AC/DC 'Power Up' First North American Tour in Nine Years
The rumor is true: Legendary Australian hard rockers AC/DC will be hitting stadiums across the U.S. for their 2025 “Power Up” Tour, which kicks off on April 10 in Minneapolis and wraps up on May 28 in Cleveland. While the 13-city itinerary doesn’t currently include a stop at Petco Park, San Diegans can roll up to Pasadena’s Rose Bowl for that show on April 18.
This is the first time in nine years the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have toured North America. The last time they were here, lead vocalist Brian Johnson was forced to drop out of 2016’s “Rock or Bust” Tour to avoid total hearing loss. Axl Rose stepped in as “guest vocalist” to finish out the shows for the singer.
Johnson, who took over for the late Bon Scott in 1980 and made his debut on the landmark Back in Black album, returns to the stage for the North American “Power Up” Tour, which shares its name with the band’s 2020 album. He’ll be joined by only one original AC/DC member: iconic guitarist Angus Young.
The remainder of the band’s current lineup includes rhythm guitarist Stevie Young (nephew of founding member Malcolm Young, who died in 2017), former Slash’s Snakepit drummer Matt Laug (who replaced Phil Rudd after he pled guilty to threatening murder in 2015), and former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney (longstanding bass player Cliff Williams retired in 2016).
Additional stops on the “Power Up” Tour include Arlington, TX; Vancouver, BC; Las Vegas, NV; Detroit, MI; Foxborough, MA; Pittsburgh, PA; Landover, MD; Tampa, FL; Nashville, TN; and Chicago, IL. Get your tickets here.
Primed for a New Drummer
Eccentric Bay Area-based rock group Primus needs a new drummer. Tim “Herb” Alexander unexpectedly quit in October after 25 years with the power trio because, as he explained to his bandmates, he “lost his passion for playing.” According to Primus’ Instagram page, this news “came as a complete shock.”
So what did they do?
Frontman/bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde decided to hold open auditions, so anyone can apply. In their on-brand ad in search of a new drummer/percussionist, also appearing on Instagram, the band wrote, “Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove, pocket, and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must.”
Those who consider themselves “a well-mannered, affable individual with original sensibility and aesthetic” can submit their resume and a recent video performance to drumsearch@primusville.com.
The band—which formed in 1984 and received a “Best Hard Rock Performance” GRAMMY nomination for their 1996 album Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver—aims to have the permanent new drummer in place by April 2025, just in time for their Sessanta tour dates.
New Things Ahead for Wonderfront 2025
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, which was recently acquired by Events.com, will return to San Diego’s Embarcadero waterfront May 16-18, 2025. Early bird pricing is currently available and includes 3-Day GA for $350 and 3-Day VIP for $799 (both inclusive of all fees). A new ticket option next year, 3-Day GA PLUS, amps up GA with the addition of express lane access, new lounges with shaded seating, and private bars and restrooms for an extra $225 ($575 total).
As I previously reported, getting into the 2024 festival on the first day was a painstaking affair. In addition to adding new GA PLUS express lanes—which will help alleviate the massive crowd attempting to enter the GA entrance all at once—Wonderfront reps said they will be adding more entrance gates and Will Call lines for GA ticket holders. This should make for a smoother experience and suggests festival organizers are not only listening to feedback but taking steps to improve the event.
Wonderfront had its first sellout in 2024 with nearly 42,000 attendees, and organizers are promising an even bigger experience in 2025. This will include an expanded Electric Lounge and new, immersive activations. Check back here for more updates and the lineup announcement, which is coming soon.