2025 Tour: What Should They Play?
AC/DC is set to electrify North America once again in 2024 with a spectacular stadium tour, marking the next phase of their globally renowned Power Up journey. This much-anticipated event promises to bring the band’s legendary high-energy performances back to the stage, captivating fans old and new.
The iconic Australian rock group is expected to deliver an impressive set list in 2025, featuring hard rock classics that they have performed sparingly over the years. As we embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to curate our own dream concert wish lists for this monumental tour, hoping to influence the final set list before everything becomes official.
Continue reading to discover the dream set lists envisioned by various writers at UCR for AC/DC’s 2025 tour.
Bryan Rolli: If 2025 is indeed AC/DC’s farewell tour — a fitting tribute considering the legendary status of 77-year-old Brian Johnson — the band should present a comprehensive set that honors both the Bon Scott era and their monumental achievements during Johnson’s reign. A perfect way to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Back in Black would be to perform the album in its entirety, interspersed with a well-curated selection of their timeless classics. Imagine the thrill of opening the show with “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll),” a song they haven’t performed since 1979! Placing fan favorites like “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “T.N.T.” early in the set would elevate the energy, leading up to their creative zenith, showcasing the raw power of hard rock in just 42 minutes. Adding a few tracks from Power Up would satisfy promotional needs, culminating in an unforgettable finale with “Let There Be Rock,” “Thunderstruck,” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” This set will undoubtedly resonate with fans long after the final notes echo through the stadium.
Bryan Rolli’s Dream AC/DC 2025 Set List
1. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”
2. “T.N.T.”
3. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
4. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
5. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation”
6. “Riff Raff”
7. “Highway to Hell”
8. “Hells Bells”
9. “Shoot to Thrill”
10. “What Do You Do for Money Honey”
11. “Givin the Dog a Bone”
12. “Let Me Put My Love Into You”
13. “Back in Black”
14. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
15. “Have a Drink on Me”
16. “Shake a Leg”
17. “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”
18. “Demon Fire”
19. “Shot in the Dark”
20. “Let There Be Rock”
21. “Thunderstruck”
22. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Matthew Wilkening: Let’s begin where they concluded their previous tour — with the 21-song set list from the grand finale of the European Power Up tour on August 17 in Dublin:
1. “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”
2. “Back in Black”
3. “Demon Fire”
4. “Shot Down in Flames”
5. “Thunderstruck”
6. “Have a Drink on Me”
7. “Hells Bells”
8. “Shot in the Dark”
9. “Stiff Upper Lip”
10. “Highway to Hell”
11. “Shoot to Thrill”
12. “Sin City”
13. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train”
14. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
15. “High Voltage”
16. “Riff Raff”
17. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
18. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
19. “Let There Be Rock”
20. “T.N.T.”
21. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
The final third of this set is nothing short of perfection, and I see no reason to alter songs 14-21. However, I believe “Live Wire” deserves to kick off the performance, replacing “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It).” The Power Up album rightfully earns its two slots, but I’m swapping “Demon Fire” for “Realize,” which stands out as the best track on the album. Additionally, I feel that we need more representation from Let There Be Rock, so I will replace “Shot Down in Flames” and “Stiff Upper Lip” with “Overdose” and “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be.” Powerage deserves more love as well, so I’ll replace “Have a Drink on Me” with my personal favorite, “What’s Next to the Moon.” While “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” isn’t a personal favorite, I want to maintain a balance with the song selections, so I will include “Who Made Who.” Lastly, to align with my colleagues who have 22 songs, I’m adding “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.” Keep in mind, there are at least a dozen, if not two dozen, additional songs that could easily fill an AC/DC dream set list.
Matthew Wilkening’s Dream AC/DC Set List
1. “Live Wire”
2. “Back in Black”
3. “Realize”
4. “Overdose”
5. “Thunderstruck”
6. “What’s Next to the Moon.”
7. “Hells Bells”
8. “Shot in the Dark”
9. “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be”
10. “Highway to Hell”
11. “Shoot to Thrill”
12. “Sin City”
13. “Who Made Who”
14. “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”
15. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
16. “High Voltage”
17. “Riff Raff”
18. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
19. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
20. “Let There Be Rock”
21. “T.N.T.”
22. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Corey Irwin:
As Bryan highlighted, the milestone of Back in Black turning 45 in 2025 is significant. I share his desire for a full performance of the album, but I envision it kicking off the show. Starting with “Hells Bells” would set the tone perfectly. Following that, I want to hear “Back in Black,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Have a Drink on Me” in a powerful trio, as intended by the rock gods. The first half of the concert would pay homage to what is widely recognized as one of the greatest albums in rock history, after which the band can delve into a rich selection of their career-defining hits. I propose starting the second half with their iconic closing song, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” transitioning seamlessly into “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It).” Of course, classic hits like “T.N.T.,” “Let There Be Rock,” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” need to be included. To adhere to rock law, at least one song from their recent album must feature, so I’m including “Shot in the Dark.” For a fun surprise, I’d love to see “Flick of the Switch” make an appearance after a 40-year hiatus. My fantasy set list would conclude with “Thunderstruck,” followed by an encore of “Highway to Hell” and “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll),” with AC/DC surrounded by a brigade of 20 bagpipers, creating an unforgettable finale.
Corey Irwin’s Dream AC/DC 2025 Set List
1. “Hells Bells”
2. “Shoot to Thrill”
3. “What Do You Do for Money Honey”
4. “Givin the Dog a Bone”
5. “Let Me Put My Love into You”
6. “Back in Black”
7. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
8. “Have a Drink on Me”
9. “Shake a Leg”
10. “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”
11. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
12. “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”
13. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
14. “T.N.T.”
15. “Shot in the Dark”
16. “Let There Be Rock”
17. “Flick of the Switch”
18. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
19. “Stiff Upper Lip”
20. “Thunderstruck”
21. “Highway to Hell”
22. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”
Matt Wardlaw:
The thought that this could be AC/DC’s final tour weighs heavily on my mind. I resonate with the sentiments expressed by others that if this is indeed the last hurrah, we should go out with an explosive performance that only AC/DC can provide. Performing Back in Black in its entirety is especially poignant, as it would represent a full circle moment for Brian Johnson. How fitting would it be for him to conclude his journey with the band where it all began? Like Corey, I believe opening with this iconic album is the wisest approach. With a powerhouse track like “Hells Bells” as the opener, you leverage the band’s undeniable strengths. For the second half of the show, I envision crafting a set list that respects Johnson’s legacy while also including a couple of classic Bon Scott tracks. Reflecting on their 2016 collaboration with Axl Rose, I think it would be thrilling to hear “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation,” but let’s also aim for something they’ve never played live—how about “Night Prowler”? From their latest album, “Shot in the Dark” seems like a must-have, but I would love to see “Realize” included as well, which stands out as an excellent AC/DC song. Ultimately, my main hope is for the band to enjoy this experience. They’ve shared an extensive journey together, and it’s already a miracle that Johnson is back on stage with “the boys.” Whatever they choose to do as a closing chapter, I wholeheartedly support them.
Matt Wardlaw’s Dream AC/DC 2025 Set List
1. “Hells Bells”
2. “Shoot to Thrill”
3. “What Do You Do for Money Honey”
4. “Givin the Dog a Bone”
5. “Let Me Put My Love into You”
6. “Back in Black”
7. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
8. “Have a Drink on Me”
9. “Shake a Leg”
10. “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”
11. “Let There Be Rock”
12. “T.N.T.”
13. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
14. “Moneytalks”
15. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation”
16. “Night Prowler”
17. “Highway to Hell”
18. “Realize”
19. “Shot in the Dark”
20. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
21. “Thunderstruck”
22. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
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Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff