less frequently. From the fan side, especially younger listeners or those outside major cities, it can feel like classic rock is turning into a luxury experience. That tension is why ticket cost threads explode on Reddit every time new AC/DC shows are announced.

When is the best time to buy AC/DC tickets — at on?sale, or later?

There isn’t a single strategy that works for everyone, but there are patterns fans have learned from recent cycles. If you’re aiming for floor or low?numbered lower?bowl seats, being there at the moment of the primary on?sale gives you the best shot. Presales tied to fan clubs, credit cards or venue lists can offer an edge, but they also attract heavy competition.

If you’re more flexible about where you sit, some fans report success waiting and watching. Dynamic pricing can sometimes soften closer to the date if inventory remains. In other cases, resale markets cool off as original buyers drop prices to recoup costs. The trade?off: you risk missing out if a city fully sells through, or you end up paying more if demand spikes. The safest move if you absolutely have to be there is to buy earlier from official sources and treat any savings from waiting as a bonus, not a guarantee.

How loud and intense is an AC/DC show — do I need ear protection?

An AC/DC show is loud by design. Even with modern sound regulations and better engineering than in the 70s and 80s, the band’s identity is tied to sheer impact. Guitars are sharp, drums are heavy and the crowd adds its own roar on top. Regulars and crew veterans routinely recommend earplugs, especially for younger fans or anyone close to the stage or speaker stacks.

Using ear protection doesn’t kill the experience; if anything, it lets you enjoy the show without fatigue. Many concert?goers use reusable, filtered plugs that lower volume while keeping clarity, so you still feel every riff and drum hit. If you’re bringing kids or hitting multiple shows in one tour cycle, protecting your hearing is easily one of the smartest moves you can make.

Why do so many younger fans care about AC/DC in 2026?

Because the band has accidentally become timeless. Their songs are simple enough to cut through any era’s production trends but powerful enough to feel huge next to modern metal, pop or hip?hop. Hooks like the "Thunderstruck" intro or the "oi" chants in "T.N.T." work in any context — stadiums, memes, esports montages, gym reels.

On top of that, younger listeners are used to streaming eras overlapping. You don’t have to choose between current pop and classic rock; your playlists can jump from AC/DC to Olivia Rodrigo to Travis Scott to Billie Eilish in one swipe. For a lot of Gen Z fans, AC/DC isn’t "old" — it’s just another set of songs that go hard, with a visual and live presence that feels almost surreal compared to more polished, screen?driven pop shows. Seeing them in person is like verifying a legend: you’ve heard the hype, now you want to see if the volume matches. Spoiler: it usually does.