Which song did AC/DC stop performing after Bon Scott's death, and why does it remain off their Aussie tour setlist? Details explored

By Gourab Kundu

Modified Nov 12, 2025 00:53 ET

AC/DC Perform At Murrayfield Stadium - Source: Getty — AC/DC stopped performing one song after Bon Scott's death (Image via Getty)

AC/DC officially kicked off their Power Up Australian tour this week. Thousands of fans filled Melbourne's MCG as the band performed beloved tracks like "Back in Black," "Highway to Hell," and "You Shook Me All Night Long." However, one song was missing from the setlist: the 1975 classic "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)."

The track has not been performed by AC/DC since 1979. "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" was written by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young with then-frontman Bon Scott. The song opened AC/DC's 1975 album, T.N.T..

The song was retired in 1980 following the death of AC/DC's Bon Scott in London at 33. Scott's death was caused by alcohol poisoning. Brian Johnson was chosen as his replacement later that year. Johnson made a decision never to perform "It's a Long Way to the Top." He said,

"I would never sing that one out of respect for Bon. That song belonged to him."

Former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans stated:

"It became iconic and associated with the band, but oddly enough, the band does not play it. It has become a much bigger song in time than when it first came out."

AC/DC's Power Up tour upcoming dates and stops

The Power Up tour is named after AC/DC's 2020 album, which was their first release after a six-year break. The record reunited Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams. It was a tribute to the late co-founder Malcolm Young.

The tour has covered Europe and North America. The current Australian leg features local punk rock act Amyl and The Sniffers as the supporting act. The upcoming AC/DC Power Up tour dates are as follows:

Australian tour dates (with Amyl and The Sniffers)

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Melbourne, VIC, at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sunday, November 16, 2025, Melbourne, VIC, at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Friday, November 21, 2025, Sydney, NSW, at Accor Stadium
Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Sydney, NSW, at Accor Stadium
Sunday, November 30, 2025, Adelaide, SA, at BP Adelaide Grand Final
Thursday, December 4, 2025, Perth, WA, at Optus Stadium
Monday, December 8, 2025, Perth, WA, at Optus Stadium
Sunday, December 14, 2025, Brisbane, QLD, at Suncorp Stadium
Thursday, December 18, 2025, Brisbane, QLD, at Suncorp Stadium

South America tour dates

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, São Paulo, BR, at Estádio do MorumBIS
Saturday, February 28, 2026, São Paulo, BR, at Estádio do MorumBIS
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, São Paulo, BR, at Estádio do MorumBIS
Tuesday, March 11, 2026, Santiago, CL, at Parque Estadio Nacional
Saturday, March 15, 2026, Santiago, CL, at Parque Estadio Nacional
Sunday, March 23, 2026, Buenos Aires, AR, at Estadio River Plate
Thursday, March 27, 2026, Buenos Aires, AR, at Estadio River Plate
Monday, March 31, 2026, Buenos Aires, AR, at Estadio River Plate
Monday, April 7, 2026, Mexico City, MX, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Friday, April 11, 2026, Mexico City, MX, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Tuesday, April 15, 2026, Mexico City, MX, at Estadio GNP Seguros

North America tour dates

Saturday, July 11, 2026, Charlotte, NC, at Bank of America Stadium
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Columbus, OH, at Ohio Stadium
Sunday, July 19, 2026, Madison, WI, at Camp Randall Stadium
Thursday, July 24, 2026, San Antonio, TX, at Alamodome
Monday, July 28, 2026, Denver, CO, at Empower Field at Mile High
Friday, August 1, 2026, Las Vegas, NV, at Allegiant Stadium
Tuesday, August 5, 2026, San Francisco, CA, at Levi’s Stadium
Saturday, August 9, 2026, Edmonton, AB, at Commonwealth Stadium
Wednesday, August 13, 2026, Vancouver, BC, at BC Place
Thursday, August 27, 2026, Atlanta, GA, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Monday, August 31, 2026, Houston, TX, at NRG Stadium
Friday, September 4, 2026, Notre Dame, IN, at Notre Dame Stadium
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, St. Louis, MO, at The Dome at America’s Center
Saturday, September 12, 2026, Montreal, QC, at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Toronto, ON, at Rogers Stadium
Friday, September 25, 2026, East Rutherford, NJ, at MetLife Stadium
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Philadelphia, PA, at Lincoln Financial Field

Fans can visit AC/DC's official website to check out ticket availability info.

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Edited by Gourab Kundu