More than 45 years after joining AC/DC, Brian Johnson says performing live hasn’t lost its excitement — even as he approaches his 79th birthday.
The legendary singer, alongside guitarist Angus Young, recently reflected on life on the road during an interview with USA Today‘s Melissa Ruggieri while the band continues its 2026 North American “Power Up” tour.
Despite decades of experience, Johnson admitted there’s still one thing that keeps every concert fresh: “I think it’s still the unknown. You’re all rehearsed, you know all your parts and your bits and pieces. But [the unpredictability] still keeps you on edge, you know, to be your best.”
Young, who celebrated his 71st birthday in March, joked that his biggest concern these days has little to do with the music: “I just worry about if I’m going to trip over… That’s about it.”
Johnson laughed in agreement before explaining how the band’s attitude toward performing has evolved over the years.
“Yeah, just stupid s**t like that… On the stage, you can’t just immediately do things,” he revealed. “You have to learn to watch the other person and… But we’re doing things now we didn’t think of doing before — interacting. It’s just more fun because we don’t care anymore. When you’re younger, you take yourself very seriously. You know, you think, ‘I’m in a big rock and roll band.’ I never used to smile or anything. ‘Cause that’s what what you thought you were supposed to [do].”
When asked how they hope AC/DC will ultimately be remembered, Angus offered a straightforward answer: “I would just say ‘a great rock band.'”
Johnson agreed, saying “They were great at what they did. And they did it consistently. You never thought back in the day that, when I finish here … I’m going to be 79 [in October].”
AC/DC launched the North American leg of the “Power Up” world tour on July 11 at Bank Of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The band opened the night with “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” before tearing through a 21-song set featuring staples such as “Back In Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “Highway To Hell,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “T.N.T.” The evening concluded with “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You),” while “Shot In The Dark” and “Demon Fire” represented the group’s latest studio effort, Power Up.
The current trek includes 18 North American dates with upcoming performances in Columbus, Madison, San Antonio, Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Edmonton, Vancouver, Atlanta, Houston, South Bend, St. Louis, Montreal, Toronto, East Rutherford and Philadelphia. The Pretty Reckless are providing support throughout the run, which follows AC/DC‘s successful first North American “Power Up” tour leg in spring 2025.
