When AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson quit performing in 2016 while struggling with hearing loss, many feared the band’s long run might have come to an abrupt end. Thankfully, last night (Oct. 7) at Power Trip at Empire Polo Field in Indio, Ca., Johnson and his bandmates obliterated any doubts about their ongoing viability at their first show in more than seven years, reclaiming their rightful place as one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time.
AC/DC’s 24-song set shook the desert floor, with Johnson, 76, immediately testing his vocal powers on opener “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and sending the audience into rapture with “Back in Black.” Huge versions of “Thunderstruck” and “Have a Drink on Me” preceded “Hell Bells,” which was followed shortly afterwards by a crowd participation-enhanced “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” Kudos to whoever thought of the $20 AC/DC devil horns flashlight sold at the merch stands last night, as its widespread usage in the audience effectively punctuated the dark moments between songs and added greatly to the overall revelry.
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