Home Viral Media Spotlight 1

5 Shocking Facts About AC/DC’s Age: How The 52-Year-Old Band Is Still Dominating The 2025 Tour

• minute read
Contents

The legendary rock powerhouse AC/DC has been electrifying audiences for over five decades, making the simple question of "how old is AC/DC" a testament to their enduring legacy. As of this writing in December 2025, the Australian hard rock titans are an incredible 52 years old, having officially formed in Sydney in November 1973. This makes them one of the longest-running and most influential rock bands in history, a fact they continue to prove with their massive, sold-out 2025 and 2026 "PWR/UP" tour dates across the globe. The band's age is a number, but their energy is timeless.

The true shock, however, comes when you look at the ages of the members who are still strapping on their guitars and hitting the stage for the highly anticipated "PWR/UP" shows. With a core lineup consisting of musicians in their late 60s and 70s, AC/DC is not just a band; it’s a living, breathing monument to rock and roll longevity. Their continued relevance, decades after the iconic Back in Black and Highway to Hell albums, is a powerful statement about the quality of their music and the dedication of their fanbase.

AC/DC's 2025 Touring Lineup: Ages and Key Biographical Facts

The current touring lineup for the 2025 "PWR/UP" tour features a blend of founding members, long-time veterans, and talented new additions, proving that the high-voltage sound of AC/DC is a collective effort. Here is a look at the core members and their current ages as of December 2025:

  • Angus Young (Lead Guitarist)
    • Current Age (Dec 2025): 70 years old.
    • Born: March 31, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland.
    • Key Fact: Co-founder of the band with his late brother, Malcolm Young. He is instantly recognizable worldwide for his signature schoolboy uniform and high-energy stage antics, including the famous "duckwalk."
  • Brian Johnson (Lead Vocalist)
    • Current Age (Dec 2025): 78 years old.
    • Born: October 5, 1947, in Dunston, Gateshead, England.
    • Key Fact: Joined the band in 1980 after the death of original singer Bon Scott. His first album, Back in Black, became the second-best-selling album of all time. He overcame severe hearing issues to return to the band for the Power Up album and subsequent tour.
  • Stevie Young (Rhythm Guitarist)
    • Current Age (Dec 2025): 69 years old (turns 69 on Dec 11, 2025).
    • Born: December 11, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland.
    • Key Fact: Nephew of Angus and Malcolm Young. He officially replaced his uncle Malcolm Young in 2014, having previously filled in for him on a 1988 U.S. tour. He maintains the crucial rhythm guitar sound that defines the band.
  • Chris Chaney (Touring Bassist)
    • Current Age (Dec 2025): 55 years old.
    • Born: June 14, 1970, in Santa Monica, California, USA.
    • Key Fact: A new addition for the 2025 tour, replacing Cliff Williams. Chaney is a highly respected session musician, best known as the former bassist for Jane’s Addiction, bringing a fresh, younger energy to the rhythm section.
  • Matt Laug (Touring Drummer)
    • Current Age (Dec 2025): 57 years old.
    • Born: March 17, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
    • Key Fact: A veteran drummer who joined the band for the 2025 tour, having previously worked with Alice Cooper, Alanis Morissette, and Slash’s Snakepit. He provides the powerful, steady beat that AC/DC is famous for.

The Shocking Longevity: 52 Years of High Voltage Rock

When AC/DC was formed in 1973, the musical landscape was entirely different. The fact that they have not only survived but thrived for 52 years is a testament to their simple, powerful formula. This half-century milestone puts them in an elite category of Hard Rock Legends, alongside bands like The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith.

The band’s longevity is rooted in its consistent sound, which has remained largely unchanged since the early days with original vocalist Bon Scott. The iconic guitar riffs, driven by Angus Young, and the thunderous rhythm section, which for decades featured the late Malcolm Young, are instantly recognizable. This commitment to their signature sound has allowed them to bridge generations of rock fans, from those who bought Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap on vinyl to those streaming the Power Up album today.

The 2025 "PWR/UP" tour is a powerful demonstration of their enduring appeal. The decision by the band to hit the road again, featuring a lineup with an average age well into the 60s, highlights their passion for live performance. This tour is not just a nostalgia trip; it is a fresh chapter, bringing their music to stadiums across North America and Europe, with Australian homecoming shows also rumored for late 2025.

The Roster Changes: Why Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd Are Not on the 2025 Tour

A major talking point among fans and a key indicator of the band's evolution in their 52nd year is the change in the rhythm section for the 2025 tour. While the band’s core identity is preserved by the Young/Johnson/Young trio, the departure of long-time bassist Cliff Williams and the absence of drummer Phil Rudd mark a significant shift.

Cliff Williams' Retirement and the Arrival of Chris Chaney

Cliff Williams, born in 1949 (making him 76 in December 2025), is one of the longest-serving members, having played bass for AC/DC since 1977. He had previously announced his retirement after the Rock or Bust tour in 2016 but returned for the Power Up album and the subsequent European leg of the tour.

However, for the 2025 North American and Australian legs, Williams has stepped back, and the band has brought in Chris Chaney. This decision allows Williams to enjoy his well-earned retirement while ensuring the band maintains the physical stamina required for a demanding stadium tour. Chaney's inclusion is a fresh move, injecting new talent into the veteran group and maintaining the band's topical authority in the modern rock scene.

The Status of Phil Rudd

Phil Rudd, born in 1954 (71 years old in 2025), is considered by many to be the quintessential AC/DC drummer, providing the rock-solid, no-nonsense beat on nearly all their classic albums. He has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the band, including a major legal scandal and subsequent return for the Power Up album.

For the 2025 tour, Matt Laug is handling the drumming duties. While Rudd remains a beloved figure and a key entity in AC/DC’s history, the band has opted for Laug to ensure a consistent and reliable presence behind the kit for the extensive tour schedule. This strategic decision showcases the band's focus on performance quality as they enter their 53rd year of existence.

The Legacy of the Young Brothers and Bon Scott

No discussion of AC/DC’s age is complete without honoring the band's late members. The band was founded by the Scottish-born brothers Malcolm Young (Rhythm Guitar) and Angus Young. Malcolm's death in 2017, following a battle with dementia, marked a profound loss. He was the driving force, the "engine room" of the band, and his influence remains the core of the AC/DC sound.

Equally important is the legacy of original vocalist Bon Scott, who tragically died in 1980 at the age of 33. Scott's charismatic stage presence and gritty lyrics defined the band's first era, delivering classics like "T.N.T." and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." The transition to Brian Johnson after Scott's death is a legendary story in rock history, demonstrating the band's resilience and ability to continue its journey, even after devastating loss. This history of overcoming adversity is a key reason why AC/DC remains a relevant and powerful entity 52 years after its formation.

From their formation in 1973 to their massive 2025 global tour, AC/DC continues to defy the expectations of age and the passage of time. They are not just hard rock legends; they are a monument to the enduring power of rock and roll.

5 Shocking Facts About AC/DC’s Age: How the 52-Year-Old Band Is Still Dominating the 2025 Tour
how old is acdc
how old is acdc

Detail Author:

  • Name : Manuel Bruen
  • Username : wunsch.cecil
  • Email : schneider.graciela@senger.org
  • Birthdate : 2007-03-21
  • Address : 2218 Daren Harbor Suite 956 Luzburgh, OK 61959
  • Phone : 1-917-927-7604
  • Company : Streich-Feest
  • Job : Sports Book Writer
  • Bio : Et cum exercitationem dolores. Architecto nulla sint magni debitis voluptatem. Qui aliquid deleniti qui dignissimos. Quo magni iste ipsum omnis reprehenderit dolores dolorem.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/rabernathy
  • username : rabernathy
  • bio : Ducimus cupiditate esse illo. A molestiae aut assumenda.
  • followers : 6377
  • following : 447

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/rasheed.abernathy
  • username : rasheed.abernathy
  • bio : Rerum qui culpa in aperiam minus perspiciatis laudantium. Nisi hic cum quis aliquam ut illum nesciunt. Porro ut ut totam voluptatem non.
  • followers : 2728
  • following : 1977

instagram:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@abernathyr
  • username : abernathyr
  • bio : Dolores in corporis nihil sit ut ipsa. Qui inventore doloribus ea nesciunt aut.
  • followers : 2991
  • following : 1608

Random Posts