AC/DC are gearing up to electrify Dublin’s Croke Park during the final leg of their European Power Up tour this weekend. Scheduled for Saturday, August 17th, the gig caps off an extensive 21-show tour, promising an exciting climax.
The Australian-born rockers last graced Ireland’s stages in 2015, playing to an enthusiastic crowd in the sold-out Aviva Stadium show. The Power Up tour was christened in the honour of their recent studio album, released in 2020.
Diehard followers are in for a treat, with original band member and lead guitarist, Angus Young, set to perform alongside vocalist Brian Johnson. Also joining them will be Stevie Young, who filled the shoes of the late Malcolm Young in 2017, the band’s fresh drummer, Matt Laug, and a new addition on bass.
AC/DC, having achieved a milestone with their 1980’s chart-topper Back in Black – the highest selling rock album by a band ever, celebrated their golden jubilee last year. With a repertoire spanning early successes to new hits, the band is set to deliver an audacious performance.
If you are planning to attend the Rock event at Croke Park on Saturday, here’s some helpful details.
Are tickets still available?
At present, few tickets can be procured from Ticketmaster. Keep checking, because resale tickets could pop up there. Promoters recommend purchasing tickets exclusively from certified vendors.
On the day of the concert, the ticket box office, located at the junction of North Circular Road and Russell Street/Jones Road, will open at 3pm.
When will the concert start?
Gates to the venue will open at 5pm. The opening act is due on stage at 7pm, followed by AC/DC.
Who is the opening act?
The American rock group, The Pretty Reckless, will warm up the crowd for AC/DC. The band, featuring Taylor Momsen, Ben Phillips, Mark Damon, and Jamie Perkins, has been a popular opening act throughout the Power Up tour. Momsen, the band’s frontwoman, is an established actress, known for her roles in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Gossip Girl. The Pretty Reckless’s recent album, Death by Rock and Roll, was launched in 2021.
What’s on the playlist?
Are you ready to climb aboard the Rock‘n’ Roll Train? As the weekend approaches, the legendary AC/DC will be belting out their chart-toppers and much more. With half a century of music under their belt, expect an impressive repertoire. Their earlier concert in Festivalterrein Stenehei, Dessel, Belgium serves as a good indicator of what Dublin can anticipate. The set included classics like ‘If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)’, ‘Back in Black’, ‘Demon Fire’, ‘Shot Down in Flames’, and ‘Thunderstruck’, to name a few, along with the much-anticipated encore of ‘T.N.T.’ and ‘For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)’.
Wondering how to get to the venue?
Positioned conveniently, Croke Park is accessible via a variety of public transportation modes including bus, rail, Dart and Luas. Each of these can comfortably drop you within strolling distance of the venue. A brisk 15-20 minute walk from O’Connell street will also get you there. To tailor your travel from any part of Ireland, visit transportforireland.ie.
Once you reach, look at the colour route on your ticket for directions:
– Blue route attendees should enter through Jones Road and Russell Street.
– The red route (Cusack Stand) should be approached via St James Avenue and Foster Terrace.
– Yellow route (Davin Stand) ticket holders must access via St Margaret’s Terrace.
– For those on the green route (Front pitch standing), the entrance will be through Josephs Avenue.
– Attendees with red route (Front and main pitch standing) tickets can enter through St James Avenue and Foster Terrace.
Will there be roadblocks nearby?
Yes, temporary roadblocks will be erected as and when necessary before and after the concert. To stay updated about these, visit garda.ie.
Any entry prerequisites to the venue?
Simply ensure you have a valid ticket to gain entry into the stadium. Remember to download your tickets beforehand into your iPhone wallet/Google Pay wallet from your Ticketmaster account.
Admission to the standing/pitch area will be restricted to individuals aged 14 and above, with those below this age only being granted admittance to the seating sections. Anyone below the age of 16 needs to be supervised by someone who is 25 years old or more. Floor access will not be allowed for those under 14, who need to ensure that their tickets are for the seated sections. Attendance for kids under the age of six isn’t recommended.
Can I get to the location ahead of time?
Queueing ahead of time is not allowed. We encourage those attending to be considerate of local occupants and companies’ privacy nearby.
What am I permitted to bring to the event?
Please note that items including flag poles, selfie sticks, banner sticks, water bottles, glass containers, drink cans, thermos flasks, flares, lasers, strollers, inflatable and foldable seats are prohibited. Cameras with removable lenses and recording devices are also restricted. Bags are discouraged, however, those without bags will experience quicker entry.
Am I able to exit and re-enter the venue during the day?
No, once you exit the location on the date of the event, you will not be allowed to re-enter again.
What is the forecast for the day?
Met Éireann predicts a cloudy day on Saturday with a maximum temperature of 19 degrees. However, given the unpredictability of Irish weather, it would be prudent to bring your sunscreen and a waterproof coat.
Will there be a specified spot for individuals using wheelchairs?
Yes, a designated wheelchair zone will be present. However, places are limited, so availability should be verified through ticketmaster.ie.