Discover the Unexpected Moment in AC/DC’s Historic Return: The First Live Performance of ‘Jailbreak’ in Over Three Decades! If you think you know all about AC/DC’s legendary history and their setlists, think again—because the band’s latest concert proves that even rock giants have surprises up their sleeves. And here’s where it gets truly intriguing: during their recent Australian show, AC/DC surprised fans by performing a rare and celebrated track from their past that hadn’t been played live since 1991.
The Australian segment of AC/DC’s Power Up tour kicked off on a memorable Wednesday night at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This marked their first performance on home soil in nearly ten years, with fans eagerly awaiting what might be in store. To truly honor their dedicated followers, the band reached back into their extensive catalog, delivering an electrifying rendition of “Jailbreak,” a song that had not been performed live in over three decades.
Originally released as a single in 1976 in the UK and Australia—also appearing on the Australian edition of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap—“Jailbreak” became a signature tune of the Bon Scott era. Interestingly, it didn’t see a North American release until 1984 when it was featured on the Jailbreak EP, a collection of earlier recordings. It was a staple in live shows from that time until the band’s 1991 farewell performance at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. Though singer Brian Johnson often brought the song to life during tours from the mid-80s onward, it hadn’t been played at a concert since that last show in 1991.
While AC/DC’s current tour is ostensibly promoting their 2020 album Power Up, fans will notice that only two songs from that record—“Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark”—are actually part of the set. The rest of the show is a nostalgic journey through their vast musical history, with a total of 21 songs performed. Impressively, 12 of these tracks hail from the Bon Scott era, while the remaining nine showcase material from Brian Johnson’s time with the band.
Many wondered if AC/DC would perform again with Johnson after his hearing issues sidelined him during their 2016 tour. He had to step back due to medical advice, and the band brought in Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses to fill in—a bold and controversial move that surprised many longtime fans. Guitarist Angus Young reflected on that challenging period, explaining to Rolling Stone in 2020 that the situation was complicated and filled with difficult choices. The options ranged from canceling the tour altogether to finding a suitable replacement.
Remarkably, Johnson was able to recover, thanks to a sophisticated in-ear hearing device and some much-needed time away from the stage. This allowed him to rejoin AC/DC for the creation of Power Up. The band finally resumed touring in May 2024 with a refreshed lineup—including talented drummer Matt Laug and bassist Chris Chaney—and a renewed energy.
Their journey continues with plans to finish their current run in December 2025 in Brisbane, then shift gears for a South American tour starting in February 2026. Fans in the U.S. can look forward to a major stadium tour kicking off in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 11, 2026. Throughout this leg, they will be joined by The Pretty Reckless, with the tour wrapping up in Philadelphia on September 29.
This ongoing tour not only underscores AC/DC’s resilience and timeless appeal but also offers fans moments like the spontaneous return of cherished classics like ‘Jailbreak,’ highlighting that even legends can surprise us when we least expect it. So, what do you think about AC/DC’s decision to revisit such a legendary song after all these years? Does this add a new layer of respect for their dedication to their fans, or do you believe they should focus only on new material? Share your thoughts in the comments—because in the world of rock, surprises never truly go out of style.
