Quick Read
- Brian Johnson performed ‘Jailbreak’ live for the first time since 1991 at AC/DC’s Melbourne show.
- Johnson returned to touring after overcoming hearing issues with a new in-ear device.
- The Power Up tour’s setlist draws heavily from both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras.
- AC/DC will continue touring through Australia, South America, and the U.S. into late 2026.
Brian Johnson’s Triumphant Return to AC/DC
In the electric air of Melbourne Cricket Ground, the opening chords of AC/DC’s ‘Jailbreak’ roared out, capturing the attention of thousands. For many fans, this moment was more than a concert—it was a homecoming, a reunion with a sound that had been absent from the stage for 34 years. Leading this charge was Brian Johnson, the voice that has become synonymous with AC/DC’s hard rock legacy.
It’s been a decade since AC/DC last played in Australia, and the anticipation was palpable. The band’s Power Up tour, which launched in May 2024, was never just about their latest album. It was a celebration of resilience, nostalgia, and musical evolution. When ‘Jailbreak’ thundered through the stadium, the crowd erupted—a testament to the song’s enduring power and the band’s ability to bridge generations.
The History Behind ‘Jailbreak’
Originally released in 1976, ‘Jailbreak’ became a staple of AC/DC’s setlists during the Bon Scott era. Its gritty narrative and driving rhythm captured the rebellious spirit of the band’s early years. While it was a familiar anthem in England and Australia, North American fans didn’t get their hands on it until 1984, when the ’74 Jailbreak EP hit shelves. Over the years, ‘Jailbreak’ became synonymous with AC/DC’s live energy—especially when performed by Bon Scott himself.
After Scott’s untimely death, Brian Johnson stepped into the role of lead vocalist. By 1985, Johnson was delivering ‘Jailbreak’ on the Flick of the Switch tour, giving the song a new texture. But after November 16, 601, at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium, the song quietly disappeared from live shows. For over three decades, fans wondered if they’d ever hear it live again.
Brian Johnson’s Journey: From Silence to Stage
Johnson’s path back to AC/DC was anything but straightforward. In 2016, he was forced to step away from touring due to serious hearing problems—a blow not only to him, but to the band’s global fanbase. The solution was unconventional: Axl Rose, frontman of Guns N’ Roses, stepped in to finish the tour, a move that drew mixed reactions. As guitarist Angus Young told Rolling Stone in 2020, the band faced a difficult choice. “When you run through the different scenarios, none of them were the best options,” he said, reflecting the uncertainty that surrounded Johnson’s future with AC/DC.
For Johnson, watching another artist take his place was a deeply personal struggle. “I didn’t feel too good myself about the whole thing,” he admitted to Rolling Stone. “But that was then. With all bands and things, there are little bumps in the road.”
Ultimately, technology became Johnson’s lifeline. With the help of a sophisticated in-ear hearing device, he was able to return to recording and, eventually, the stage. This innovation didn’t just restore his career—it rekindled the band’s chemistry and set the stage for their new chapter.
The Power Up Tour: Setlist, Surprises, and New Faces
The Power Up tour is nominally in support of AC/DC’s 2020 album, but the pandemic delayed its rollout. Now, with crowds back and energy high, the tour features a 21-song setlist that leans heavily on the band’s classic catalog. Of those, twelve tracks hail from the Bon Scott era, while nine showcase Johnson’s contributions. Only two tracks—‘Demon Fire’ and ‘Shot in the Dark’—come from Power Up, a nod to the album’s unique place in the band’s discography.
The lineup itself has evolved. Drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney have joined the ranks, injecting new vitality while honoring the band’s storied past. The chemistry is palpable, and the band’s tight performance has drawn praise from critics and fans alike.
After wrapping the Australian leg in Brisbane on December 18, AC/DC will head to South America in early 2026, followed by a stadium tour across the United States starting July 11 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Pretty Reckless will join them at every show, with the tour culminating in Philadelphia on September 29.
Legacy, Loyalty, and the Power of Return
For many, Brian Johnson’s return is about more than music—it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the ability to overcome adversity. The crowd’s reaction in Melbourne was proof: AC/DC’s legacy isn’t just about the records they’ve sold or the anthems they’ve written. It’s about the connection between artist and audience, forged in moments like these.
‘Jailbreak’ may have started as a song about escape, but in 2025, it feels like a metaphor for something deeper—a band breaking free from the constraints of time, technology, and circumstance. Johnson’s voice, now bolstered by innovation, is a reminder that rock and roll is as much about perseverance as it is about rebellion.
As the tour continues and new chapters unfold, one thing is clear: AC/DC, with Brian Johnson at the helm, remains a force to be reckoned with—both onstage and in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Brian Johnson’s journey back to the stage underscores the enduring power of adaptability in music. By embracing technological advances and honoring their roots, AC/DC has shown that legacy acts can thrive in a changing landscape, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation.