If you’ve ever stood in a crowded, beer-slicked club in Dallas or a packed theater in Houston, you know the feeling. The lights go down. A massive bell begins to toll. The hair on your arms stands up because, for a split second, you forget you’re at a tribute show. You think you're actually seeing the real deal. That is the exact gravity the back in black ac dc tribute band brings to the stage, and it isn't just local hype.
Most cover bands are a hobby. This group? They’re a machine.
Back in 2016, when Brian Johnson had to step away from AC/DC due to hearing issues, the world was shocked when Axl Rose filled in. But here’s the bit most people don't know: the real AC/DC actually called up Darren Caperna, the lead singer of this tribute band, for a private audition. He flew to Atlanta. He spent four hours singing with Angus Young. He performed a 21-song set with the biggest rock band on the planet.
Angus Young even apologized to him for potentially messing up the song "Riff Raff." Imagine that. A tribute singer from Texas getting a "sorry" from a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. That’s the level of authenticity we’re talking about here.
The Weird, True Story Behind the Band
The band didn't start in Texas. It started in the gritty club scene of Los Angeles in the 90s. Guitarist Mike Mroz and singer Darren Caperna were playing original music at legendary spots like The Whiskey and The Roxy. They were good. They almost had a deal with Warner Reprise.
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Then an earthquake hit.
The band fell apart, members moved away, and Mroz ended up in Dallas. He took five years off. But the itch to play never goes away, right? He tracked down Caperna, told him he wanted to do an AC/DC project, and the rest is basically history. They aren't just guys in costumes; they are students of the game. They own nearly every recorded AC/DC performance and study the movements, the gear, and the timing.
What to Expect at a 2026 Live Show
If you're heading out to see the back in black ac dc tribute band at a venue like Tannahill’s Tavern or the House of Blues, don't expect a low-budget affair. They lean into the spectacle. We're talking about the schoolboy uniform, the Gibson SGs, and the literal cannons.
Their setlists are massive. They don't just stick to the radio hits like "You Shook Me All Night Long" or "Thunderstruck." They dig into the Bon Scott era—stuff like "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" and "TNT"—and then pivot seamlessly into the Brian Johnson years.
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Recent 2025 and 2026 Highlights:
- The Squid Game Connection: In a bizarre turn of events, four members of the band appeared in Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2, which filmed in London.
- High-End Production: They’ve been incorporating elements of that filming experience into their 2026 "special production" live shows.
- Vocal Range: Caperna is one of the rare vocalists who can hit the gritty, bluesy snarl of Bon Scott and the high-voltage screech of Brian Johnson in the same night without blowing his voice out.
Honestly, it’s the consistency that gets people. You’ll see reviews from fans who have seen them ten times. Why? Because they don't phone it in. Whether it's a festival for 30,000 people (like the Bone Bash in Fort Worth) or a smaller theater in Knoxville, the energy stays at a 10.
Not Just Another Cover Act
There are dozens of AC/DC tributes. You’ve got the all-female "BACK:N:BLACK" from Switzerland (who are also killer, by the way) and various local versions in every major city. But the Dallas-based back in black ac dc tribute band holds a unique spot because of that official nod from the AC/DC camp.
Sony Music actually used them to help promote AC/DC catalog sales. They’ve played with Cheap Trick, Night Ranger, and even Vince Neil. When Brian Johnson’s own family meets you after a show and tells you that you "blew them away," you’ve probably reached the ceiling of what a tribute band can achieve.
It’s about the "tightness" of the rhythm section. Most people focus on the guy playing Angus, but AC/DC is built on the Malcom Young rhythm style. It’s percussive. It’s metronomic. Mroz and his team understand that if the rhythm isn't "on the money," the whole thing falls apart.
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How to Get the Most Out of the Experience
If you’re planning to catch them on their 2026 tour, here is some practical advice. First, check the specific band name on the ticket. Because "Back in Black" is such a common phrase, you want to make sure you're getting the Dallas-based group featuring Mike Mroz and Darren Caperna if you want that "auditioned for the real band" quality.
Check the venue acoustics. This is a loud show. It’s supposed to be. If you’re heading to the House of Blues, the sound is usually dialed in perfectly. If it's an outdoor festival, try to get closer to the soundboard for the best mix.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Official Site: Go to
backinblack.infoto verify their 2026 schedule, as they often add dates at House of Blues locations and Texas venues last minute. - Watch the Documentary: Look for My Stupid Tribute Band. It’s a documentary that chronicles their 20-year journey, and it gives a surprisingly raw look at what it takes to stay at this level for two decades.
- Arrival Time: These shows often feature "Mean Street" (a Van Halen tribute) as an opener. If you want a good spot near the stage to see the Angus Young floor-work, get there at least 45 minutes before the doors open.
This isn't just about nostalgia. It’s about a group of musicians who took a "fun" project and turned it into a world-class production that even their idols respect.