AC/DC Rocks Madrid: A Night to Remember
A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air as fans gathered for AC/DC’s first of two performances in Madrid , Spain. Many questions lingered: “What if…” and “Will this be the last time?” These questions hung heavily in the collective hearts and minds of the more than 55,000 attendees at the Metropolitano Stadium . But when the first riff of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” pierced the atmosphere, all concerns evaporated, replaced by an adrenaline-fueled excitement for a roller-coaster ride of more than two hours of pure rock and roll.
Although some might say that the band members are getting older, it’s undeniable that AC/DC still packs a punch. The lineup featured enduring legends like Stevie Young , Angus Young , and Brian Johnson , all of whom may no longer be young in years. Their new touring members, Chris Chaney on bass and Matt Laug on drums, aren’t exactly fresh faces either. Yet, they demonstrated that age is merely a number. The essence of AC/DC lies not in athleticism but in their ability to perform, sing , and enthrall with their music, something they achieved brilliantly.
Let’s take a moment to spotlight Angus Young , the diminutive powerhouse of the band. Measuring barely 1.60 meters tall, his energy transcends physical limitations. Despite showing signs of age with greying hair and a slimmer build, he still captivates the audience in his iconic schoolboy uniform—this time, a vibrant red jacket paired with his signature yellow cap, tie, and his electric stage presence. Angus remains a true rock god , embodying the spirit of the genre.
The night gained momentum as the set progressed with classics like “Back in Black,” “Demon Fire,” and “Shot Down in Flames.” The audience, adorned with the iconic red devil horns, eagerly anticipated the band’s homage to former lead singer Bon Scott . The apex of the concert materialized with “Thunderstruck,” a song that transcends generations and ignited a wave of excitement among fans, young and old alike.
As the night unfolded, the homenajes to Scott continued, weaving through the fabric of the setlist. Tracks like “Have a Drink on Me,” “Hells Bells,” complete with the audience’s o-eo chant, alongside “Shot in the Dark” and the undervalued “Stiff Upper Lip,” rocketed the evening to new heights. Each song ramped up the excitement, building anticipation for the next exhilarating twist.
No matter how many times fans have heard “Highway to Hell,” the unmistakable opening chords send chills down the spine. The energy is so intense that one finds it impossible to leave the exhilarating ride that takes you deeper into the experience of rock. Why would anyone want to disembark from a journey to “the Promised Land” of rock music?
As the concert progressed, Angus was in his element, demonstrating his signature style even with a tie in place. Tracks such as “Sin City,” the infectious “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” captured the essence of the evening. A highlight was “Whole Lotta Rosie,” an anthem celebrating love in its most unconventional form—”not exactly pretty, not exactly small.”
The finale showcased yet another demonstration of love, as Angus treated the audience to an impressive solo that extended beyond 15 minutes. His guitar work was nothing short of masterful , marking an extraordinary moment in the evening.
As the show concluded with the explosive “TNT” and the traditional cannon salute during “For Those About to Rock, We Salute You,” fans were left with a feeling of euphoria, reminiscent of a thrilling ride. The experience was far more than just a concert; it was a unique journey through the history of one of the most legendary rock bands ever. As the echoes of the last song faded, many hoped that this wouldn’t be the last time they would witness AC/DC live, believing in the timeless power of rock and roll.