If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a parking lot in Foxborough, Massachusetts, you know the smell. It’s a mix of charcoal, cheap beer, and that salt-heavy air blowing in from the coast. But in 2025, that scent is going to be buried under the smell of ozone and gunpowder. AC/DC is coming back. Specifically, the AC/DC Foxborough 2025 stop on their Power Up tour is shaping up to be more than just another stadium show; it’s looking like a historic "where were you" moment for New England rock fans.
Let’s be real. We all thought they were done. Between Brian Johnson’s hearing issues a few years back, the tragic passing of Malcolm Young, and the general wear and tear of being the loudest band on Earth for fifty years, the odds were stacked against them. Yet, here we are.
Gillette Stadium is a massive concrete beast. It’s built for the smash-mouth energy of the NFL, which makes it the perfect venue for a band that plays music like a sledgehammer hitting a rail spike. You’ve got the lighthouse, the open end-zone, and 65,000 people who probably haven't slept since they bought their tickets. It’s going to be loud. Really loud.
The Reality of Seeing AC/DC at Gillette Stadium
People keep asking if Angus Young still has "it." He’s nearly 70. Most people his age are worried about their 401k or a hip replacement, but Angus is still out there in a schoolboy outfit, duck-walking across a stage the size of a flight deck. It’s kind of ridiculous when you think about it. But the second those opening chords of "Back in Black" hit the Foxborough air, nobody is laughing.
The AC/DC Foxborough 2025 show isn’t just about nostalgia. Sure, it’s a big part of it, but there’s a technical precision to what they do that younger bands just can't replicate. It’s all about the "pocket." Phil Rudd’s drumming—assuming he’s behind the kit—is the heartbeat of that band. It doesn't swing; it drives. It’s a metronome of pure rock. When that combines with the acoustics of an open-air stadium like Gillette, the sound doesn't just hit your ears. It vibrates your ribcage.
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I’ve talked to people who saw them at the old Foxboro Stadium back in the day. They’ll tell you it was a different world. Now, with the high-def screens and the massive "Hell’s Bell" that drops from the rigging, the production value has caught up to the volume. But honestly, you could strip away the pyrotechnics and the giant inflatable Rosie, and it wouldn't matter. The power comes from the SG plugged into a wall of Marshalls.
What to Expect from the Power Up Setlist
You’re going to hear the hits. They aren't a band that tries to "reinvigorate" their sound by playing B-sides nobody likes. You want "Thunderstruck." You’ll get it. You want "T.N.T." and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." They’ll play them.
The New Stuff vs. The Classics
- The Power Up Tracks: Expect "Shot in the Dark" to be a centerpiece. It’s got that classic groove that fits perfectly between the 80s anthems.
- The Deep Cuts: Occasionally they’ll throw in something like "Riff Raff" or "Rock 'n' Roll Train," but don't hold your breath for obscure 70s Australian imports.
- The Finale: "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" with the cannons. It’s a Foxborough tradition at this point. The local police probably hate it, but the fans live for it.
The interesting thing about this 2025 run is the stamina factor. A stadium show is a marathon. Brian Johnson’s voice has held up remarkably well considering he’s been screaming over jet-engine-level decibels since 1980. There’s a grit there now that actually makes some of the older songs sound even meaner.
Logistics: Survival Guide for Foxborough
If you aren't from around here, Foxborough isn't Boston. It’s a town in the middle of the woods that happens to have a massive stadium in it. Getting to AC/DC Foxborough 2025 is going to be a nightmare if you don't plan ahead. Route 1 is a legendary bottleneck.
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Basically, you have two choices. You can pay way too much for "official" parking and sit in your car for three hours after the show, or you can look for the private lots scattered along the highway. Most of those are run by local families who have been doing this since the Patriots played in the AFL. They’ll charge you $40 or $50, but you’ll get out a lot faster.
Also, consider the "Patriot Train" from North Station or Providence. It’s usually a mess of drunk fans singing "You Shook Me All Night Long," but it beats driving. Just make sure you check the MBTA schedule the week of the show because they love to change things at the last minute.
Why This Tour Feels Different
There’s a sense of finality in the air. We’ve lost so many legends lately. When you see Angus Young up there, you’re looking at one of the last true guitar gods. There is no replacement for him. There’s no "next AC/DC." Bands today are great, but they don't have that specific blend of blues-based filth and arena-shaking power.
The AC/DC Foxborough 2025 gig is a reminder of what rock and roll used to be. It wasn't about being polished or having a "message." It was about three chords, a loud beat, and a singer who sounded like he just drank a pint of kerosene. That’s what people are paying for. They want to feel that raw, unadulterated energy one more time before the band finally calls it quits.
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Critics used to say AC/DC made the same album fifteen times. They were right. And thank God for that. Who wants a reggae AC/DC album? Nobody. We want the thunder. We want the lightning. We want the schoolboy shorts and the Gibson SG.
Final Practical Steps for the 2025 Show
If you’re serious about going, here’s the reality of the situation. Tickets are going to disappear the second they hit the primary market. Scalpers and bots are a plague, especially for legacy acts like this.
- Verify Your Source: Use only official platforms like Ticketmaster or the Gillette Stadium box office site. Avoid random "deal" sites on social media. They’re usually scams.
- Ear Protection: Seriously. This isn't a joke. AC/DC is famously loud. High-fidelity earplugs like Eargasms or Loop will save your hearing without muffling the music. You’ll thank me when you aren't hearing a high-pitched ring for three days after the show.
- Tailgate Early: The culture at Foxborough is built on the tailgate. Arrive four hours early. Bring a grill. Meet your neighbors. The camaraderie in the parking lot is half the fun.
- Weather Preparedness: New England weather in 2025 is as unpredictable as ever. If it rains, the show goes on. Gillette is an open-air stadium. Bring a poncho; leave the umbrella at home (they usually aren't allowed inside anyway).
- Digital Wallet: Gillette Stadium is a 100% cashless venue. If you show up with a pocket full of twenties for a beer and a t-shirt, you’re going to be disappointed. Make sure your Apple Pay or credit card is ready to go.
This show is going to be a loud, sweaty, glorious mess. It’s exactly what rock and roll should be. Don’t overthink it. Just get there, stand up when the lights go down, and let the music do the rest.