The Shocking Truth About AC/DC's Current Band Members: Who's In And Who's Out For The Power Up Tour?

The legendary Australian rock band AC/DC has always been defined by its unwavering commitment to high-voltage rock and roll, but its lineup has seen a constant, electrifying evolution over the decades. As of December 13, 2025, the band is back on the road for their highly anticipated Power Up Tour, featuring a blend of iconic core members and two surprising, world-class session musicians filling crucial roles. This article provides the definitive, most up-to-date look at the current five-piece powerhouse keeping the AC/DC legacy roaring across stadiums worldwide, detailing the roles, biographies, and the significance of this fresh touring configuration.

The current iteration of the band, which kicked off its European leg in 2024 and is scheduled for a major North American run in 2025, represents a significant shift from previous eras. While the core Young/Johnson axis remains firmly in place, the rhythm section has been completely revitalized, bringing a new dynamic to classic tracks like "Highway to Hell" and "Thunderstruck." This definitive list reveals the members who are currently lighting up the stage and the reasons behind the changes.

The Current AC/DC Power Up Tour Lineup (2024–2025)

The Power Up Tour lineup consists of five musicians, three of whom are long-standing members of the AC/DC family, and two who are world-renowned session players bringing their expertise to the thunderous rhythm section. This configuration was first seen at the Power Trip festival in 2023, setting the stage for the massive global tour.

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• Angus Young: Lead Guitarist (1973–Present)
• Brian Johnson: Lead Vocals (1980–2016, 2018–Present)
• Stevie Young: Rhythm Guitarist (2014–Present)
• Matt Laug: Drums (Touring Member, 2023–Present)
• Chris Chaney: Bass Guitar (Touring Member, 2024–Present)

Angus Young: The Schoolboy Legend

Role: Lead Guitarist, Co-Founder, Songwriter

Born: March 31, 1955, Glasgow, Scotland

Biography: Angus Young is the sole consistent member since the band's formation in 1973. Instantly recognizable by his signature schoolboy uniform and his frenetic stage presence—which includes the famous "duckwalk"—Angus is the musical engine and visual icon of AC/DC. He co-founded the band with his late brother, Malcolm Young, and their riff-driven collaboration defined the sound of hard rock for five decades. His raw, blues-infused lead guitar style is the band's sonic fingerprint, providing the iconic solos on albums like Back in Black and Highway to Hell. Angus continues to lead the band, ensuring the high-energy performance standards established by the Young brothers remain intact.

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Brian Johnson: The Voice of Thunder

Role: Lead Vocalist

Born: October 5, 1947, Gateshead, England

Biography: Brian Johnson joined AC/DC in 1980, following the tragic death of original singer Bon Scott. His powerful, gravelly tenor immediately propelled the band to new heights with the release of Back in Black, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Johnson was forced to step away from touring in 2016 due to severe hearing loss, with Axl Rose filling in. However, thanks to advancements in in-ear monitoring technology, he made a triumphant return for the 2020 album Power Up and is now back on the road for the 2024-2025 tour. His return is a massive boost for fans, solidifying the classic lineup's presence on stage.

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Stevie Young: Carrying the Rhythm Torch

Role: Rhythm Guitarist

Born: December 11, 1956, Glasgow, Scotland

Biography: Stevie Young is the nephew of Angus and the late Malcolm Young. He officially replaced his uncle Malcolm in 2014 due to Malcolm's declining health. Stevie had previously filled in for Malcolm during a 1988 US tour. His role is critical: maintaining the rock-solid, driving rhythm guitar sound that Malcolm perfected. Stevie’s playing is often described as indistinguishable from Malcolm's, a testament to his ability to preserve the band's essential sonic foundation. He is a crucial link to the band's past while securing its future.

The New Rhythm Section: Matt Laug and Chris Chaney

The most significant and exciting development in the current lineup is the inclusion of two new, highly respected American session musicians. This marks a rare occurrence for the famously tight-knit Australian/British band, demonstrating a focus on securing the best talent available for the grueling demands of a world tour.

Matt Laug: The Session Drummer Powerhouse

Role: Drums (Touring Member)

Born: March 17, 1968, Florence, South Carolina, USA

Biography and Significance: Matt Laug is a veteran American session drummer and is the first American drummer to tour with AC/DC. His appointment for the Power Up Tour was a surprise to many, as he replaced long-time drummer Phil Rudd and the previous touring drummer Chris Slade. Laug’s extensive resume speaks for itself; he has toured and recorded with a diverse range of high-profile artists, including Alanis Morissette (on her debut album), Alice Cooper, Slash’s Snakepit, and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs. His precise, powerful, and grooving style provides the necessary backbone for AC/DC's straightforward, high-impact rock. Laug's seamless integration into the band's sound has been praised by critics and fans alike, proving he can deliver the thunder required for a rock spectacle of this magnitude.

Chris Chaney: The Jazz-Schooled Bassist

Role: Bass Guitar (Touring Member)

Born: June 14, 1970, Marin County, California, USA

Biography and Significance: Chris Chaney steps into the large shoes of Cliff Williams, who retired from touring after the Rock or Bust tour. Chaney is best known as the former bassist for the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction and as a long-time member of Alanis Morissette's backing band. A jazz-schooled musician, Chaney's versatility and deep understanding of groove make him an ideal fit for AC/DC's deceptively simple, yet demanding, bass lines. His addition ensures the bass remains a driving, melodic anchor, complementing the rhythm guitar and providing the essential foundation for Angus Young's lead work. Chaney and Laug, having both worked with Alanis Morissette, bring a professional, cohesive rhythm section partnership to the band, which is vital for a seamless transition on a major tour.

The Enduring Legacy and The Power Up Tour's Significance

The Power Up Tour, which began its European leg in May 2024 and extends into a major 2025 North American run, is significant for several reasons. It is the band's first major tour in eight years, following the release of their seventeenth studio album, Power Up, in 2020.

Honoring the Past, Electrifying the Future

The tour serves as a powerful testament to the band’s enduring appeal and their commitment to the late Malcolm Young. The Power Up album itself features posthumous songwriting credits for Malcolm, reinforcing his foundational influence on the band's sound and material. The setlist for the tour is a masterful mix of deep cuts and essential classics, ensuring a high-voltage experience for both new and long-time fans.

Topical Authority: Essential Tour Entities

The setlist is a key entity for the Power Up Tour, showcasing the band’s entire career. While the exact order can vary, the core setlist typically features fan favorites and tracks from the new album.

Key Songs Performed on the Power Up Tour (LSI Keywords / Entities):

• "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" (The explosive opener)
• "Back in Black" (The defining anthem)
• "Thunderstruck" (The iconic 90s hit)
• "Hells Bells" (Featuring the massive bell prop)
• "T.N.T." (A Bon Scott-era classic)
• "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" (Another essential Bon Scott-era track)
• "Shot in the Dark" (A standout track from the Power Up album)
• "Demon Fire" (Another new track from the 2020 album)
• "Whole Lotta Rosie" (A live staple)
• "Let There Be Rock" (Often featuring Angus Young's extended solo)
• "Highway to Hell" (The ultimate encore classic)
• "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" (The traditional closer, complete with cannon fire)

The Evolution of the AC/DC Lineup

The history of AC/DC is a story of resilience, with the band navigating numerous personnel changes while maintaining their distinct sound. The current lineup is a continuation of this legacy. Key past members who defined the band's sound include:

• Bon Scott: The legendary original lead vocalist (1974–1980).
• Malcolm Young: Co-founder and rhythm guitarist, the "engine" of the band (1973–2014).
• Cliff Williams: The long-serving bassist who provided the steady, signature groove (1977–2016, and briefly in 2020).
• Phil Rudd: The definitive drummer, known for his simple, powerful, and unique beat (various periods from 1975–2015).
• Chris Slade: A powerful drummer who has filled in during several eras, notably the Razor's Edge and Rock or Bust tours.

The decision to bring in Matt Laug and Chris Chaney underscores the band's commitment to performance quality over strict adherence to the classic lineup. It shows that AC/DC, under the leadership of Angus Young and Brian Johnson, is prioritizing a powerful, technically flawless live show that can stand up to the band’s formidable back catalog. This current configuration is not just a temporary fix; it is the vital, fresh blood required to keep the AC/DC machine running at full throttle for the next generation of rock fans.

Fans attending the 2025 North American leg of the tour can expect the same thunderous volume, iconic riffs, and high-energy showmanship that has defined AC/DC for over fifty years. The current band members—Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Matt Laug, and Chris Chaney—are proving that the spirit of rock and roll is immortal, and the AC/DC lightning bolt remains fully charged.