AC/DC announce epic 2024 European tour – but with two main band members replaced

As teased over the last week, AC/DC are set to head off on a European tour this year to mark their 50th anniversary.

The band haven’t played in Europe in eight years and have since released another album, 2020’s Power Up.

Longtime drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams (who retired at the end of the 2016 Rock or Bust tour) returned to make the record.

Then last year, AC/DC played a one-off gig in California, with Cliff making a live appearance.

However, both he and Rudd have now been replaced in the upcoming tour with the bassist seemingly remaining in retirement.

Meanwhile, Rudd has been open about wanting to spend more time with his partner Toni Wilson, who has terminal breast cancer and was given six months to live in May.

Speaking with Stuff in November, the drummer announced he was selling off his personal AC/DC memorabilia to support the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and raise awareness of the disease.

At the time he said: “I’d give it all up, throw it on a bonfire, if it meant it would give Toni more time. She’s the love of my life. My best friend. All the money in the world can buy you things, but it can’t buy you time.”

Despite the ongoing difficulties, the drummer hopes to play with AC/DC again one day: “I look forward to playing with them again in the future … rock on.”

Lead guitarist Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young will instead be joined by drummer Matt Laug (who played at the one-off gig last year) and a new bass player on the new AC/DC tour. Check out the dates, including two London concerts, and tickets information below.

AC/DC 2024 Power Up European tour dates:

7 May – Glesenkirchen, Germany, Veltins Arena
21 May – Glesenkirchen, Germany, Veltins Arena
25 May – Reggio Emilia, Italy, RCF
29 May – Seville, Spain La Cartuja Stadium
05 June – Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Johan Cruyff Arena
09 June – Munich, Germany, Olympic Stadium
12 June – Munich, Germany, Olympic Stadium
16 June – Dresden, Germany, Messe
23 June – Vienna, Austria, Ernst Happel Stadium
26 June – Vienna, Austria, Ernst Happel Stadium
29 June – Zurich, Switzerland, Letzigrund Stadium
03 July – London, England, Wembley Stadium
07 July – London, England, Wembley Stadium
13 July – Hockenheim, Germany, Ring
17 July – Stuttgart, Germany, Wasen
21 July – Bratislava, Slovakia, Old Airport
27 July – Nuremberg, Zeppelinfeld
31 July – Hannover, Messe
09 August – Dessel/Werchter, Festival Grounds/park
13 August – Paris, France, Hippodrome
17 August – Dublin, Ireland, Croke Park